What does my fermentation score mean?
💨 Understanding Your Fermentation Score
A fermentation score is an objective reading of the gases (hydrogen and methane) detected in your breath at a given time. It provides a snapshot of the fermentation activity happening in your gut — a natural process driven by your gut microbes as they break down certain carbohydrates or FODMAPs as they're also referred to.
Remember, this number isn’t a “good” or “bad” score — it’s simply information to help you better understand your body.
📊 One Score vs. Trends Over Time
A single fermentation score on its own may not tell you much. What’s more important is how your scores change over time and how they relate to the foods you eat, your daily habits, and your symptoms.
Each reading is a small piece of the bigger picture. With time and consistency, those pieces come together as trends giving you real clarity.
The more you log, the more insights you can glean!
🔍 What Affects Your Fermentation?
Your fermentation levels are unique to you. If your readings vary, that’s normal — many everyday factors can influence them, including:
- The types of foods you eat
- Any medications you may be taking
- Recent alcohol consumption or smoking
- Stress levels
- Sleep quality
- Intense physical activity
⚠️ High Fermentation Isn’t Always Bad
Fermentation is a normal process — it’s how your gut microbes digest certain carbohydrates. In fact, some fermentation is a sign that your gut microbes are doing their job!
The gases produced during fermentation are natural byproducts, but in some people, they may contribute to digestive symptoms like bloating, pain, or discomfort.
That’s why symptom logging is so important. By using the FoodMarble app to record both your fermentation scores and your symptoms, you can learn to distinguish:
- “Good” fermentation (normal, symptom-free digestion)
- “Problematic” fermentation (linked to unpleasant symptoms)
🧠 What Your Device Helps You Discover
AIRE 2 is designed to support people dealing with symptoms such as:
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
These symptoms can feel frustrating and unpredictable, but they often have a pattern.
By combining your food logs with symptom tracking, you’ll find it easier to identify potential food triggers. Tracking helps reveal how your symptoms connect to specific foods, giving you valuable insights. With AIRE 2 and the FoodMarble app, you can make discoveries that help you regain a sense of control over your digestive health.
🥗 Tip: Start Experimenting
Think of this as gentle experimentation — small swaps and changes that can help you learn what your body feels best with.
For example:
- Swap out garlic and onion for low FODMAP alternatives and observe your results and symptoms
- Try a different type of cheese
- Compare fermentation levels after various breakfasts
- See how symptoms shift when you avoid or reintroduce specific ingredients
🧭 The FoodMarble Program: A 3-Stage Journey
Managing IBS or SIBO can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it all out at once. The FoodMarble Program is designed to help you understand your digestion in a structured and personalized way. It includes three key stages:
- Baseline – This initial stage is about observing your body's natural fermentation patterns without making major changes. It helps establish a reference point for what's typical for you i.e. your baseline levels.
- Reset – In this stage, you'll simplify your diet and lower your FODMAP intake to reduce fermentation and symptoms. The goal is to calm your gut and create a clean slate, making it easier to spot patterns later.
- Discovery – In the Discovery stage, you can complete the four food intolerance tests for FODMAPs lactose, fructose, sorbitol and inulin. These tests help you identify which of these common fermentable carbohydrates your body may struggle to digest. By monitoring your hydrogen and methane levels in response to each one, you gain clear insights into your specific sensitivities.
👩⚕️ FoodMarble Healthcare Options
If you’re feeling stuck or want extra guidance, you don’t have to go through this alone. Our healthcare team can connect you with a clinician who understands digestive health and can support you on your journey. Reach out to our team on healthcare@foodmarble.com
Updated on: 01/09/2025
Thank you!