What to Eat Before a SIBO Test: What You Should Do to Prepare

QuinTron
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If you’re getting ready to take a SIBO breath test, you’ve likely learned that preparation is one of the most essential parts of the testing process. While the test itself is non-invasive and very easy to take at home, the preparation for the test should begin the day before.

Many folks wonder what to eat before a SIBO test. Can I brush my teeth before a hydrogen breath test? Should I avoid certain medications? If you’re wondering how to prepare, don’t worry. You’re in the right place.

Why Preparation for a SIBO Test Matters

SIBO breath tests are designed to measure the levels of hydrogen and methane gas in your breath after you consume a sugar substrate (typically lactulose or glucose).

As you may already know, SIBO stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. To determine if SIBO is the cause of your digestive discomfort, the test measures the gas produced by the bacteria in your small intestine.

As bacteria in the gut break down and ferment carbohydrates, they release gases. While some bacteria are a regular part of the digestive biome, too many bacteria or the wrong type can create too much gas, leaving you with bloating, cramping, stomach pain, and other SIBO symptoms.

It’s crucial you prepare for the test carefully. Before the test, you should adhere to diet and fasting protocol to avoid false-positive or negative results.

Fortunately, the preparation isn’t too uncomfortable. Think of it as clearing the stage so the breath test can spotlight what’s happening inside your digestive tract.

The Day Before Your SIBO Test: What Can I Eat?

SIBO test prep begins the day before you test. You should follow a restricted preparation diet for 12-24 hours before testing. This diet is sometimes known as the “white diet.” It helps reduce all fermentable foods in your body. The diet ensures that your baseline breath test results are not distorted by residual gas and debris from prior meals.

So, what do you eat on the SIBO test prep or “white diet?” The focus is on plain, simple, low-fiber foods. Before a SIBO test, you can eat:

  • Skinless chicken or turkey (grilled or baked, without seasoning)
  • White rice (if tolerated)
  • Plain eggs
  • Clear broth without onions, garlic, or vegetables
  • White bread or plain crackers without seeds, whole grains, or added sugar
  • Plain water.

While this test prep diet may seem restrictive, it only needs to be followed for around 24 hours. You should avoid foods high in starch, sugars, and fiber. This means you should avoid:

  • Vegetables, fruits, legumes (beans)
  • Garlic, onions, and seasoning blends
  • Dairy products such as yogurt, milk, and cheese
  • Whole grains like oats and bran
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Alcohol and sugary drinks
  • All fermented foods like kombucha, sauerkraut, and yogurt.

If you’re wondering, “Can I eat potatoes before a SIBO test?” or “Can I have olive oil before a SIBO test?” As a rule, no. Potatoes are high in starch and fiber. A small amount of olive oil may not interfere with test results, but it’s best to stick with the plain proteins and broth.

Using small amounts of olive oil for cooking is usually fine during your breath test prep – especially if you’re following a low-fermentation diet the day before the test. Olive oil contains no fermentable sugars or carbs that would affect your results. Just avoid using it with high-carb foods or sauces, and you’ll stay on track.

The Night Before Your SIBO Test: When to Stop Eating

Generally, you’ll fast completely for at least 12 hours before your SIBO test (usually overnight). This means no food, no beverages, not even gum. You can have plain water during this time.

The fasting period is crucial for clearing your digestive tract before the test. This process helps ensure that previous meals won’t impact your readings.

Typically, it’s best to eat lightly from the white diet the day before (aim for at least 12 hours before the fasting window). Most folks like to schedule their SIBO test in the morning to make the 12-hour fasting period easier to tolerate.

One of the conveniences of an at-home SIBO test is that you don’t need to try to schedule the first available morning appointment with your doctor or practitioner. You can take it in the privacy and comfort of your house or office.

The Day of Your SIBO Test: What to Know

Be sure to review all the test instructions and materials carefully to ensure you’re ready to take the test.

One of the most common questions is, “Can I brush my teeth before a SIBO test?” It’s perfectly fine to brush, just be sure not to swallow toothpaste. You should also avoid mouthwash unless it’s prescription-grade and sugar-free.

Similarly, don’t chew any gum or suck on mints before your breath test. Even a small amount of sugar alcohol contained in these products can impact your test results.

Most importantly, do not smoke. Smoking or vaping (including second hand) introduces gas that interferes with the test results, so it’s imperative that you don’t smoke before a breath test.

Some medicines can also interact with the breath test and impact your results. Working with your medical professional or practitioner is essential to ensure you aren’t taking medications that may affect digestion and gut bacteria.

Always follow the guidance of your doctor before stopping any medication (even if it’s only for a short period). SIBO breath testing may not be right for those who need to take certain medications regularly.

Check with your prescriber, as most providers recommend stopping:

  • Antibiotics: 2 weeks before the SIBO test
  • Probiotics: 3-5 days before the SIBO test
  • Laxatives: 2-3 days before testing
  • Fiber supplements: 2-3 days before testing
  • Digestive enzymes: 1-2 days before testing
  • Antimicrobial herbs: 1 week before testing
  • Other daily medications and supplements: discuss with your practitioner

Step-by-Step: How the SIBO Test Works

Once you’ve completed your SIBO test preparation, it’s time to take it. Here’s the process you will follow for a QuinTron breath test. If you have any questions, consult with your physician.

Step 1: Watch the Instructional Video.

QuinTron test kits include a video to help you get familiar and comfortable with the testing process.

Step 2: Give a Baseline Breath Sample

Start by exhaling into a special mouthpiece and then inserting the vial to catch your sample.

Step 3: Drink Sugar Solution

The next step in SIBO testing is to mix the drink included with your test kit. Follow the directions in your kit unless your healthcare provider requests you to do something different–mixing the drink with plain water. You’ll need to drink the solution within 5 minutes of mixing.

Step 4: Set a Timer

Follow the instructions on your test. You’ll collect a new breath sample every 15-20 minutes over the next several hours.

Step 5: Relax

It’s important to avoid activities like exercise, eating, or doing other things while you test. View it as a chance to take a break and relax. You can drink plain water, as needed, between giving breath samples, but don’t consume anything else.

Step 6: Label and Package Vials

Label each vial according to the breath test instructions. Follow the guidelines in your kit on how to pack and return the vials for processing.

Here are a few important tips you should follow to help ensure your test is as accurate as possible.

Tips to Ensure Accurate SIBO Breath Test Results

  • Follow all instructions exactly.
  • Diet and fast as instructed.
  • Avoid mouthwash.
  • No smoking before your test.
  • Avoid scented and flavored lip products and cosmetics before the test.
  • Label samples clearly and thoroughly.
  • Sit quietly during the test, avoiding activity and stress.
  • Don’t lie down or nap during the test.
  • Stay upright as you collect the samples.

QuinTron breath tests are accurate and non-invasive. They’re an excellent way to test for SIBO and get to the cause of your digestive discomfort, but it’s crucial to follow all instructions.

Think of the test as setting the stage for a precise experiment. When you control your diet, fasting period, and test day behaviors, your provider will get the most accurate data to help with your diagnosis and treatment plan.

At QuinTron, we offer high-quality, at-home SIBO test kits, recommended by top gastroenterologists and functional medicine providers. Conveniently test from the privacy of your home or office and get results quickly.

Discuss your questions about your preparation, test instructions, or interpreting results with your provider. Working with a trusted professional to guide you on your journey to SIBO recovery is essential.

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