What's Your Gut Root Cause?

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Quiz Questions

1.
How old are you?
- A.
  18-24
- B.
  25-34
- C.
  35-44
- D.
  45-54
- E.
  55-64
- F.
  65+
2.
What Gender Are You?
- A.
  Female
- B.
  Male
- C.
  I'd Rather Not Say
3.
Take your best guess. What percentage of your symptoms have to do with your genetics?
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- A.
  10%
- B.
  20%
- C.
  50%
- D.
  90%
4.
What is the biggest emotion/response you experience when you're faced with something challenging?
- A.
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  Irritation/Anger/Reactive
- B.
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  Fear/Worry/Rationing energy
- C.
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  Sadness/Playing small
- D.
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  Overwhelm/Exhausted
- E.
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  Anxiety/Numbing Out
5.
Do you have an autoimmune disease like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, psoriasis, or multiple sclerosis?
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  No
6.
Do you occasionally deal with constipation?
- A.
  Never
- B.
  Rarely
- C.
  Sometimes
- D.
  Regularly
7.
Do you consume fast food or packaged meals at least twice per week?
- A.
  Never
- B.
  Rarely
- C.
  Sometimes
- D.
  Regularly
8.
Do you feel like you need support for your skin?
- A.
  I'm happy with my skin
- B.
  I can have skin breakouts, hives, fungus, dry skin, or patches
9.
Do you tend to hold onto things and have trouble forgiving others?
- A.
  No
- B.
  Sometimes
- C.
  Regularly
10.
Are you stress levels moderate to high?
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  No
11.
Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, or lack of motivation/focus?
- A.
  Never
- B.
  Rarely
- C.
  Regularly
12.
Do you regularly have a hard time falling asleep?
- A.
  No
- B.
  Sometimes
- C.
  All the time
13.
Do you tend to slip into "workaholic" mode, with little time to relax?
- A.
  Never
- B.
  Sometimes
- C.
  Regularly
14.
Do you find yourself regularly craving sweets?
- A.
  No
- B.
  Sometimes
- C.
  Regularly
15.
Do you suffer from chronic fungal or viral infections such as candida, foot fungus, warts, UTI, or jock itch?
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- A.
  Never
- B.
  Sometimes
- C.
  Regularly
16.
Do you get sick often?
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- A.
  Never
- B.
  Rarely
- C.
  Sometimes
- D.
  Regularly
17.
Do you regularly consume more than 200 milligrams of caffeine? (That's about 2 cups of coffee.)
- A.
  Never
- B.
  Sometimes
- C.
  Everyday
18.
Do you suffer from any type of pain, including joint pain or headaches?
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- A.
  Never
- B.
  Rarely
- C.
  Sometimes
- D.
  Often
19.
Have you been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or IBS
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  No
20.
Do you have multiple food sensitivities to food allergies (such as gluten or dairy)?
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- A.
  No
- B.
  Yes
21.
Do you have gas, bloating, or other digestive issues once or more per week?
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- A.
  Never
- B.
  Rarely
- C.
  Often
22.
Do you have rashes or rosacea?
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- A.
  Never
- B.
  Rarely
- C.
  Sometimes
- D.
  Regularly
23.
What Root Cause Do You Think You Have?
- A.
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  The Fungal Root "Live in a Dark or Wet Environment"
- B.
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  The Burned-Out Root "Type A Personality"
- C.
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  The Autoimmune Root "Disease Diagnosis"
- D.
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  The GERD Root "Low Stomach Acid"
- E.
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  The Mixed Root Cause "Toxic Bucket is Too Full"
24.
Are you interested in any other health areas?
- A.
  Optimizing Health
- B.
  Immune System Support
- C.
  Joint Health
- D.
  Sleep and Stress
- E.
  Energy, Concentration & Motivation
- F.
  No, thank you!
25.
Do you struggle with setting boundaries, often overextend yourself for others?
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  No
26.
Were you on a ton of antibiotics as a child? Have you been on multiple rounds of antibiotics as an adult?
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  No

Quiz Outcomes

1.
Your Result is The Fungal Root
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Nervous System Pattern: Holding BackAlthough fungi only make up about 0.1% of your gut microbiome, when they’re out of balance in your gut, they can wreak serious havoc, affecting everything from digestion and skin to mood and brain function.❓ Common Signs of a Fungal Gut ImbalanceIf you experience any of the following, fungal overgrowth could be playing a role:😴 Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest🥖Food Sensitivities🙊Bad Breath🧚‍♀️Hormone imbalance (estrogen dominance)/Loss of sex drive🤰Gas and Bloating🍬 Cravings for sugar, carbs, or baked goods🦶 Skin issues: rashes, eczema, toenail fungus🚽 Frequent urination, UTIs, or yeast infections😶‍🌫️ Brain fog, mood swings, anxiety, or depression🤧 Sinus congestion, post-nasal drip, or sinusitis⚠️ What’s Going On in Your Body?🍄 Your quiz answers suggest that fungus, mold, or yeast overgrowth (like Candida) could be at the root of your symptoms.Fungi thrive in dark, damp environments, and that includes:A gut with poor microbial diversityA body exposed to water-damaged buildings or moldAn immune system overwhelmed by stress or the accumulation of a toxic load, or suppressed by mold/fungus.🧠 Tiny Invaders, Big ImpactFungal organisms can release mycotoxins, extremely small, harmful compounds that:Easily cross the blood-brain barrierDisrupt immune function and neurological healthBurden detox organs like the liver and kidneys🔬 Next Steps: Genetic Testing for Detox Support You sense something needs to change, but you keep talking yourself out of the next step. Your ability to detoxify fungal byproducts (like mycotoxins) and fungal overgrowth depends on key genetic factors. These SNPs (genetic variants) can influence how well your body clears fungal toxins:Recommended genes to test:HLA – mold sensitivity & immune reactivityGSTP1 – phase II liver detox & clearanceSOD2 – antioxidant defense & inflammationCYP1A2 – phase I detox & hormone balanceFUT2 – gut lining integrity & microbial balanceSULT1A1 – sulfur metabolism & detox pathways🧭 What tends to help...Get a genetic assessment. This helps you understand your unique detox capacity, sensitivities, and immune response.Check your environment. If your home smells musty or has water damage, consider mold testing.Begin a guided fungal detox protocol. This may include anti-fungal herbs, binders, and gut-lining support (always work with a knowledgeable practitioner so you don't exceed your capacity).Support your terrain. A healthy gut and nervous system can resist fungal overgrowth more effectively than any pill or cleanse.
2.
Your result is The Burnout Root
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Pattern: Energy rationingYou've learned to budget your energy to get through the day, cutting corners no one else can see. It works, but you know it isn't sustainable, and it's usually a sign you may be stuck in a pattern of doing too much, too fast, or running on empty for too long.What tends to help:Before adding anything new to your plate, look for what can come off it. Energy rationing rarely gets solved by another supplement or productivity hack. It gets solved by moving slower and subtraction.Your answers suggest stress is playing a major role in your health.Whether it's recent life challenges, a long-standing Type A personality (perfectionism), or pushing yourself too hard, your body, and especially your gut, is showing physical signs of overwhelm. If burnout doesn't just have mental but also physical symptoms, there's good news: a new way back to health has been uncovered. It requires looking at and releasing old patterns.🧠 What’s Happening in Your Body?Chronic stress releases cortisol and adrenaline, which disrupt gut bacteria, weaken the gut lining, and lead to bloating, discomfort, or irregular digestion. Your adrenal glands, thyroid, and kidneys are under pressure.This creates a vicious loop → poor digestion → more overwhelm.🔬 Next Steps: Personalized TestingTo break the cycle and heal from the inside out, consider running a lab test to explore genetic and inflammatory markers that influence stress and gut health:Recommended genes/SNPs to look at:AHCYFTOMTHFRCOMTThese can reveal how your body processes stress, neurotransmitters, methylation, detoxification, and inflammation.Learning whether you have a SLOW or FAST COMT has been so helpful for clients in deciding what to do next.
3.
Your result is The Autoimmune Root
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Pattern: The Starting Line on the Autoimmune RunwayThis one's different from the other four. If you already have an autoimmune diagnosis, you're at the point where the whole runway becomes visible behind you.What tends to help:Start at the beginning of the runway, not the end. Look at genetics, lifestyle, nervous system, mindset, and root causes — in that order. The way you got onto the runway is the way back out, this stage isn't the end of the story, it's where the reversal work actually begins. You can reverse your chronic symptoms and body flares.🦠 What’s Happening in Your Body?If you:Had frequent antibiotics as a childTake common medications: PPIs, antidepressants, beta-blockers, benzodiazepinesGet sick easily or oftenHave a very limited diet due to food reactionsFeel exhausted, disconnected, or rely on prescription meds or regular medical treatment for autoimmune management . . .You're likely dealing with a gut-immune imbalance, where the immune system is attacking your own tissues, often triggered or worsened by:Leaky gut / intestinal permeabilityPast infections, environmental toxins, or antibioticsA nervous system stuck in survival mode (chronic stress, stored trauma, or emotional suppression)🧬 Conditions with a Common RootAutoimmune and inflammatory conditions share the same 3 root causes from Dr. Alessio Fasano: Genetics, Environmental Toxins, and Intestinal PermeabilityCrohn’s Disease/Ulcerative Colitis (UC)Eczema (Contact Dermatitis)Hashimoto's ThyroiditisInflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)Multiple Sclerosis (MS)LupusRheumatoid Arthritis (RA)Anxiety & DepressionEven though the symptoms differ, the underlying mechanism is similar: immune dysfunction + gut inflammation + unresolved stress patterns.💡 Key Insight: There Is a Way BackYou’re not broken, and you’re not stuck. There’s a new map for symptom reversal, and it starts by looking deeper into your genetic blueprint and requires a full gut and nervous system reset.🔬 Next Steps: Personalized TestingTo truly understand your immune and gut imbalances, consider running a genetic lab test that includes key inflammatory and immune-related SNPs (variants):Recommended markers to explore:FUT2 – linked to gut flora & B12 absorptionIL-6 – inflammatory cytokineTNF-α – major inflammation driverCRP – general inflammation markerVDR – vitamin D receptor (immune regulation)Food sensitivity genes – to guide your dietThese can provide powerful insight into why your immune system is reacting—and how to support it naturally.🧭 What You Can Do NowConsult with an expert; this helps map out your unique healing path.
4.
Your result is the GERD Root
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Pattern: Numbing behaviors/DisconnectionYou're using food, alcohol, scrolling, or busyness to get through the day without quite being in it. It's not that you don't care; it's that staying present has started to feel like too much, so some part of you checks out to cope.What tends to help: Start smaller than you think you need to. Pick one moment a day to be fully present: a prayer before your meal or without your phone, five minutes of quiet in the morning. You don't need to quit anything yet. You need to crack some daylight back into your routine.It may feel like you have too much stomach acid, but the truth is that, for many people, acid reflux (GERD) actually stems from too little stomach acid and sluggish digestion. Your quiz results suggest that your digestion may be underperforming, not overactive, leading to that burning, bloated, or heavy feeling after meals.🦠 What’s Happening in Your Body?If you:Use or have used Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) or acid blockersFeel acid reflux, burping, or bloating after eatingExperience fatigue or brain fog post-mealNotice food sitting heavily in your stomachYour body could be in conservation mode, lowering stomach acid, digestive enzymes, and bile flow to save energy under stress. When food isn’t properly broken down, it ferments, creating gas and pressure that push acid upward. Over time, this can strain the small intestine and contribute to bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), inflammation, and toxin buildup.🧬 Conditions with a Common RootLow stomach acid and poor digestion often connect to:GERD & acid refluxSmall Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)Nutrient deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and zinc)Food sensitivities & leaky gutH. pylori (Bacterial Infection)Anxiety, low motivation, and fatigueThis digestive pattern reflects an imbalance between your gut and nervous system, especially if chronic stress or stored trauma keeps your body in “fight-or-flight.”💡 Key Insight: The Root Cause of RefluxReflux isn’t always about excess acid; it’s about imbalance. Supporting stomach acid production, enzyme release, and bile flow can help your body digest and absorb nutrients efficiently, restoring comfort and resilience from the inside out.🔬 Next Steps: Personalized TestingTo uncover the deeper causes of your GERD pattern, explore these key genetic SNPs:FUT2 – gut flora & B12 absorptionIL-6 – an inflammatory cytokine linked to GERDCRP – general inflammation markerMTHFR & MTRR – methylation and detox supportUnderstanding your genetic blueprint helps guide natural interventions for digestion, inflammation, and detoxification.🧭 What You Can Do NowBegin by eating mindfully, slowing down, chewing thoroughly, and including digestive bitters or apple cider vinegar (if tolerated) before meals. Hydrate with hydrogen-rich water, and consider a functional microbiome or genetic test to identify your root cause. From there, you can rebuild healthy digestion and say goodbye to chronic reflux for good!
5.
Your result is the Mixed Root
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Pattern: Reactive & distrustfulYou're quick to react, and quietly unsure whether you can trust yourself anymore. Is this a real problem, or a big alarm going off?What tends to help:The answer is to keep doing "all the things" you already know to do: talk therapy, somatic work, eating well, exercising, AND start addressing your root causes. Feel like you’ve got a little bit of everything going on? You’re not alone. This was me. When symptoms seemed all over the place- bloating, fatigue, mood swings, skin issues, or irritability- it often points to one thing: toxic overload. Your body may be doing its best to keep up, but your detox pathways, especially your liver and gut, could be asking for serious support.🦠 What’s Happening in Your Body?If you:Feel easily irritated, angry, or on edge (even when you’re doing “all the right things”)Have tried calming supplements or routines that no longer work (think yoga, meditation, exercise, talk therapy)Experience unpredictable digestion, brain fog, or low motivationSuspect sensitivity to foods, caffeine, alcohol, or medicationsThen your liver, your body’s general and gatekeeper, is likely overwhelmed. Modern living exposes us to a constant stream of chemicals, plastics, and environmental toxins. When these accumulate, they burden your gut, clog detox pathways, and disrupt neurotransmitters, leaving you inflamed, reactive, and exhausted.🧬 Conditions with a Common RootToxin overload and sluggish detox pathways can contribute to:Gut inflammation and dysbiosisSkin breakouts or rashesHormone imbalance and PMSFatigue and brain fogAnxiety, irritability, or rageElevated autoantibodiesWhen your liver can’t clear toxins efficiently, your body recycles them through the gut, creating a cycle of irritation and reactivity that affects mood, metabolism, and digestion.💡 Key Insight: Support Your Liver, Support Your TerrainDetoxification isn’t just about a cleanse or green juice, it’s a daily process your body depends on. When the liver and gut are supported properly, symptoms that once seemed random start to make sense (and fade). Reducing toxin exposure, optimizing nutrient support, and rebalancing gut flora helps your body shift from “overwhelmed” to “regulated.”🔬 Next Steps: Personalized TestingTo understand your unique detox capacity, explore genetic SNPs that influence liver and antioxidant pathways:MTHFR – methylation and detox supportSOD2 – antioxidant defenseGSTP1 – glutathione conjugation (phase II detox)EPHX1 – environmental toxin metabolismHLA-DQA1/A2 – food sensitivities & immune reactivityCYP1A2 – caffeine and toxin metabolismA mix of homozygous or heterozygous results here can explain why your system feels “toxic” and why lighter detox efforts haven’t worked.🧭 What You Can Do NowConsider booking a complimentary coaching session to learn more about creating a detox and gut-repair plan personalized to your genetics and current load. I know it feels easier to do this on your own, but something that could take years to figure out can be over and done within months.Your body knows how to heal; it just needs less interference and the right support. Catch the immune issues before they turn into a full-blown diagnosis.

What's Your Gut Root Cause?

Let’s get clear. There are 5 Root Causes. Which one do you have?Take this short 2-minute quiz to give you a clear understanding of your gut patterns so you can take your first steps toward better energy, mood, digestion, and immune health.

Quiz Questions

Quiz Outcomes