What’s actually causing your IBS?

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Quiz Questions

1.
Which of these symptoms do you frequently experience? (select all that apply)
- A.
  
  Bloating, reflux, belching, pain, cramps and/or diarrhea that starts at least 2 hrs after eating
- B.
  
  You often feel like food just sits in your stomach and/or experience reflux, belching or bloating shortly after eating (1st bite or within 30-90 min)
- C.
  
  You experience any of the following: joint pain, rashes, eczema, mood issues (depression, anxiety, mood swings, brain fog)
- D.
  
  All of the above [make sure no other options are selected]
- E.
  
  None of the above
2.
Do you feel like you don’t digest certain foods well? (select all that apply)
- A.
  
  Yes, mostly high fiber or starchy foods like fruits/vegetables, and carbohydrates like rice, pasta, bread.
- B.
  
  Yes, I feel unwell when I eat animal proteins
- C.
  
  Yes, I am so sick after eating high fat foods (oily/fried foods, fatty cuts of meat, nuts/seeds)
- D.
  
  Gluten and/or dairy get me every time (but I don't have celiac or a dairy allergy)
- E.
  
  All of the above or I can’t pinpoint exact foods because it seems like most foods make me sick [make sure no other options are selected]
- F.
  
  No, I can eat whatever I want without problems
3.
Which of these do you regularly experience after meals?
- A.
  
  Bloating, belching, burping or indigestion after some meals that usually resolves after a couple hours.
- B.
  
  Diarrhea after fatty meals
- C.
  
  I get bloated after ALL meals and usually look pregnant by evening
- D.
  
  As long as I stick to my low FODMAP diet, I feel okay. The second I stray my symptoms come back.
- E.
  
  None of the above- these aren’t significant issues for me.
4.
Which of the following statements are accurate for you? (select all that apply)
- A.
  
  I have a history of gallstones, gallbladder disease or gallbladder removal
- B.
  
  Alcohol intake: >1 alcoholic drink/day for females; >2 alcoholic drinks/day for males
- C.
  
  History of recurrent antibiotics or acid reducing medications
- D.
  
  All of the above [make sure no other options are selected]
- E.
  
  None of the above
5.
How about these, which are accurate for you? (select all that apply)
- A.
  
  I regularly use NSAIDS (like Advil, Motrin) for headaches, muscle pain, PMS symptoms, etc.
- B.
  
  My breath smells no matter what I do
- C.
  
  I have dry, flaky skin and/or dry brittle hair
- D.
  
  All of the above [make sure no other options are selected]
- E.
  
  None of the above
6.
What are your poops like? (select all that apply)
- A.
  
  They sometimes float or look frothy/oily
- B.
  
  I often see undigested food in my poop (corn is an exception!)
- C.
  
  Most of my poop is hard and lumpy (constipation)
- D.
  
  I have loose bowel movements with a sense of urgency
- E.
  
  I alternate between constipation and diarrhea
- F.
  
  Foul smelling no matter what they look like
- G.
  
  All of the above - consistently inconsistent [make sure no other options are selected]
- H.
  
  Seems normal (formed, 1-3 times a day)
7.
Which of these describes your eating patterns? (select all that apply)
- A.
  
  I'm usually rushed and/or barely chew my food
- B.
  
  I don’t usually eat full meals but “graze” throughout the day
- C.
  
  There is a long list of foods that I have to avoid to manage my symptoms
- D.
  
  I eat lots of processed foods and I probably don’t eat enough fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
- E.
  
  All of the above [make sure no other options are selected]
- F.
  
  None of the above
8.
Did your symptoms start after a food poisoning episode or a course of antibiotics or steroids?
- A.
  
  Yes
- B.
  
  No

Quiz Outcomes

1.

Poor digestion may be the cause of your gut troubles.

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WHAT IT IS: Poor digestion is when your digestive tract is struggling to properly break down and absorb the food we eat. It could be related to a number of things like poor eating habits, stress, not having enough stomach acid (which, who knew?!), insufficient digestive enzymes and bile acids or maybe poor motility (how quickly or slowly food moves through your digestive tract). Luckily, there are solutions to help optimize your digestion! YOUR NEXT STEPS: If you haven't already, check in with your doc for any further testing or evaluation that may be necessary. Focus on HOW you eat chewing until applesauce consistency5 deep breaths before meals (to switch into rest and digest mode!) slow down- put your utensil down between bites! Limit grazing (aim to space meals 3-5 hrs apart) to support healthy gut motility Consider digestive enzymes, digestive bitters or diluted apple cider vinegar (1 tsp in 2 oz water to start, increasing to 1-2 tbsp as tolerated) before meals to optimize digestion. Practice daily stress management (the body really doesn’t prioritize digestion under stress). If you're still experiencing symptoms after trying out these tips, don't worry - a functional dietitian can dig deeper and help identify the root of your IBS and get those tummy troubles sorted out. Disclaimer: Please make sure to check with your doctor before making any changes to your eating habits or taking new supplements – the information presented here is simply for informational purposes and is not diagnostic or medical advice. Ready to dig deeper and uncover your root cause so you can heal for good? I'm here to guide you step-by-step so that you can confidently take control of your gut issues that keep you from living life to the fullest. We will use specialized functional testing to get you answers (finally!) and uncover the root cause of your gut issues, so no more guessing or crazy restrictive diets! If this sounds like what you’ve been searching for, book a free gut health strategy call. It's the best way for me to understand what you've been dealing with and the best path forward for you. I can't wait to connect!Erika Jacobson, MS, RDFunctional Dietitian & Gut Health Specialist
2.

Dysbiosis may be the root of your gut problems.

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WHAT IT IS: Dysbiosis means there is an imbalance of bacteria in your gut. Don't let it spook you, though, it’s a common driver of IBS symptoms and it's treatable with the right approach! I see this regularly in my practice, so rest assured that help is out there!There are a few different types of dysbiosis you should know about: Having more harmful microbes than good ones Having low levels of beneficial bacteria Having an overgrowth of a pathogen: like bacteria, fungi or a parasite Note: all these types require different approaches so it’s vital to understand what is actually going on in your gut! Potential causes of dysbiosis include excessive/recurrent antibiotic use, long term use of acid lowering medications, poor digestion and/or gut motility, diets that are high in processed foods and deficient in fiber. YOUR NEXT STEPS: If you haven't already, check in with your doc for any further testing or evaluation that may be necessary. Bacteria LOVE to feast on undigested food which can worsen dysbiosis, so it’s vital to optimize digestion by: Focusing on HOW you eat chewing until applesauce consistency5 deep breaths before meals (to switch into rest and digest mode!) slow downLimit grazing (aim to space meals 3-5 hrs apart) to support healthy gut motility Consider digestive enzymes, digestive bitters or diluted apple cider vinegar (1 tsp in 2 oz water to start, increasing to 1-2 tbsp as tolerated) before meals to optimize digestion. Practice daily stress management (the body really doesn’t prioritize digestion under stress) Eating a whole food diet:Think brightly colored fruits and veggies, high quality proteins, anti-inflammatory fats, omega 3 rich foods, whole food carbs like potatoes, root veggies, and squash If tolerated, adding probiotic (fermented veggies, yogurt, kefir) and prebiotic rich foods (apples, bananas, asparagus, garlic to name a few) Herbs and spices like ginger and turmeric Gut health boosters like collagen, bone broth and resistant starch (cooked and cooled rice, potatoes, oats) Removing gut irritants- excessive alcohol intake, hyper processed foods, any specific foods you know you are sensitive too Working with a functional dietitian can help you uncover what's causing the disarray – through testing, they'll be able to create an individualized plan just for you and make sure it specifically addresses whatever gut imbalances are present.Disclaimer: Please make sure to check with your doctor before making any changes to your eating habits or taking new supplements – the information presented here is simply for informational purposes and is not diagnostic or medical advice. Ready to dig deeper and uncover your root cause so you can heal for good? I'm here to guide you step-by-step so that you can confidently take control of your gut issues that keep you from living life to the fullest. We will use specialized functional testing to get you answers (finally!) and uncover the root cause of your gut issues, so no more guessing or crazy restrictive diets! If this sounds like what you’ve been searching for, book a free gut health strategy call. It's the best way for me to understand what you've been dealing with and the best path forward for you. I can't wait to connect!Erika Jacobson, MS, RDFunctional Dietitian & Gut Health Specialist
3.

Leaky gut may be the cause of your gut issues and mystery symptoms.

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WHAT IT IS: Intestinal permeability, aka leaky gut, is a term used to describe a compromised intestinal lining that ultimately has a hard time in its most important task: to shut out food particles, waste products and toxins from entering the bloodstream. This can lead to everything from IBS symptoms like bloating, constipation and diarrhea, food sensitivities, allergies, fatigue, brain fog to skin issues like eczema. Potential causes of leaky gut include chronic stress, certain medications like NSAIDS, excessive alcohol intake, a diet that is lacking in fiber, nutrient deficiencies and dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria). Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help heal leaky gut!YOUR NEXT STEPS: If you haven't already, check in with your doc for any further testing or evaluation that may be necessary. Practice daily stress management (unchecked stress leads to elevated cortisol (a stress hormone) which can weaken the gut barrier) Balance blood sugar - imbalanced blood sugar also leads to elevated cortisol. Having balanced meals with enough protein, fat and fiber are key to supporting blood sugar. You’ll also want to avoid going >5 hrs without eating to prevent dips in blood sugar. Fill your plate with nourishing, anti-inflammatory foodsThink brightly colored fruits and veggies, high quality proteins, omega 3 rich foods, whole food carbs like potatoes, root veggies, and squashProbiotic (fermented veggies, yogurt, kefir) and prebiotic rich foods (apples, bananas, asparagus, garlic to name a few) Herbs and spices like ginger and turmeric Gut health boosters like collagen, bone broth and resistant starch (cooked and cooled rice, potatoes, oats) Removing gut irritants- excessive alcohol intake, hyper processed foods Focus on HOW to eatslow down & chew until applesauce consistency5 deep breaths before meals (to switch into rest and digest mode!) Supplements to consider: colostrum or GI fortify to support the gut lining. Working with a functional dietitian can help you uncover what's causing the disarray – through testing, they'll be able to create an individualized plan to specifically address your imbalances so you can FINALLY get to the root of the matter and heal, for good! Disclaimer: Please make sure to check with your doctor before making any changes to your eating habits or taking new supplements – the information presented here is simply for informational purposes and not diagnostic or medical advice. Ready to dig deeper and uncover your root cause so you can heal for good? I'm here to guide you step-by-step so that you can confidently take control of your gut issues that keep you from living life to the fullest. We will use specialized functional testing to get you answers (finally!) and uncover the root cause of your gut issues, so no more guessing or crazy restrictive diets! If this sounds like what you’ve been searching for, book a free gut health strategy call. It's the best way for me to understand what you've been dealing with and the best path forward for you. I can't wait to connect!Erika Jacobson, MS, RDFunctional Dietitian & Gut Health Specialist
4.

You may be dealing with a case of the trifecta!

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It looks like you may be dealing with a case of the trifecta: poor digestion, leaky gut and dysbiosis. No wonder you are feeling the way you do! Don’t stress, let’s break this down bit by bit so you know exactly what to do.WHAT IT IS: Poor digestion is when your digestive tract is struggling to properly break down and absorb the food we eat. It could be related to a number of things like poor eating hygiene, stress, not having enough stomach acid (which, who knew?!), insufficient digestive enzymes and bile acids or maybe poor motility (how quickly or slowly food moves through your digestive tract). Leaky gut, aka intestinal permeability, is a term used to describe a compromised intestinal lining that ultimately has a hard time in its most important task: to shut out food particles, waste products and toxins from entering the bloodstream. This can lead to everything from IBS symptoms like bloating, constipation and diarrhea and food sensitivities, allergies to skin issues like eczema, fatigue and brain fog. Dysbiosis means there is an imbalance of bacteria in your gut. There are a few different types of dysbiosis you should know about: Having more harmful microbes than good ones Having low levels of beneficial bacteria Having an overgrowth of a pathogen: like bacteria, fungi or a parasite Note: all these types require different approaches so it’s vital to understand what is going on in your gut! Now all this might sound overwhelming but here's the good news: you CAN feel better with the right care and approach—you just need to know where to start! YOUR NEXT STEPS: If you haven't already, check in with your doc for any further testing or evaluation that may be necessary. Get ahead of the guessing game and get right to healing by working with a functional practitioner who utilizes functional stool testing. It provides insight on YOUR pattern of dysbiosis, looks for gut pathogens and at several GI health markers that look at gut immune function, levels of inflammation and even gluten reactivity. Practice daily stress management (unchecked stress leads to elevated cortisol (a stress hormone) which can weaken the gut barrier).Balance blood sugar - imbalanced blood sugar also leads to elevated cortisol.Having balanced meals with enough protein, fat and fiber are key to supporting blood sugar. You’ll also want to avoid going >5 hrs without eating to prevent dips in blood sugar. Fill your plate with nourishing, anti-inflammatory foodsThink brightly colored fruits and veggies, high quality proteins, anti inflammatory fats, omega 3 rich foods, whole food carbs like potatoes, root veggies, and squash Probiotic (fermented veggies, yogurt, kefir) and prebiotic rich foods (apples, bananas, asparagus, garlic to name a few) Herbs and spices like ginger and turmeric Gut health boosters like collagen, bone broth and resistant starch (cooked and cooled rice, potatoes, oats) Removing gut irritants- excessive alcohol intake, hyper processed foods Focus on HOW to eatchewing until applesauce consistency5 deep breaths before meals (to switch into rest and digest mode!) Supplements to consider: digestive enzymes, digestive bitters or diluted apple cider vinegar (1 tsp in 2 oz water to start, increasing to 1-2 tbsp as tolerated) before meals to optimize digestion & colostrum or GI fortify to support the gut lining. Working with a functional dietitian can help you uncover what's causing the disarray – through testing, they'll be able to create an individualized plan to specifically address your imbalances so you can FINALLY get to the root of the matter and heal, for good!Disclaimer: Please make sure to check with your doctor before making any changes to your eating habits or taking new supplements – the information presented here is simply for informational purposes and is not diagnostic or medical advice. Ready to dig deeper and uncover your root cause so you can heal for good? I'm here to guide you step-by-step so that you can confidently take control of your gut issues that keep you from living life to the fullest. We will use specialized functional testing to get you answers (finally!) and uncover the root cause of your gut issues, so no more guessing or crazy restrictive diets! If this sounds like what you’ve been searching for, book a free gut health strategy call. It's the best way for me to understand what you've been dealing with and the best path forward for you. I can't wait to connect!Erika Jacobson, MS, RDFunctional Dietitian & Gut Health Specialist
5.

Thank you for taking my quiz!

It looks like your quiz answers might not be pointing to any major issues with leaky gut, dysbiosis or poor digestion but keep in mind that this is just a quiz, and it cannot replace an assessment with a healthcare provider. If you think something might be "off" when it comes to your digestive system, make sure to check in with your doctor. If you need further guidance on how to address your gut health concerns through a functional nutrition approach, you can always reach out for one of my free strategy calls so we can chat about your specific situation.