

What are the Functions of Microbial Gases, Hydrogen, Methane, & Hydrogen Sulfide with Dr. Tom Fabian | Rational Wellness Podcast 480
What are the Functions of Microbial Gases, Hydrogen, Methane, & Hydrogen Sulfide with Dr. Tom Fabian | Rational Wellness Podcast 480 Gut Microbial Gases Beyond SIBO: Hydrogen, Methane, and Hydrogen Sulfide as Signaling Metabolites Dr. Ben Weitz introduces the Rational Wellness Podcast and interviews Dr. Tom Fabian, PhD, to discuss gut microbial gases beyond the usual SIBO framing. They explain that hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulfide are normal microbial metabolites with potential signaling roles, alongside key microbiome products like short-chain fatty acids (especially butyrate), which fuels colon cells, supports tight junctions, regulatory T cells, and helps maintain an anaerobic colon environment. Fabian notes metabolomics (e.g., GI-MAP stool add-ons) can provide functional insight beyond which microbes are present, highlighting butyrate producers such as Faecalibacterium and Roseburia. They review controversies in breath testing interpretation, discuss methane biology and debated links to constipation, and emphasize emerging research that hydrogen sulfide is widely produced (often from cysteine metabolism), supports colon mitochondria and anaerobiosis, may relate to stress responses and longevity, and that excessive sulfur restriction may be misguided; fiber and polyphenols may mitigate protein-driven hydrogen sulfide. 00:00 Show Intro 00:59 Why Gut Gases Matter 04:04 Microbiome Metabolites 05:52 Butyrate Deep Dive 09:07 Measuring SCFAs 13:20 Hydrogen and Breath Tests 19:12 Hydrogen Benefits 28:19 Methane and Motility 31:06 Sponsor Break 32:13 Methanogens Explained 35:24 Hydrogen Sulfide Science 50:59 Clinical Takeaways Dr. Tom Fabian has a PhD in molecular biology and who has spent many years researching the microbiome and translating the scientific literature into practical applications for functional medicine practitioners. Currently, Dr. Fabian serves a consultant and science advisor with Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory. 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.















