Mount Royal Naturopathic Medicine: Functional Testing For SIBO Announced

The clinic now offers breath testing capabilities that measure hydrogen and methane gas levels, providing a diagnostic pathway for individuals whose bloating, abdominal pain, and altered bowel habits have remained unexplained through conventional assessment alone. Under the direction of Dr. Derek Cook, ND, this expansion represents a clinical advancement for patients seeking root-cause identification of SIBO through naturopathic medicine.

More information is available at https://healthflow.ca/functional-testing

Research indicates that SIBO affects a substantial portion of individuals diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome; meta-analyses often reveal a prevalence rate of around 38% among IBS patients, underscoring the diagnostic gap facing many patients. While conventional approaches often focus on managing symptoms, functional testing enables practitioners to identify whether abnormal bacterial populations are driving abnormal presentations, allowing for targeted intervention before complications develop.

The clinic’s approach to SIBO diagnosis centers on uncovering underlying factors, rather than masking discomfort. Their breath testing method involves patients consuming a sugar solution and then providing breath samples over a three-hour collection period following a 24-hour preparation protocol, which includes a 12-hour fast. Elevated hydrogen and methane levels in these samples indicate bacterial fermentation occurring in the small intestine, where bacterial populations should normally remain low due to rapid transit and bile presence. Dr. Derek Cook uses these results to design personalized treatment plans informed by each patient’s unique presentation and health history.

As Dr. Cook explains, malabsorption caused by SIBO can impair calcium absorption, potentially contributing to conditions like osteoporosis and kidney stones. Additional consequences of untreated SIBO can include severe vitamin deficiency, typically of key nutrients such as vitamins K, B12, D, A, and more.

Healthflow Naturopathic Clinic explains that the breath testing can often be completed at home or through partnered laboratories, reducing logistical barriers for patients with demanding schedules or mobility limitations. Results are reviewed in consultations where practitioners explain findings in clear, practical terms and outline personalized care plans that may include nutritional support, botanical medicine, and lifestyle interventions tailored to each individual’s needs.

Mount Royal residents seeking to understand their digestive health at a deeper level can access SIBO functional testing as part of Healthflow’s personalized, evidence-informed naturopathic care. The clinic provides a complimentary discovery call and online booking options to facilitate initial consultations, allowing patients to determine whether breath testing is appropriate for their symptoms and health goals.

For more details, visit https://healthflow.ca/

Healthflow Naturopathic

2204 2 Street Southwest
120M
Calgary
Alberta
T2S 3C2
Canada