HOW TO USE HYDROGEN METHANE BREATH TEST KIT AT HOME

SIBO/IMO Testing Provided By Maximised Nutrition

Maximised Nutrition provides an in-clinic service in Whangarei on Friday  (please book by prior arrangement) or an at home based self test option for those needing to do the SIBO/IMO breath test.

Before you undertake this test, please go through the SARS-COVID Screening Checklist (click here) - see footnote below.

For the SIBO/IMO test to be valid, it is important that you follow these instructions concerning medications, supplements, and diet prior to the test. 

HOW TO DO SIBO/IMO BREATH TEST AT HOME

Please watch the video below to see how to do the SIBO/IMO test using a Home Kit for Breath Test (You can order online and instructions will be sent with the Home Kit too). 

Maximised Nutrition prefers to use lactulose as a substrate for testing. Glucose is also available as an alternative. (as per presentation by Dr. Ali Rezaie (Digestive Disease Week 2023 presentation).

PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW TO ENSURE THAT YOUR TEST IS VALID.

·       No antibiotics for 4 weeks before your test

·       No probiotics for two weeks before your test (e.g. acidophilus or bifidobacteria powders or capsules).

·       Allow at least 1 week after a colonoscopy procedure before breath test appointment.

·       Take all your usual medications including the oral contraceptive pill and antidepressants.

·       Unless absolutely necessary, we prefer you not to take vitamins, minerals, laxatives, anti-laxative, yakult and fish oil capsules on the day before and the day of your test.

·       Follow the diet below for 24 hours before each test.

·       Fast from 8pm the night before each test. You may drink water but nothing else.

Diet instructions

On the day before each test (first 12 hours), please only have foods and drinks from the list below.

For drinks, you can have : Water (unflavoured, non fizzy), Coffee (instant, plunger, espresso are all fine), no coffee substitutes such as Caro, Tea (normal, herbal, or green tea). No artificial sweeteners, sugar or cream please.

The following foods are allowed:

-          Baked or broiled chicken, fish or turkey (salt and pepper only).

-          Plain steamed white rice

-          Eggs

-          Clear chicken or beef broth

-          White bread only

Sample meal plan:

Breakfast:                     2 -3 eggs on white bread

Lunch                           clear chicken or beef broth

                                    1 cup of cooked rice

boiled chicken, fish or turkey

Dinner                          clear chicken or beef broth

                                    1 cup of cooked rice

boiled chicken, fish or turkey

Fast from 8pm the night before your test.

After 8pm the night before your test:

-          do not eat or drink anything except water.

-          Do not smoke on the morning of the test.

-          Clean your teeth with toothpaste and rinse your mouth well with water.

-          Do not use mouthwash.

-          Do not use perfume, aftershave, body lotions or scented moisturiser or makeup, deodorant is ok.

-          Do not wear clothing that has been washed in fabric softener.

-          Do not wash your hair with highly scented shampoo or condition.

On the Day of the Test:

Make sure that you have been awake for at least an hour and that you have brushed your teeth.

The preference of Maximised Nutrition is to use lactulose for this test.

Getting A Positive Test For SIBO or IMO

Here is an example of a positive test for SIBO - Hydrogen and a Boarder-line for Methane

If you have tested positive for SIBO, the aim of treatment is to:

a) reduce or eliminate bacterial overgrowth.

This may also be achieved through use of antibiotics but this may only kill upto 91% of the overgrowth. Pharmaceutical antibiotics and/or herbal antibiotics can be used.

Reduction or elimination of the bacterial overgrowth can be done by removing fermentable carbohydrate in their diet. Bacteria feeds on starches and carbohydrates that it can ferment so by removing these sources, the overgrown bacteria is starved to death.

A combination of antibiotic and diet restriction is generally used in this phase.

b) repair the damaged lining of the gut

that is focus on improving the integrity of the gut.

and also to improve secretion of digestive enzymes.

This is done through use of appropriate nutrition supplementations and targeted probiotics (a specialised clinical dietitian - nutritionist, naturopath will be able to advise on the right strategy for you).

Maximised Nutrition has no affiliation with any particular products on market for financial gains and so seeks to present clients with the best and appropriate cost effective alternatives.

c) restore gut health and microbiota balance.

In literature, it has been noted that there is relapse of SIBO in clients. As such, it is crucial that steps are taken to restore gut integrity and health and to maintain the right microbiota balance in the gut to prevent future bacterial overgrowth. The use of fermentable food products, natural fibres through fruit and vegetables, and appropriate diet is a key to preventing relapse of SIBO symptoms.