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
- 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
