SIBO Test – Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth
Are your symptoms a result of dysbiosis in your gut?
A SIBO test is an easy, non-invasive test that measures the amount of hydrogen and methane gases in your breath over a period of 135 minutes. It does not require a sample from your small intestine!
A SIBO test is an easy, non-invasive test that measures the amount of hydrogen and methane gases in your breath over a period of 135 minutes. It does not require a sample from your small intestine!
How does a Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth SIBO test work?
When bacteria are over-represented in your small intestine, they produce higher levels of hydrogen or methane gas (or both). These gases are then excreted via the lungs in your breath. By measuring the amount of hydrogen and/or methane gas in your breath over a period of 135 minutes, a SIBO breath test is able to determine if there is over-growth of bacteria in your small intestine via their metabolic wastes.
Using different types of sugar (either glucose or lactulose), a SIBO test can tell you if the bacterial overgrowth is in the proximal (closer to your stomach) or distal (closer to your bowels) portion of your small intestines.
There is also a combination test (glucose and lactulose) that uses both sugars to measure bacteria in the small intestine. As a result, it will more conclusively help you to determine if SIBO is present. Additionally, it will give you a better idea of where the dysbiosis is occurring within your small intestine.
We will give you a test kit to take home so that you can perform the test when it is convenient for you. The test kit contains all the materials and supplies – including full instructions – that you will need to prepare for and perform the test.
View a sample test report.
What is Fructose Malabsorption and how is it related to SIBO?
Fructose malabsorption is the inability of some of the cells of your small intestine (called enterocytes) to break down fructose.
This leads to a build-up of fructose in your intestines, which then cause an osmotic reaction in which your small intestine fills with water, leading to pain, bloating and diarrhea. Excess fructose can also enter your bowels, where it will be fermented by your bowel bacteria, leading to gas, bloating and pain. Fructose build-up can also affect your intestinal motility.
Because the symptoms are very similar to SIBO and IBS, fructose malabsorption may be easily misdiagnosed. Thus, even though you may test negative for SIBO, you may still experience symptoms.
Fructose malabsorption may also occur concurrently with other functional digestive disorders.
Is there a test for Fructose Malabsorption?
Yes, the test for fructose malabsorption is a breath test similar to the SIBO test and can be purchased either individually or in combination with the SIBO test.
This test uses fructose instead of lactulose or glucose and measures the amount of hydrogen in the breath over a period of 135 minutes.
The fructose test can be helpful for patients who test negative for SIBO but experience similar symptoms.
No refunds or returns after 90 days of purchase.
After I do the test, how is SIBO treated?
So after much online research, you decide to do a SIBO test. What do you do if it shows that you are positive for SIBO?
Understanding SIBO, and its subtle and insidious presentation can be overwhelming for you to understand or treat without professional guidance.
After doing a SIBO test, our naturopathic doctor, Dr. Makoto Trotter, ND, will review the results with you. After this, he will go through a detailed assessment of your symptoms and body systems. The purpose of this is to collect enough information to help with properly assessing and treating you.
Effectively, SIBO treatment is not a linear plan. It involves a holistic approach that can use a combination of nutritional supplements, diet and lifestyle recommendations, herbal medicine, acupuncture and stress management.
Addressing SIBO from multiple angles is the most effective approach for long-term resolution of your symptoms and gut optimization.
You can read more details about SIBO treatment here.
Do I need to fast or eat anything before taking the test?
With a SIBO test, there is a 24 hour preparation period:
- For the first 12 hours, you will need to avoid all grains, fruit in all its forms, sugar in all its forms, dairy in all its forms, vegetables, nuts and seeds, alcohol and beans.
- For the last 12 hours, you will need to fast, not eating or drinking anything except for water.
If you do not prepare properly, the test results may not be accurate and you may need to repeat it.
See full instructions for the SIBO-Lactulose test.
See full instructions for the SIBO-Glucose test.
You can watch a video on how to collect your breath samples.
How much does a test for SIBO or Fructose Malabsorption cost?
Please contact the clinic for pricing information, or book a free 15-minute Meet-n-Greet call using the “Book an Appointment” button below.
Testing options are as follows:
- Individual (glucose, lactulose, or fructose) breath test.
- The double combination glucose-lactulose SIBO breath test.
- The triple combination glucose–lactulose-fructose SIBO breath test.
Turnaround time for test results is approximately 2 weeks.
Consult with our Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Makoto Trotter, experienced in treating patients with SIBO. He can discuss if this test is appropriate for you and guide you with treatment. Book an appointment or contact Zentai Wellness Centre for further inquiries.