With the festive holiday season approaching, many tend to indulge in the various rich, festive treats on offer. While these treats are part of the festive fun, they can take their toll on digestive health.
A recent survey by King Edward VII’s Hospital found that six in 10 people blame their festive digestive issues on overindulgence.1 Hydrogen-methane breath testing (HMBT) offers a way to assess gut health closely, helping to identify underlying conditions that may be contributing to discomfort.
Common holiday eating habits and their impact
Typically, more sugar, fat, and alcohol are consumed in December due to the tasty treats offered and the extra socializing during this period. Some view the festivities as a time to relax their regular eating routines and eat at irregular times, whereas others experience seasonal stress that leads to comfort eating.
The gut microbiome can be very sensitive to dietary changes, so it is common to experience bloating, gas, reflux, and irregular bowel movements during the festive period.
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What is HMBT?
Hydrogen-methane breath testing (HMBT) is a non-invasive method for measuring hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gases in exhaled breath. Gut bacteria produce these gases during the fermentation of undigested carbohydrates, and high levels can indicate an underlying issue.
An HMBT can help identify gastrointestinal disorders such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), sugar intolerance, and general fermentation-related imbalances that may contribute to digestive discomfort.
Image Credit: Bedfont® Scientific Ltd
HMBT with the Gastrolyzer® range
The Gastrolyzer® range offers a selection of HMBT devices to investigate gastrointestinal issues. A test using the Gastro+™ and GastroCH4ECK® is a simple, non-invasive method for measuring hydrogen and methane gases in exhaled breath.
The Gastro+™ is a hand-held, portable hydrogen breath monitor for quick and easy breath analysis. The GastroCH4ECK® measures methane and hydrogen in a single test, providing instant results.
The GastroCH4ECK® also allows remote breath testing, allowing patients to undergo an HMBT from their homes.
Image Credit: Bedfont® Scientific Ltd
How HMBT can help after the holidays
If gastrointestinal discomfort persists, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation. In many cases, symptoms improve after the festive period. If they do not, an HMBT can provide valuable insights into whether an underlying intolerance or imbalance is contributing to discomfort.
As a preventive tool, breath testing can be used ahead of the holidays to identify sensitivities such as lactose intolerance, which can help guide dietary choices. Hydrogen-methane breath testing can also be used to support tailored dietary plans aimed at restoring gut health after the holidays to support long-term digestive health.
By avoiding overindulgence, staying hydrated, and eating a diet rich in fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics, gastrointestinal discomfort may be minimized for continued enjoyment during the holidays.
To learn more about HMBT and the Gastrolyzer® range, please visit the website here.
References
- Edward, K. (2025). Christmas cramps: A third of Brits with digestive problems say symptoms get worse over Christmas | King Edward VII’s Hospital. (online) King Edward VII’s Hospital. Available at: https://www.kingedwardvii.co.uk/health-hub/christmas-cramps-a-third-of-brits-with-digestive-problems-say-symptoms-get-worse-over-christmas.
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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