Scientists have developed a breath test that can help people identify foods that trigger unpleasant gas.
The device, called FoodMarble, measures gas levels in the air you breathe – experts claim it can predict when a particular meal will lead to symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The chronic disease also leads to constipation, diarrhea and stomach cramps.
Studies have shown that FoodMarble reduces bloating and bloating in those who regularly use the device – which measures hydrogen and methane levels as patients exhale.
Experts believe that certain foods that are difficult to break down are most likely to trigger the formation of these gases.
“Most people are unable to pinpoint which foods are causing these symptoms because we eat so many different things throughout the day,” says Dr. Claire Shortt, Chief Scientist at FoodMarble. “Within weeks of using this device, people will be able to identify the foods they shouldn’t eat.”
The pocket-sized Foodmarble (pictured) – the “world’s first personal digestion tracker” – is a portable version of a breath testing device used in hospitals
“As a result, they had fewer symptoms and felt more comfortable.”
Dairy products, fruits and legumes tend to be the most common culprits. These foods cannot be fully absorbed by the body and instead ferment when they come into contact with intestinal bacteria.
This process produces gases – namely hydrogen or methane – which enter the bloodstream and then into the lungs.
Although unpleasant bowel symptoms can affect anyone, experts say they are most common in people with irritable bowel syndrome, which affects around 13 million Brits. This is due to the sensitive nerve fibers in their intestines, which are easily irritated by excess gases.
“Most people start the day with very little bloating,” adds Dr. Shortt added, “but as the day goes on, these levels increase.” “This means that at the end of the day, it’s difficult to figure out exactly what you ate that caused the bloating you’re feeling.”
The FoodMarble device, which measures both hydrogen and methane levels, costs £199.
It is designed to be used after each meal alongside an app where users record what they have eaten.
Over time, the app is able to identify which foods have higher levels of flatulence.
“It’s not about completely excluding food groups,” explains Dr. Shortt. “There are many foods – like fruits and legumes – that cause bloating but are good for your health.”
“Instead, monitoring your bloating means you can learn to eat the foods that are causing you problems, either in smaller quantities or less frequently.”