Digestive health isn’t just how well your gut processes food; your gut impacts your immune system, mental health, and overall well-being. The effects can be felt throughout the body when our gut isn’t functioning correctly. This blog explores why digestive health matters and how a non-invasive Hydrogen and Methane Breath Test (HMBT) can be used to investigate underlying gut issues.
Why Digestive Health Matters.
Your digestive system effectively breaks down food in the gut, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste. You can maintain a healthy digestive system through a balanced diet, lifestyle choices, and effective stress management. A healthy gut can positively impact your overall health and quality of life. Some ways to improve your gut health are1:
- Drink plenty of water,
- Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables,
- Avoid artificial sweeteners and processed foods.
A healthy gut2:
- Supports nutrient absorption,
- Supports the immune system,
- Influences mood through the brain-gut axis.
When gut health isn’t at its best, you can experience various symptoms that suggest an imbalance. While occasional discomfort is normal, persistent symptoms indicate that your digestive system needs attention. Common symptoms of bad gut health are3:
- Bloating,
- Gas,
- Constipation,
- Diarrhoea.
Experiencing these symptoms can significantly impact everyday life and suggest an underlying issue such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO).
Common Causes of Digestive Imbalance.
Various factors can contribute to bad gut health, and understanding the root cause is vital to restoring balance and improving quality of life. These factors can include3:
- Poor diet,
- Stress,
- Antibiotics,
- Underlying medical conditions.
It is key to recognise that your digestive health isn’t where it is supposed to be and speak to a healthcare professional about your symptoms. If it is unclear what is causing your symptoms, you may be referred for further investigations.
What is HMBT?
Hydrogen and Methane Breath Testing is a non-invasive way to investigate and detect gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Hydrogen and methane are gases produced by bacteria in the gut. While certain gut bacteria levels are normal, elevated levels can suggest GI conditions such as lactose intolerance, IBS and SIBO4.
HMBT with the Gastrolyzer®.
The Gastrolyzer® is a range of Hydrogen and Methane Breath Testing devices designed to help detect GI disorders. 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.
Taking a HMBT.
Before taking a HMBT, a strict patient preparation protocol must be adhered to, including a fasting period. The test begins with a baseline sample taken before the patient consumes a substrate, either lactulose or glucose, depending on the condition being assessed. Breath samples are then taken at intervals, typically over a period of 3 hours. The samples are then analysed for hydrogen and methane gases.
With the Gastrolyzer® GastroCH4ECK®, it is possible to perform a remote HMBT. For some patients, undertaking the test at home is a more comfortable experience due to the symptoms they are experiencing. The same strict protocol must be adhered to; the test pack includes breath bags to collect the breath sample and step-by-step instructions on how to take the test.
Why HMBT is Valuable.
A HMBT offers many benefits5:
- Non-invasive,
- Easy to perform at home or in a clinic,
- Helps target treatment and avoids unnecessary guesswork,
- Can validate symptoms and provide a more precise diagnosis for conditions like SIBO.
By identifying the type of gas produced, healthcare professionals can more effectively tailor treatment plans, whether through diet, probiotics, or antibiotics.
A healthy gut is key to overall wellness, and when symptoms arise, it is essential not to ignore them or mask them with temporary fixes. HMBT tools like the Gastrolyzer® are changing how we identify the underlying cause of gut imbalances and set the stage for better long-term gut health.
For more information on the Gastrolyzer® range and HMBT, visit the new Educational portal here.
References
- Hirsch A. The Importance of Digestive Health [Internet]. Austin Gastroenterology. 2020. Available from: https://www.austingastro.com/2020/02/07/the-importance-of-digestive-health/
- British Nutrition Foundation. How Your Gut Affects Your Health [Internet]. British Nutrition Foundation. 2025. Available from: https://www.nutrition.org.uk/creating-a-healthy-diet/gut-health/
- Department of Health & Human Services. Gut health [Internet]. www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au. 2023. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/gut-health
- Nagao-Kitamoto H, Kitamoto S, Kuffa P, Kamada N. Pathogenic role of the gut microbiota in gastrointestinal diseases. Intestinal Research. 2016;14(2):127.
- Rezaie A, Buresi M, Lembo A, Lin H, McCallum R, Rao S, et al. Hydrogen and Methane-Based Breath Testing in Gastrointestinal Disorders: The North American Consensus. The American Journal of Gastroenterology [Internet]. 2017 May 1;112(5):775–84. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5418558/
