What is root cause health?

It’s an approach that identifies and addresses the underlying drivers of symptoms across systems—gut, hormones, brain, immune and metabolism—so results are deeper and longer-lasting.

How does Peter Smanjak work with clients?

You start with an exploratory consultation to map goals and history. When useful, advanced tests such as GI-MAP, DNA methylation and HTMA inform a personalised plan, with clear steps and coaching support.

Do I need lab tests to begin?

Not always. Many clients begin with lifestyle and nutrition foundations. Testing is used strategically when it can change decisions or speed results.

Where do you work from?

Consultations are available online for clients across South Africa and internationally. In-person sessions are by arrangement.

Clinical Systems Integrator & Root-Cause Strategist

Understanding Digestive Health: Why It Matters & How We Assess It

Your digestive system is like a complex highway that processes everything you eat, absorbing nutrients, removing waste, and protecting your body from harmful substances. This journey starts in the mouth, where digestion begins with chewing and saliva, and continues through the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine (colon) before finally eliminating waste. Each step of this process needs to function properly for optimal digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health.

When something goes wrong along this digestive highway, symptoms can arise—bloating, gas, acid reflux, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, skin issues, or even brain fog. These symptoms may seem unrelated, but they often stem from underlying imbalances like low stomach acid, enzyme deficiencies, bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), gut inflammation, or dysbiosis (an imbalance of good and bad bacteria). If left unaddressed, poor digestion can lead to nutrient deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, and even metabolic issues.

Why Do We Use a Questionnaire for Root Cause Assessment?

Because digestive symptoms are highly interconnected, we use a comprehensive questionnaire to map out patterns and identify potential root causes. The questionnaire helps us determine:

- Which part of the digestive tract is dysfunctional?

- Is it low stomach acid? Enzyme deficiency? SIBO? Leaky gut?

- Is the issue causing systemic problems?

- Are symptoms affecting energy levels, mood, skin, joints, or immunity?

- Does this require further medical testing?

- The responses help determine if lab testing is necessary to confirm imbalances.

Which Tests Are Recommended Based on Symptoms?

After analyzing the questionnaire responses, specific tests can help pinpoint the exact cause of digestive dysfunction and guide the healing process.

Here is the first clue to decipher. When did your first gut health symptoms occur?

First Name

Last Name

Date of Birth

Gender

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State

Zip Code

Country

Email

Phone no.

Occupation

Job Title

GP/ Specialist name

Phone/Mobile

Choose the number which best describes the intensity of your symptoms. If you do not know the answer to a question, leave it blank. The form totals each section automatically. Once complete, view the totals for each section to assess which areas need your attention.

KEY:

Leave blank (0) =

0 = Symptom is not present/rarely present
1 = Mild/sometimes
2 = Moderate/often
3 = Severe/almost always

Section A - Oral and Dental Health

	0	1	2	3
1. A sore in your mouth that doesn’t heal
2. Bleeding or swelling after brushing/flossing
3. Canker sores or cold sores
4. Chronic bad breath or sour taste
6. Dry mouth / poor salivation
7. Fissures in the tongue or geographic tongue

Section A - Oral and Dental Health

Scoring:

0-5 = Low priority
6-9= Moderate priority
10+ = High priority

Add up your score

Section B - Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Esophagitis

0 = Symptom is not present/rarely present - Leave Blank
1 = Mild/sometimes
2 = Moderate/often
3 = Severe/almost always

Section B - Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Esophagitis

Scoring:

0-3 = Low priority
4-6= Moderate priority
7+ = High priority

Add up your score

Section C - Hypoacidity of the Stomach

0 = Symptom is not present/rarely present - Leave Blank
1 = Mild/sometimes
2 = Moderate/often
3 = Severe/almost always

Section C - Hypoacidity of the Stomach

	0	1	2	3
1. Burping or bloated after eating
2. Feels like food sits in stomach
3. History of allergies or autoimmune disease
4. Easily gets food poisoning
5. Stomach upsets easily
6. History of constipation
7. Known food allergies

Section C - Hypoacidity of the Stomach

	0	1	2	3
8. Iron deficiency anemia
9. Nausea after taking supplements
10. Undigested food in stool
11. History of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
12. Age 75-79 = 1 point, age 80-84 = 2 points, age ≥85 = 3 points
13. Takes antacids or Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
14. Pruritis ani (itchy anus)

List know food allergies (if known):

Scoring:

0-7 = Low priority
8-12 = Moderate priority
13+ = High priority

Add up your score

Section D - Gastric Reflux

0 = Symptom is not present/rarely present - Leave Blank
1 = Mild/sometimes
2 = Moderate/often
3 = Severe/almost always

Scoring:

0-3 = Low priority
4-6 = Moderate priority
7+ = High priority

Add up your score

Section E - Hypofunction of Small Intestines & Pancreas

0 = Symptom is not present/rarely present - Leave Blank
1 = Mild/sometimes
2 = Moderate/often
3 = Severe/almost always

Section E - Hypofunction of Small Intestines & Pancreas

	0	1	2	3
1. Abdominal cramps
2. Indigestion 1-3 hours after eating
3. Fatigue after eating
4. Lower bowel gas
5. Alternating constipation & diarrhea
6. Diarrhea
7. Roughage & fiber causes constipation
8. Mucus in stools
9. Stool poorly formed
10. Shiny stool
11. Three or more large bowel movements daily
12. Dry, flaky skin &/or dry brittle hair

Section E - Hypofunction of Small Intestines & Pancreas

	0	1	2	3
13. Pain in left side under rib cage or chronic stomach pain
14. Adult acne
15. Food allergies
16. Difficulty gaining weight
17. Foul-smelling stool
18. Gallstones/history of gallbladder disease
19. Undigested food in stool
20. Nausea
21. Acid reflux/heartburn
22. Connective tissue disease: lupus, RA, Sjogren’s
23. Alcoholism, diabetes, osteoporosis

Scoring:

0-6 = Low priority
7-12 = Moderate priority
13+ = High priority

Add up your score

Section F - Ulcers

0 = Symptom is not present/rarely present - Leave Blank
1 = Mild/sometimes
2 = Moderate/often
3 = Severe/almost always

Section F - Ulcers

	0	1	2	3
1. Stomach pains
2. Stomach pains before or after me
3. Dependency on antacids or PPIs for heartburn/GERD
4. Chronic abdominal pain
5. "Butterflies" sensation in stomach
6. Burping or bloating
7. Stomach pain when emotionally upset

Section F - Ulcers

	0	1	2	3
8. Sudden, acute indigestion
9. Relief of symptoms by carbonated drinks
10. Relief of stomach pain by drinking cream/milk
11. History or family history of ulcer or gastritis
12. Current ulcer
13. Black stool (not due to iron supplements)
14. Use or past use of pain medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.)

List medications (if known):

Scoring:

0-4 = Low priority
5-8 = Moderate priority
9+ = High priority

Add up your score

Section G - Enzyme Insufficiencies

0 = Symptom is not present/rarely present - Leave Blank
1 = Mild/sometimes
2 = Moderate/often
3 = Severe/almost always

Section G - Enzyme Insufficiencies

	0	1	2	3
1. Lactose, fructose, or sucrose intolerance
2. Undigested food in stool
3. Abdominal discomfort, bloating, gas
4. Bleeding tendency (vitamin K deficiency)
5. Difficulty gaining weight
6. Fatigue with no clear reason

Scoring:

0-4 = Low priority
5-8 = Moderate priority
9+ = High priority

Add up your score

Section H - Liver & Gallbladder

0 = Symptom is not present/rarely present - Leave Blank
1 = Mild/sometimes
2 = Moderate/often
3 = Severe/almost always

Section H - Liver & Gallbladder

	0	1	2	3
1. Trouble digesting foods with fats and oils
2. Jaundice or yellowing of whites of the eyes
3. Nausea and vomiting
4. Feeling queasy after a fatty meal
5. Feeling of fullness or pain in belly, shoulders, or head
6. History of gallbladder removal or gallstones
7. Light or tan-colored, frothy stools that smell bad
8. Diarrhea
9. Gas and bloating
10. Low serum albumin levels
11. Bleeding tendency (vitamin K deficiency)
12. Less than one bowel movement daily

Section H - Liver & Gallbladder

	0	1	2	3
13. Itchy skin
14. Lack of appetite
15. Dark-colored urine
16. Bitter or sour taste in mouth after eating
17. Water retention in legs and ankles
18. Painful big toe
19. Pain radiating along outside of leg
20. Dry skin/hair
21. Red blood in stool
22. History of jaundice or hepatitis
23. High blood cholesterol and/or triglycerides

Scoring:

0-7 = Low priority
8-14 = Moderate priority
15+ = High priority

Add up your score

Section I - Food Sensitivities

0 = Symptom is not present/rarely present - Leave Blank
1 = Mild/sometimes
2 = Moderate/often
3 = Severe/almost always

Scoring:

0-4 = Low priority
5-8 = Moderate priority
9+ = High priority

Add up your score

Section J - Food Allergies

0 = Symptom is not present/rarely present - Leave Blank
1 = Mild/sometimes
2 = Moderate/often
3 = Severe/almost always

Section J - Food Allergies

Scoring:

0-4 = Low priority
5-8 = Moderate priority
9+ = High priority

Add up your score

Section K - Intestinal Permeability (Leaky Gut) / Dysbiosis

0 = Symptom is not present/rarely present - Leave Blank
1 = Mild/sometimes
2 = Moderate/often
3 = Severe/almost always

Section K - Intestinal Permeability

	0	1	2	3
1. Constipation and/or diarrhea
2. Abdominal pain or bloating
3. Mucus or blood in stool
4. Joint pain or swelling, or arthritis
5. Chronic or frequent fatigue or tiredness
6. Food allergy or food sensitivities or intolerances
7. Sinus or nasal congestion
8. Chronic or frequent inflammations
9. Eczema, skin rashes, or hives (urticaria)

Section K - Intestinal Permeability

	0	1	2	3
10. Asthma, hay fever, or airborne allergies
11. Confusion, poor memory, or mood swings
12. Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen)
13. History of antibiotic use
14. Alcohol consumption, or alcohol makes you feel sick
15. Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or celiac disease
16. Headaches or migraine headaches
17. Chronic nasal congestion

Scoring:

1-6 = Low priority
7-19 = Moderate priority
20+ = High priority

Add up your score

Section L - Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

0 = Symptom is not present/rarely present - Leave Blank
1 = Mild/sometimes
2 = Moderate/often
3 = Severe/almost always

Section L - Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

	0	1	2	3
1. Stomach pains
2. Stomach pains before or after meals
3. Abdominal bloating and distension, especially with sugar, fiber, or carbohydrates
4. Abdominal pain, cramping, mucus, or blood in stools
5. Irritable bowel syndrome
6. Fibromyalgia
7. Restless leg syndrome
8. Interstitial cystitis

Section L - Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

	0	1	2	3
9. Chronic constipation
10. Intolerance to probiotic supplements
11. Scored 9 or more on section A
12. Currently taking antacids or proton pump inhibitors
13. Fatigue/Low energy
14. Depression or anxiety
15. Bad breath

Scoring:

0-4 = Low priority
5-9 = Moderate priority
10+ = High priority

Add up your score

Section M - Dysbiosis: Fungal Overgrowth

0 = Symptom is not present/rarely present - Leave Blank
1 = Mild/sometimes
2 = Moderate/often
3 = Severe/almost always

Section M - Dysbiosis: Fungal Overgrowth

	0	1	2	3
6. Itching in vagina, anus, ears, or other mucous membranes
7. Gas and/or bloating
8. Diagnosis of autoimmune disease
9. Skin issues: eczema, psoriasis, hives, rashes
10. Low blood sugar issues, mood swings

Scoring:

0-4 = Low priority
5-9 = Moderate priority
10+ = High priority

Add up your score

Section N - Celiac Disease, Gluten Sensitivity, Wheat Reactions

0 = Symptom is not present/rarely present - Leave Blank
1 = Mild/sometimes
2 = Moderate/often
3 = Severe/almost always

Scoring:

0-5 = Low priority
6-10 = Moderate priority
11+ = High priority

Add up your score

Section O: Colon/Large Intestine

0 = Symptom is not present/rarely present - Leave Blank
1 = Mild/sometimes
2 = Moderate/often
3 = Severe/almost always

Section O: Colon/Large Intestine

	0	1	2	3
1. Seasonal or recurring diarrhea
2. Frequent and recurrent infections (colds)
3. Bladder and kidney infections
4. Vaginal yeast infection
5. Abdominal cramps
6. Toe and fingernail fungus
7. Alternating diarrhea/constipation

Section O: Colon/Large Intestine

Scoring:

0-5 = Low priority
6-9 = Moderate priority
10+ = High priority

Add up your score

Digestive Health Questionnaire Disclaimer:

By completing this questionnaire, I acknowledge the following:

1. Accuracy of Information: I confirm that all information provided is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge.
2. Purpose of Questionnaire: I understand that this questionnaire is for assessment purposes only and does not establish a practitioner-client relationship or any commitment to work together.
3. Non-Substitute for Medical Advice: I recognize that any insights or recommendations provided are for informational purposes and are not a replacement for medical advice from a qualified healthcare provider.
4. Personalized Guidance: I understand that any guidance received is tailored to my individual circumstances and may not apply to others.

I acknowledge the above and consent to have this website store my submitted information so they can respond to my inquiry.

	0	1	2	3
8. Loose teeth or receding gums
9. Periodontal disease
10. Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
11. Sores in the mouth
12. Swelling of the jaw
13. White patches on tongue or cheeks

	0	1	2	3
1. Sour taste in mouth
2. Regurgitate undigested food into mouth
3. Frequent coughing
4. Burning sensation from citrus in throat

	0	1	2	3
7. Food sensitivities
8. Transient low blood sugar
9. Malabsorption issues
10. Pale or tan stools, possibly frothy and bad-smelling
11. Stools that float

	0	1	2	3
1. Nausea
2. Diarrhea
3. Abdominal pain or discomfort
4. Neurological issues (brain fog, depression, difficulty focusing)

	0	1	2	3
5. Rashes or hives
6. Unexplained fatigue, joint pain, or muscle pain
7. Diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder
8. Digestive issues

Digestive health Questionnaire

🔎 What Your Scores Mean

Understanding Digestive Health: Why It Matters & How We Assess It

Why Do We Use a Questionnaire for Root Cause Assessment?

Which Tests Are Recommended Based on Symptoms?

Section A - Oral and Dental Health

Scoring:

Section B - Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Esophagitis

Scoring:

Section C - Hypoacidity of the Stomach

Scoring:

Section D - Gastric Reflux

Scoring:

Section E - Hypofunction of Small Intestines & Pancreas

Scoring:

Section F - Ulcers

Scoring:

Section G - Enzyme Insufficiencies

Scoring:

Section H - Liver & Gallbladder

Scoring:

Section I - Food Sensitivities

Scoring:

Section J - Food Allergies

Scoring:

Section K - Intestinal Permeability (Leaky Gut) / Dysbiosis

Scoring:

Section L - Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

Scoring:

Section M - Dysbiosis: Fungal Overgrowth

Scoring:

Section N - Celiac Disease, Gluten Sensitivity, Wheat Reactions

Scoring:

Section O: Colon/Large Intestine

Scoring:

Digestive Health Questionnaire Disclaimer:

	0	1	2	3
1. Problems with swallowing or painful swallowing (dysphagia)
2. Food gets stuck/impacted in esophagus after swallowing
3. Need to regurgitate or vomit food and/or nausea

	0	1	2	3
4. GERD medications, such as proton pump inhibitors, don’t help the problem
5. Chest or abdominal pain with eating
6. Heartburn or GERD

	0	1	2	3
5. Heartburn
6. Burping
7. Difficulty swallowing solids or liquids

	0	1	2	3
1. Itching, rash, hives, or flushing
2. Itching or tingling in the mouth or on tongue
3. Swollen lips, face, tongue, throat, etc.
4. Symptoms come on rapidly after eating
5. Chronic sinusitis

	0	1	2	3
6. Nausea and/or abdominal cramping
7. Diagnosed with allergies (hay fever, asthma, eczema)
8. Diarrhea
9. Dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness

	0	1	2	3
1. Recurring vaginal, nail, skin, or other fungal infections
2. Diarrhea, constipation, or both
3. Unexplained fatigue and/or brain fog
4. Depression and/or anxiety
5. Chronic sinusitis

	0	1	2	3
1. Bloating and/or gas
2. Constipation and/or diarrhea
3. Nausea
4. Weight trouble
5. Iron-deficiency anemia

	0	1	2	3
6. Fatigue
7. Sleep problems
8. Depression, anxiety, and/or mood swings
9. Menstrual problems
10. Infertility
11. Thyroid problems
12. Osteoporosis or osteopenia

	0	1	2	3
13. Headaches and/or migraines
14. Memory problems
15. Joint pains or aches
16. Fibromyalgia
17. Brain fog

	0	1	2	3
18. Get infections easily
19. Arthritis, any type, you or family
20. Cancer history, you or family
21. Autoimmune disease, you or family
22. Celiac disease, you or family

	0	1	2	3
8. Constipation
9. History of antibiotic use
10. Meat eater
11. Rapidly failing vision
12. Recurrent stomach pain
13. Blood or pus in stool
14. Family history of IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)