A simple breath test used to detect the presence of bacteria in the gut may also be able to tell if a person is at risk for obesity, according a study in the April issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. In the study, patients whose breath samples showed higher levels of two gases -- methane and hydrogen - had higher BMIs and more body fat than normal. This suggests that the gut is overloaded with bacteria that may lead to obesity.

Locally, doctors at the University of Bridgeport’s Center of Excellence in Generative Medicine (COEGM) routinely use the hydrogen breath test to diagnose a variety of ailments, including fructose malabsorption, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and lactose intolerance. Dr. Peter D’Adamo, a noted naturopath, Director of the COEGM and author of “Eat Right for Your Type”, says, “When the ‘bad’ bacteria take over, people may be more likely to gain weight and accumulate fat. By balancing the gut with appropriate nutrition and supplementation, our patients are seeing results both in their health and in weight loss.”

The COEGM, founded by D’Adamo and launched late last year, uniquely combines patient care, clinical research, and hands-on teaching experience for the students of UB’s Health Sciences programs with the goal of better understanding the unique and complex self-healing behaviors that are the basis of naturopathic philosophy and therapy. Using cutting-edge techniques, such as systems analysis, molecular biology and bioinformatics, D’Adamo and his team of clinicians and researchers offer the finest in naturopathic patient care.“ Taking an individualized approach to the patient is key to unlocking many of the latent healing powers of the body. It allows the physician to treat the patient, not the disease,“ explains D’Adamo.

To learn more about the hydrogen breath test, contact the Center of Excellence in Generative Medicine (115 Broad Street, Bridgeport CT) at 203.366.0526 or via GenerativeMedicine.org.