Home Testing For SIBO with Claire Shortt, PhD and Aonghus Shortt, PhD | Rational Wellness Podcast 478

IBS and SIBO Breath Testing with FoodMarble: Real-Time Hydrogen and Methane Monitoring

Dr. Ben Weitz introduces the Rational Wellness Podcast episode on IBS and SIBO with guests Angus Short, PhD (CEO/co-founder) and Claire Short, PhD (chief clinical officer) of FoodMarble, creators of the handheld AIRE breath analyzer that measures hydrogen and methane in real time to track fermentation patterns at home. Inspired by Angus’s wife’s unresolved IBS symptoms and restrictive dieting, the device evolved from early prototypes into a validated product, including published research with Johns Hopkins showing equivalence to a leading mail-in breath test kit. They discuss following North American Consensus SIBO protocols (prep diet, fasting, lactulose or glucose, readings every 15 minutes for two hours with customizable options), additional at-home FODMAP intolerance tests, symptom/diet/stool tracking, and personalization. They note ongoing development of hydrogen sulfide measurement, factors affecting readings, and how monitoring can guide diet, supplements, and treatment choices.

00:00 Podcast Intro

00:59 IBS SIBO Episode Setup

02:29 Why FoodMarble Started

06:54 Early Prototypes to Product

07:46 Clinical Validation Studies

10:06 How to Run SIBO Tests

12:34 FODMAP Intolerance Testing

16:11 Stool Microbiome Links

20:17 Building a Healthier Microbiome

24:30 Daily Tracking and H2S Sensor

27:00 Diet Variability Matters

27:39 Tracking Meals and Symptoms

28:56 Personalization Factors in Data

29:39 Meal Timing and Liquids

30:48 GLP-1s and Gut Transit

31:56 Patient Engagement and App Modes

33:38 Avoidance and Food Reintroduction

34:32 Lactose Myths and Hidden FODMAPs

36:09 How FODMAPs Really Work

39:20 Food Database and Alternatives

40:16 Enzymes and Supplement Testing

41:54 Breath Sampling Technique

44:28 Calibration and Device Longevity

48:18 Breath Testing Misconceptions

49:59 SIBO Treatments and Research

54:51 Wrap Up and Where to Buy

Claire Shortt, PhD and Aonghus Shortt, PhD are the creators of the Food Marble, the handheld SIBO breath analyzer that measures hydrogen and methane in real time to track fermentation patterns at home. To learn more, go to FoodMarble.com and use the code WEITZ15 to get 15% off.

Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.