Take the Core Quiz
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What's Your Core Score?







  1. Do you experience any of the following – or some combination of them at least once a week?
    • Heartburn/abdominal pain
    • Diarrhea
    • Nausea
    • Constipation
Yes, at least once a week, 25 points.
Yes, more than two days a week, 50 points.
  1. Do these gastrointestinal symptoms ever:
Make it difficult to function normally? 10 points
Make you avoid certain foods? 5 points
Increase when you feel stressed? 5 points
  1. Which, if any, do you use to prevent or treat any health problems you might have?
    For each one add the appropriate points based on how often you use the item.
  Stool
softners/
laxaties		 Anti-diarrhea products Anti-nausea products Antacids or heartburn products Take non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen
Once every few weeks 5pts. 5pts. 5pts. 5pts. 5pts.
About once or twice a week 10pts. 10pts. 10pts. 10pts. 10pts.
More than twice a week 15pts. 15pts. 15pts. 15pts. 15pts.
  1. Consider what you eat and drink during a typical day. Usually, do you eat:
Fewer than five servings of fruit or vegetables, 5 points
Fewer than three servings of whole grain breads or cereals, 5 points
More than two servings of butter, margarine, fatty meats, fried foods, 5 points
Fewer than two servings of milk or milk products, 5 points
More than two servings of concentrated sweets, such as regular soda, fruit drinks, candy, and cookies, 5 points
More than one drink of alcohol foods, 5 points
  1. Have you unintentionally lost or gained five or more pounds in the past year?
a. Yes, lost, 10 points
b. Yes, gained, 10 points
c. No, 0 points
  1. Finally, conduct the following calculation to determine you Body Mass Index or BMI*. Then add the appropriate number of points.

    Multiply your weight (in pounds) times 703. Divide that figure by your height (in inches). Then, divide by height (inches) again.

    For example, someone who weights 110 pounds and is 5’2 would do the following:
    110 X 703 = 77,3330
    77,330/62 inches = 1,247
    1,247/62 inches = 20

    BMI = 20
a) Less than 18.5, 5 points
b) 18.5 or more, but less than 25, 0 points
c) Between 25 and 30, 10 points
d) Over 30, 15 points

Total Points Score:
 

Click To "Understand Your Score"

Does your Core Score reveal that you need to see a physician? Use our GI Locator Service
to find a gastroenterologist in your area.

Understanding Your Score:
This test is not intended to replace or supersede a physician’s advice. If you have questions about your digestive health, see your physician or health care provider.

Digestive Strength — Score less than 15 points: Your answers reflect positive digestive health. Continue to demonstrate good habits, like eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. This will help you maintain a healthy weight and digestive system.

Digestive Warning — Score 15 - 50: There is room for improvement in your digestive health. Unintentional weight loss and use of digestive remedies (like antacids or laxatives) may be signs of poor digestive health. Take care to monitor your weight as well as your digestive health. If you experience prolonged bouts of heartburn, nausea, diarrhea or constipation, see a doctor sooner rather than later.

Digestive Distress - Score of 50+: Poor digestive health is a cause for concern. It is time to reassess your habits. Frequent digestive ailments (like heartburn, nausea, diarrhea or constipation), lack of dietary fiber, and a BMI that is indicative of obesity could be putting you at risk. Take control of your digestive health. See a doctor and/or learn more about habits and foods that can help.