Functional Medicine
SIBO Breath Testing
A 3-hour breath test that detects the bacterial overgrowth behind bloating, IBS-type symptoms, and many cases of chronic pain.
What is SIBO Breath Testing?
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition in which bacteria that should live primarily in the large intestine colonize the small intestine in excess numbers. This drives bloating, gas, IBS-type symptoms, food reactivity, and — through systemic inflammation and immune activation — a wide range of issues including chronic pain, fibromyalgia, joint pain, and fatigue.
The 3-hour lactulose or glucose breath test is the standard non-invasive method to detect SIBO. After ingesting a measured sugar, you collect breath samples at regular intervals. Bacteria in the small intestine ferment the sugar and produce hydrogen and methane gases, which cross into the bloodstream and are exhaled — and measured. The pattern and timing reveal whether SIBO is present and which gas type predominates (which directs treatment).
At Functional Restoration Institute we order SIBO testing whenever the gut-systemic connection is clinically suspected — and the findings frequently explain symptoms that no other test had clarified.
Benefits
Benefits of SIBO Breath Testing
Non-invasive at-home test
Breath samples are collected at home over 3 hours — no scope, no blood draw, no clinic visit required.
Identifies the gas type
Hydrogen-dominant, methane-dominant, and hydrogen sulfide SIBO each respond to different protocols — testing tells us which.
Explains chronic GI symptoms
Bloating, distension, food reactivity, and IBS-type patterns frequently resolve once underlying SIBO is identified and treated.
Reveals a hidden inflammation driver
SIBO drives systemic immune activation that often shows up as joint pain, fibromyalgia, brain fog, and fatigue.
Treatable with directed protocols
Once identified, SIBO responds to targeted herbal or pharmaceutical antimicrobials combined with motility and dietary support.
Your Visit
What to Expect at FR Institute
Your provider sends you the test kit with detailed prep and collection instructions. Preparation includes a specific diet the day before testing, followed by overnight fasting. The test itself takes 3 hours and is performed at home — you collect a baseline breath sample, drink the prepared sugar solution, and then collect samples at 20-minute intervals.
Results return in 1–2 weeks. We review findings together and build a treatment protocol — typically a 4–8 week antimicrobial phase followed by motility and dietary support, with re-testing at the end to confirm clearance.
- 1
Assessment
Hands-on testing and movement analysis to identify exactly what is driving your symptoms.
- 2
Treatment
Targeted application of SIBO Breath Testing, integrated with the broader plan you and your provider build together.
- 3
Recovery Plan
Clear next steps, take-home work, and re-assessment points so progress is measurable — not assumed.
Frequently Asked
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule Your 20-Minute Complimentary Consultation
Find out if SIBO Breath Testing is the right approach for your goals. No pressure — just clarity on your next step.