A Functional Medicine Nutrition Approach to IBS, Digestive and Gut Health
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SIBO Testing with Consult

About SIBO

​SIBO is an inflammatory condition which can cause problems in all systems in your

body. Millions of Americans suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms and distress each

year. Diagnoses of leaky gut syndrome, Crohn’s and celiac disease, and irritable bowel

syndrome (IBS) continue to grow, and researchers still can’t quite put their fingers on

why our digestive systems are under attack.


Recently, researchers have started to acknowledge there’s another digestive disorder

lurking: small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO. 
It’s more prevalent than

​previously believed, and it occurs in many people suffering from IBS.

SIBO is the acronym for “small intestinal bacterial overgrowth,” defined as excessive

bacteria in the small intestine. While bacterium naturally occurs throughout the digestive

tract, in a healthy system, the small intestine has relatively low levels of bacteria; it’s

supposed to be at highest concentrations in the colon.



SIBO Check list - Symptoms of SIBO you need to be aware of:
​
  • Skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, Rosacea
  • New allergies, food sensitivities, and food intolerances
  • Digestive symptoms, including bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or bowel irregularity (which are often diagnosed as “irritable bowel syndrome” or IBS)
  • Candida overgrowth
  • Irritable Bowel Diseases, such as Celiac Disease, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
  • Hashimoto’s and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Hormonal imbalances, including PMS and estrogen dominance
  • Nutrient deficiencies
  • Migraines
  • Brain fog
  • Asthma
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Difficult weight loss (despite eating healthy)
  • Unexplained weight gain or weight loss


What is a SIBO breath test, how does it work?
​


Simply put, you follow a preparation period to ensure you are able to measure the true

level of bacteria in your gut and not what you are fermenting from your last meal or

what your last lot of antibiotics, probiotics or even exercise did to your gut. Then, you

drink a sample of either a lactulose or glucose solution and breathe into a collection bag

in a specified way so we know we are collecting lung air and not the air in your room.


These air samples are taken at specific times, usually every 20 minutes, throughout a

three hour period on your testing day and each time you deposit the air into a labelled,

timed sample vial until you have completed all the vials. Then, you send the vials to the

lab to be analyzed.



Why is it important to test for SIBO?


The aging of the population has increased the incidence of bacterial overgrowth. A recent

publication by M. Pimentel, E.J. Chow and H.C. Lin has suggested a link between IBS and

bacterial overgrowth. In this study, over 78% of the 157 patients with IBS tested positive

with the hydrogen breath test. This is an important development for people that suffer

from IBS because bacterial overgrowth can be successfully treated.


Linking bacterial overgrowth with IBS makes sense because it relates to the frequent IBS

complaint of bloating after eating. As the bacteria ferment food, gas is released into the

small intestine, causing painful bloating and other symptoms. In addition, patients are at

potential risk of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth with the following clinical

​conditions:


  • Fibromyalgia
  • Cirrhosis
  • Immunodeficiency syndromes
  • Chronic pancreatitis
  • End stage renal disease
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Short bowel syndrome
  • Celiac Disease
  • Radiation enteritis
  • Long-term treatment with proton pump inhibitors

What are the symptoms of SIBO Infection?

  • Abdominal cramps
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Gas (flatulence)
  • Excess Fat in feces- Stool Floats
  • Stool has Oily appearance.
  • Weight loss
  • adverse reaction to Starches, grains or other carbohydrates
  • adverse reaction to probiotics
  • Features associated with micronutrient deficiencies (Vitamins B12, B6, B3,B1, A, D, and E, iron,)

What are we looking for in results exactly?
 
The two gases being measured are hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) as well as a score of

the two combined. Most people are predominantly hydrogen-producers, but 30% of the

average population are methane-predominant, hence the need to look for both. Methane

is often seen in people who have constipation. I assume this might depend on the type of

diet people have and how they ferment food individually. Many labs, certainly in

mainstream medicine and, I’m told, some pretty well-known highly-regarded ones, still

use hydrogen-only machines, which would mean they could miss a load of SIBO sufferers!


We’re essentially looking to see if the hydrogen, methane or a combined score is too high

at specific times that relate to the small intestine. Labs do sometimes score these

differently, so it depends on the lab being used.


For hydrogen, a positive result for SIBO is usually >20 over baseline figure within the

first 90 minutes.


For methane, a positive result for SIBO is usually >10 over the baseline figure at any time.

However, the experts believe that anything over 3 if the symptoms fit could be seen as

positive.


For combined scores, a positive result for SIBO is >15.


How did I develop SIBO?


1. Low Stomach Acid

Stomach acid activates digestive enzymes and kills pathogenic bacteria. Low stomach

acid — which can be caused by frequent antibiotic use, a diet high in processed foods, or a

natural decline with age — can lead to microbial overgrowth, and is therefore a greater

risk for bacteria entering the small intestine.


2. Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Any medical condition that affects the gut’s muscle function can lead to SIBO. Type 2

diabetes, Thyroid disease, prior bowel surgeries, leaky gut syndrome, and long-term

celiac disease can all increase your risk of developing SIBO


3. Dietary Factors: Alcohol, Gluten, Refined Sugar

One study showed a much higher rate of SIBO with moderate alcohol consumption,

compared to people who don’t drink alcohol at all (According to sources online, moderate

alcohol consumption is considered one alcoholic bevy per day for women, and two per

day for men. 
It’s suggested alcohol causes SIBO for two reasons. The first reason is that

alcohol has been shown to damage small bowel mucosal cells, which can decrease the

muscular contractions of the ileocecal valve, which keeps the contents of the large and

small intestine separated. 
Secondly, both alcohol and refined sugar feed certain types of

“bad” bacteria in your system, such as yeast, which is harmful when it overgrows and

outnumbers your healthy gut bacteria. 
Yeast overgrowth (a.k.a. candida) can lead

to leaky gut syndrome, which further impairs gut muscle function, and creates an ideal

environment for SIBO (and other health conditions) to manifest. 
Eating gluten may also

increase your risk for SIBO, because it’s one of the main contributors to leaky gut.

As you can see, SIBO goes hand in hand with leaky gut. In fact, SIBO and leaky gut are

almost like a “chicken and egg” situation, because it can be hard to tell which one came

first.


4. Ileocecal Valve Pressure causing Small Intestine Dysmotility

“Motility” is a term used to describe the contraction of the muscles that mix and propel

contents in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It can be caused by genetics, autoimmune

conditions, and any illness that causes inflammation in the GI tract


5. Slow Bowel Transit Time

A sluggish bowel transit time means it takes longer than 72 hours for food to move

through your digestive tract from the time it’s eaten to the time it’s eliminated. It’s a risk

factor to SIBO because it allows more time for harmful bacteria to accumulate.


6. Medications

Prescription medications such as antibiotics, antidepressants, Pain pills such as Opiates

and birth control pills can destroy healthy gut bacteria and may damage bowel mucosal

cells.


7. Infection

Certain bacteria can damage the migrating motor complex. The Migrating motor complex

influences bowel motility.



Your Personalized SIBO Breath Test and Consult includes:


1. SIBO Test

2. One on one consult with Todd to discuss Test Results.

3. A Review of a Metabolic Assessment Screening/Questionnaire form – this helps to

identify any additional hidden metabolic imbalances you may have that may be

​contributing factors. (Thyroid, Blood sugar, Leaky Gut, Adrenal, Hormones, Toxicity,

​Electrolytes to mention few)



What Are My Treatment Options?
​

​

A personalized therapeutic program will be recommended after your test results have

​been reviewed.



FAQ


Does Insurance Cover this test?

No.


Where do I have my sample drawn?

This test is done in the comfort and privacy of your own home. 


How long will it take to receive my Test Results?

Results are posted within 2-4 weeks. We will notify you as soon as we have test results


Will Todd discuss the test results with me?

Yes. Each test done through comes with a 30 minute post test review, and recommendations

​for a treatment program.


What happens if I cancel my test?

Once the test is purchased there are no refunds. 


If your SIBO test result is negative, what else could it be?

It Could it be a food sensitivity/Intolerance, Non-Celiac Gluten disorder, Gut infection,

Dysbiosis, Leaky gut-  Sometimes it could be a combination of factors having overlapping

symptoms.
SCHEDULE A 3-HOUR SIBO BREATH TEST PLUS A 30 MINUTE CONSULTATION WITH TODD

​FOR $497. BELOW

Purchase SIBO Testing with Consult

Book an Appointment
​+After purchase, the SIBO breath test kit will be mailed to you.

​+If you would like to work with Todd on any short or long-term health goals, you can

find out more about the services he offers here.

+Still not convinced, schedule a free 15-minute (no obligation) consultation with Todd

​here.
​This package does not provide email consultations prior to, or after the consultation. This is not a replacement for medical information provided by a physician or other licensed healthcare provider.*The views and nutritional advice expressed by Todd Rutkin and Vitality and Healing Functional Wellness Solutions are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. Purchasing a product, program or wellness coaching does not establish a practitioner-client relationship with Todd Rutkin or any of our Physicians or Registered Dietitian/ Nutritionist.  If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. We suggest that you continue to work with qualified medical professional as you engage in our material, products and services. No information offered here should be interpreted as a diagnosis of any disease, nor an attempt to treat or prevent or cure any disease or condition. Information and statements regarding products and/or services made available by Todd Rutkin and Vitality and Healing Functional Wellness Solutions have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Todd Rutkin and Vitality and Healing Functional Wellness Solutions products and services are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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  • Home
  • About
  • Free Consult
  • Programs and Pricing
    • Functional Nutrition Healing Program
    • Weight Loss Solution Well World
    • Immune Support Plan--28-Days
    • Digital Health Plans w. Guarantee
    • Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis with Consult
    • Gut Health Screening Plus Consultation
    • 30-Minute Consultation
  • Contact
  • FAQ
  • Store
    • Supplements
    • Lab Testing
  • Client Portal
  • GI MAP Stool Analysis
  • ID Info for Charm-EHR
  • SIBO Testing with Consult
  • Menopause Symptom Relief
  • 10-20 Minute Phone Consult--Ask Me Anything
  • Rescheduling Page
  • Short Initial Informational Form
  • Gut Reset
  • Antiviral Support
  • Blood Sugar Advanced Support - ​Wellness Essentials Kit
  • Blog
  • 28-Day Metabolic Detox and Reboot Program
  • SFCC self guided digital programs
  • 20 Minute Phone Consult--Ask Me Anything
  • Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis with Consult