Digestive health is more than just how well the gut processes food; it also plays a key role in the immune system, mental health, and overall well-being. When the gut isn’t functioning properly, its effects can be felt throughout the body.
This article explores the importance of digestive health and how a non-invasive Hydrogen and Methane Breath Test (HMBT) can help identify underlying gut issues.
The importance of digestive health
The digestive system breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste. A healthy digestive system can be maintained via a balanced diet, lifestyle choices, and effective stress management. A well-functioning digestive system can positively influence overall health and quality of life. Some ways to support gut health include1:
- Drinking lots of water
- Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables
- Avoiding artificial sweeteners and processed foods.
A healthy gut2:
- Aids nutrient absorption,
- Supports the immune system,
- Affects mood via the brain-gut axis.
Image Credit: Bedfont® Scientific Ltd
When gut health is suboptimal, people may experience symptoms that indicate an imbalance. Occasional digestive discomfort is normal, but persistent symptoms suggest a more serious issue. Common signs of poor gut health include3:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
These symptoms can significantly affect daily life and may point to underlying conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO).
Common sources of digestive imbalance
Several factors can contribute to poor gut health. Identifying the root cause is essential to restoring balance and improving quality of life. These contributing factors may include3:
- Poor diet
- Stress
- Antibiotics
- Underlying medical conditions
Recognizing that your digestive health may be compromised and speaking with a healthcare professional about your symptoms is key. If the cause of your symptoms remains unclear, you may be referred for further testing.
What is HMBT?
Hydrogen and Methane Breath Testing (HMBT) is a non-invasive method used to investigate and detect gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Hydrogen and methane are gases naturally produced by gut bacteria. While some bacterial activity is normal, elevated gas levels can be a sign of conditions such as lactose intolerance, IBS, or SIBO4.
Image Credit: Bedfont® Scientific Ltd
HMBT with the Gastrolyzer®
Image Credit: Bedfont® Scientific Ltd
The Gastrolyzer® is a range of Hydrogen and Methane Breath Testing devices developed to help detect GI disorders.
- The Gastro+™ is a handheld, portable hydrogen device designed for quick and easy breath analysis.
- The GastroCH4ECK® measures both hydrogen and methane with direct breath sampling, enabling instant readings and results at the point of care.
Taking a HMBT
Patients must follow a strict preparation protocol, including a fasting period, before taking a HMBT. The test begins with a baseline breath sample, taken before the patient consumes a substrate—either lactulose or glucose, depending on the condition being investigated.
Breath samples are then collected at regular intervals, typically over the course of three hours, and analyzed for hydrogen and methane gas levels.
With the Gastrolyzer® GastroCH4ECK®, it is possible to perform a HMBT remotely. For some patients, completing the test at home is more comfortable due to the nature of their symptoms. The same preparation protocol must still be followed. The test pack includes breath collection bags and step-by-step instructions to guide patients through the process.
Why HMBT is valuable
A HMBT provides several benefits:
- Non-invasive
- Simple to administer at home or in a clinic
- Helps guide targeted treatment and reduces guesswork
- Can validate symptoms and support accurate diagnosis for conditions such as SIBO
By identifying which gas is produced in excess, healthcare professionals can more effectively tailor treatment plans, whether through diet adjustments, probiotics, or antibiotics.
Maintaining a healthy gut is vital for overall wellness.
When symptoms arise, it's important not to ignore them or rely on short-term fixes. Tools like the Gastrolyzer® are transforming how underlying digestive issues are identified, paving the way for more effective and long-lasting gut health management.
References and further reading
- Hirsch, A. (2020). The Importance of Digestive Health. (online) Austin Gastroenterology. Available at: https://www.austingastro.com/2020/02/07/the-importance-of-digestive-health/.
- British Nutrition Foundation (2025). How Your Gut Affects Your Health. (online) British Nutrition Foundation. Available at: https://www.nutrition.org.uk/creating-a-healthy-diet/gut-health/.
- Department of Health & Human Services (2023). Gut health. (online) Better Health Channel. Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/gut-health.
- Nagao-Kitamoto, H., et al. (2016). Pathogenic role of the gut microbiota in gastrointestinal diseases. Intestinal Research, 14(2), p.127. https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2016.14.2.127.
- Rezaie, A., et al. (2017). Hydrogen and Methane-Based Breath Testing in Gastrointestinal Disorders: The North American Consensus. The American Journal of Gastroenterology, (online) 112(5), pp.775–784. https://doi.org/10.1038/ajg.2017.46.
About Bedfont® Scientific Ltd
Bedfont® Scientific has specialised in the design and manufacture of exhaled breath and gas monitoring instruments since 1976.
For medical gas monitoring, their Medi-Gas Check medical pipeline testing range verifies not only the quantity but also quality of gas administered to patients.
Bedfont's breath analysers include carbon monoxide (CO) monitors such as the Smokerlyzer®, used for smoking cessation, and the ToxCO®, used by emergency services, to diagnose CO poisoning.
The NObreath® FeNO monitor provides accurate analysis of airway inflammation for the control of asthma, and the Gastrolyzer® range aids in the detection of gastrointestinal disorders and food intolerances. Quick and non-invasive, breath analysis is the new blood test.
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