Totally Tummy

Your gut is central to your good health. Disturbances in your digestion can cause or contribute to many different health conditions, including women’s health concerns. Carefully read and answer these questions to get a sense of how well your digestive system is working.

1 = Never, 2 = Sometimes, 3 = Often, 4 = Mostly, 5 = Always

1. I don’t have much appetite, too much appetite, or crave unhealthy foods.

2. I eat prepared or processed foods regularly.

3. I get heartburn after eating.

4. I get gas and bloating after eating.

5. I get pain or cramping in my belly.

6. I have trouble with my bowel movements. They’re too loose or too infrequent.

7. I think that I have food sensitivities, intolerances or allergies.

8. I am taking medication that affects my digestion, e.g. antibiotics, pain killers or antacid medication.

9. I have been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition.

10. I have had abdominal surgery.

Now add up your points above to obtain your total. Then look at the scores below to find out where you are.

10 to 15 points: You’re doing very well overall. You have no or only very minor disturbances in your gut. Keep up the good work!

16 to 30 points: You have moderate imbalances in your digestive system that might improve if you make certain lifestyle changes and take good care of yourself.

31 to 50 points: You’re experiencing severe and possibly serious irregularities in your digestive system. This is common but not normal, and you may wish to speak to a natural women’s health specialist to explore your options. Botanical therapy and nutrition counseling can be helpful therapies to improve your gut health.