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New year, new you: setting quit goals with carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring.

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January marks the start of a new year, with many people using this time as a fresh start and the perfect time to set health-improving goals. A study in 2024 found that January is the most popular month of the year for people to give up smoking, with an average of 440,670 online searches for terms related to quitting smoking1.

New Year’s resolutions can be health-focused or financially driven, and quitting smoking aligns perfectly with both. Not only does it improve overall health, but it also saves significant money, allowing people to achieve their financial goals.

Understanding CO monitoring.

Carbon monoxide is an odourless, colourless, and tasteless gas that is produced during incomplete combustion. This gas is found when smoking tobacco and has a profound effect on people’s health. When inhaled, CO binds to haemoglobin in red blood cells, reducing the delivery of oxygen throughout the body2. Smokers typically have high CO levels, and this can be monitored through a CO monitoring device used to aid a quit-smoking attempt.

The role of CO monitoring in quitting smoking.

A CO monitoring device, like the Smokerlyzer®, measures the levels of CO on exhaled breath, establishing a person’s smoking status. The device offers a simple test: the user exhales slowly into the device to receive an instant CO reading, providing tangible feedback. Using a CO monitoring device during a quit attempt empowers the user to take control of their own health and, by seeing their CO levels drop over time, motivates them to continue their quit attempt.

The Smokerlyzer® range.

  • Micro+™ – a CO breath and foetal %COHb %FCOHb device providing instant results, in parts per million (ppm), to help people stop smoking.
  • piCO™ – a breath CO device, providing instant results in exact ppm and %COHb to help people stop smoking.
  • piCObaby™ – a breath CO device for pregnant women to help them stop smoking, providing instant results in exact ppm, %COHb and %FCOHb.
  • iCOquit® – a personal CO device, which can be used at home to help you quit smoking.

Setting realistic quit goals.

Quitting smoking doesn’t happen instantly; it is a process, and like any significant lifestyle change, it works best when you set clear, achievable goals. A structured approach can help you stay focused, track progress, and celebrate success along the way. A helpful way to plan your quit journey is to make your goals SMART.

  • Specific – Be clear about what you want to achieve.
  • Measurable – Use CO readings or smoke-free days to track progress.
  • Achievable – Set goals that challenge you but are realistic.
  • Relevant – Focus on why quitting matters to you.
  • Time-bound – Set a timeframe for your targets.

Tracking progress and staying motivated.

Measuring CO levels during a quit attempt provides users with visual feedback; watching CO levels drop is a powerful motivator that helps people continue their journey. CO monitoring is also helpful in identifying relapses early and prompting users to get back on track. Quitting smoking is notoriously difficult, and it is important to celebrate milestones during a quit journey. Lower CO readings and smoke-free days are worth celebrating.

January provides the perfect opportunity to make positive, lasting changes, and quitting smoking is one of the most powerful steps you can take for your health. CO monitoring allows you to see tangible proof of your progress from the very first days of your quit journey. Watching CO levels drop is a reminder that your lungs are healing, your oxygen levels are improving, and your body is recovering.

Whether you are cutting down gradually or quitting altogether, setting clear goals, tracking your results, and celebrating each milestone can keep you motivated and on track. For more information on the Smokerlyzer® range and how it can aid a quit-smoking attempt, visit the website here.

References

  1. Leah. New study reveals the most popular times of year to quit smoking – Digital Health Technology News [Internet]. Digital Health Technology News. 2024 [cited 2025 Nov 6]. Available from: https://www.healthtechdigital.com/new-study-reveals-the-most-popular-times-of-year-to-quit-smoking/
  2. Cancer Research UK. What’s in a cigarette? [Internet]. Cancer Research UK. CRUK; 2023. Available from: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/smoking-and-cancer/whats-in-a-cigarette-0

Holiday eating and gut health: how hydrogen-methane breath testing (HMBT) can help

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With the festive holiday season upon us, many tend to indulge in the various rich, festive treats on offer. December is a joyful time; it is also a time to relax and treat yourself; however, the festive eating can take its toll on digestive health. A recent survey by King Edward VII’s Hospital found that 6 in 10 people blame their festive digestive issues on overindulgence1. In this blog, we will explore how HMBT can help you take a closer look at your gut health and identify any underlying conditions that may be causing your discomfort.

Common holiday eating habits and their impact

Typically, in December, we have a higher intake of sugar, fat, and alcohol. This is due to the tasty treats on offer and the extra socialising during this period. Some view the festivities as a time to relax from their regular eating habits and find themselves eating at irregular times. In contrast, others find the festive period a particularly stressful time, which can result in stress eating. As the gut microbiome can be very sensitive to dietary changes, you may find you suffer from bloating, gas, reflux, and irregular bowel movements during the festive period.

What is HMBT?

Hydrogen-methane breath testing 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 of these gases can indicate an underlying issue. A HMBT can help identify gastrointestinal disorders like:

  • Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO).
  • Fructose/lactose intolerance.
  • General fermentation imbalances.

HMBT with the Gastrolyzer® range

The Gastrolyzer® is a range of HMBT devices used to aid in gastrointestinal investigation. 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 device for quick and easy breath analysis, and the GastroCH4ECK® is a breath hydrogen and methane device with direct breath testing, allowing you to take a reading there and then, with instant results. The GastroCH4ECK® also allows for remote breath testing, allowing patients to undergo a HMBT in the comfort of their own homes.

How HMBT can help after the holidays

If you experience gastrointestinal issues, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation. Some individuals may find that their issues resolve once they return to their normal routine; however, a HMBT can help identify sugar intolerance, such as lactose intolerance, which can help guide you in respect to what you eat during the festive period. Hydrogen-methane breath testing can also be used to support tailored dietary plans aimed at restoring gut health after the holidays.

December is a time for joy and indulgence, but balance is key. Try to avoid overindulging excessively, and ensure your diet during this period includes fibre, prebiotics, and probiotics. It is also vital to stay hydrated. By incorporating these into your festive diet, you can help minimise gastrointestinal discomfort, leaving you free to enjoy the holidays without the discomfort.

To learn more about HMBT and the Gastrolyzer® range, please visit our website here.

References

  1. Edward K. Christmas cramps: A third of Brits with digestive problems say symptoms get worse over Christmas | King Edward VII’s Hospital [Internet]. King Edward VII’s Hospital. 2025 [cited 2025 Jun 24]. Available from: https://www.kingedwardvii.co.uk/health-hub/christmas-cramps-a-third-of-brits-with-digestive-problems-say-symptoms-get-worse-over-christmas

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