If you’re reading this, you or your doctor suspect that you may have SIBO. The test can be overwhelming at first - you’ve got the prep diet to do, some medications and herbals to discontinue prior to the test, and a bit of a finicky test to perform. But don’t worry - this blog post will lay out all the tips and tricks you need to know to complete the test with the most accurate results possible.

The prep diet before the test is extremely important, so I’ll share some tips and a clear-cut food list for you to reference!

The breath test itself needs to be performed accurately in order to get a clear picture of where in the GI system the overgrowth of bacteria is most present. Please see the how-to video at the bottom, or you’re more than welcome to book a quick consultation session with me to go over mixing the liquid substrate, performing the first few breath tests with the correct amount of breath, and labeling the tubes correctly for the lab.

How long do I have to do the prep diet?

Follow your doctor’s instructions. Often times they’ll suggest the following:

• If you’re constipated, and not eliminating fully every day in the few days prior to your test, you’ll need to do this diet starting 48 hours prior to testing but fasting for 12 hours prior to the test.

• If you’re able to fully evacuate your bowels each day, do this diet starting 24 hours prior to the test, with fasting starting 12 hours before performing the breath test.

What do I need to stop taking before I do the test, and for how long?

• It’s best to wait at least 3 weeks after taking antibiotics, antimicrobials to kill off bacteria, or any type of herbal gut treatments that alter your microbiome before performing your breath test.

• Important! The leading lab in SIBO testing asks that you discontinue any and all gut support, laxatives, and things like Magnesium for a week prior to the breath test so we can get a picture of how the bacteria act naturally. However, if you cannot stop for a week, please ensure you have stopped the night before starting the prep diet either 24 or 48 hours (if constipated) before performing the test. If you cannot discontinue items for the week, please include a list of what you’ve taken the week prior and include it in the box you send with the day/time you took the item last.

• Probiotics, kombucha, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi should be eliminated for at least 1 week prior to the breath test, two weeks is preferred.

• Prebiotics fibers and supplements should be paused for 2 weeks prior to performing the breath test

If you are taking PPIs like Omeprazole or any other medications that you cannot stop taking prior to the test, please include a note for the lab in the box with your test tubes that includes the info below:

What medication it is: 
What it's for: 
Time you last took the medication: 

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me or the test manufacturer of your breath test kit - they’re usually very helpful!

What is the the prep diet?

Dr. Sandford's simple prep instructions are: Wake up the day you’re supposed to start the prep diet (24 or 48 hours in advance, see above) and make a large pot of white rice and a several pieces of baked chicken for the day. Eat that all day prior to your breath test. You’ll need to fast for 12 hours before performing the test. Simple as that!

If you want the full list of foods allowed, see below for the ONLY foods you should consume* prior to your test: *If you are vegetarian, stick to rice and check with the lab to see if firm tofu is an option!

• Uncured/Un-brined red meat, poultry, fish, pork, and seafood

• Eggs, cooked any way

• Plain, steamed white rice

• Clear meat broth made only from the meat (NOTE: no bone/cartilage or vegetables used to make the broth)

• Fats/oils: coconut/olive oil, or ghee

• Salt and Pepper (no other herbs/spices)

• Weak, black coffee and/or weak black tea (slightly diluted is preferred, with no cream, sugar, or sweeteners) NOTE: NO herbal teas or green teas

• Plain water: no mineral water, sparkling water, high PH water, or water with additives of any kind. Check labels.

What other tips would be helpful for me to know?

• Be sure to watch the video below for instructions on how to breathe properly into the tubes. This will prevent you from getting a false negative or inaccurate test results.

• Set a timer for every 20 minutes to breath into the next tube so you’re not delayed on any of the testing tubes

• Pre-write the sticker labels with your name and date so all you have to add after filling each tube is add the time

• Because you have to fast, it’s easiest to perform this test first thing in the morning, and allot 3 hours to complete the at-home test

I’m here if you have any questions about prep, timing, or performing your test. Don’t hesitate to reach out or book a 15 minute consultation to go through all of it!