Test Your IBS Knowledge With This Quick And Easy IBS Quiz

1. Which signs are associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome? 

A. Bloating and discomfort of the stomach are also accompanied by diarrhoea and constipation

B. Exhaustion alongside fever, as well as loss of weight

C. Persistent cough and inflammation of the throat

Explanation: 

A (Correct Answer): Signs of IBS include pain in the stomach, which is more of a bloating feeling, as well as changes in stool consistency. This might cause constipation (IBS-C) or diarrhoea (IBS-D), or both (IBS-M).

B & C (Incorrect): These symptoms, along with fever and weight as well as respiratory problems, are uncommon when coupled with IBS. This happens due to other health-related conditions like infections or inflammation. 

2. Which is the most common type of IBS for women? 

A. IBS-D (Diarrhoea-dominant)

B. IBS-C (Constipation-dominant)

C. IBS-M (Mixed) 

Explanation: 

A (Correct Answer): Studies show women are more likely to suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhoea Predominant (IBS-D). This is because of changes in hormones, especially during periods. 

B & C (Incorrect): All types of IBS are common, including IBS-D. IBS-C is known as Constipation dominant, and IBS-M Mixed also exists. While IBS-Dis was reported more in women.

3. What triggers IBS symptoms?

A. Stressors, specific dietary choices, and shifts in hormones

B. Deprivation of sleep and excessive workouts

C. Viral illnesses and low fluid intake

Explanation:

A (Correct Answer): Stressors, food selection, and body changes are vital components for the development of IBS. Stress is known to affect gut motility. Moreover, certain foods like dairy products, fatty meals, and even artificial sweeteners can exacerbate symptoms. 

B & C (Incorrect): While lack of sleep may increase stress, discomfort, and generally lead to poor quality rest, it isn’t a cause of IBS. Viral illnesses or dehydration may cause some form of digestive complications; however, they do not set off IBS. 

4. How is IBS typically diagnosed?  

A. Blood work and imaging 

A: Discussion of symptoms, medical history and ruling out other possibilities

C: A simple blood test

Explanation: 

B (Correct Answer): IBS does not have a definitive test. It is diagnosed through evaluation of the symptoms and the exclusion of other medical issues like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease. Other forms, like the Rome IV criteria, are frequently used to formulate a diagnosis. 

A & C (Incorrect): Blood work and imaging do not pinpoint IBS but simply rule out other disorders.

For a better understanding, read our blog, Do I Have IBS? Is Assessing Through An IBS Quiz Impactful? Nirva Experts Share Insights.

5. Can IBS be Cured?  

A. Yes, it can be cured with medication. 

B. No, but symptoms can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication. 

C. Yes, a diet change is the only treatment needed.  

Explanation:  

B (Correct Answer): There is no cure for IBS, but managing it through dietary changes, stress reduction, and, when deemed necessary, medication can make it manageable.

A & C (Incorrect): No single treatment works for everyone, and medications mainly assist with symptom control rather than curing IBS.  

6. Which foods are recommended for IBS?

A. High-fibre foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains 

B. Spicy foods like hot peppers and curries 

C. Processed foods high in fat and sugar  

Explanation:  

A (Correct Answer): Maintaining a proper level of fibre can contribute to balanced digestion, though many with IBS will have to limit some high-FODMAP foods. 

B & C (Incorrect): Many sufferers of IBS find that spicy and processed foods can lead to flare-ups.  

7. What role does stress play in IBS?  

A. Stress triggers or exacerbates symptoms of IBS. 

B. Stress has no effect on IBS symptoms. 

C. Stress helps reduce the symptoms of IBS.

Explanation: 

A (Correct Answer): The relationship between the gut and brain means that stress can heavily affect digestion. Yoga and meditation, as examples, help alleviate symptoms of IBS. 

B & C (Incorrect): Ignoring stress exacerbates symptoms, and stress does not alleviate IBS. 

8. What other options are available for the natural management of IBS besides traditional medicine? 

A. Using stress-relieving techniques like yoga and meditation 

B. By completely eliminating all fats from the diet 

C. By increasing the consumption of processed foods 

Explanation:

A (Correct Answer): Meditation and yoga are examples of stress relief that assist in managing IBS symptoms. 

B & C (Incorrect): Eliminating all fats is unnecessary, and processed foods tend to aggravate IBS symptoms.

Ayurveda & IBS: A Holistic Perspective

Unlike conventional practices that only seek to relieve symptoms, Ayurveda diagnoses and treats underlying conditions, which indeed require a more holistic approach. Individual needs are taken into consideration, which is more than just one size fits all, since factors such as diet, lifestyle, mental health, and even dosa balance all affect a person’s digestive health.

Agni, or digestive fire, is indeed the core of a person’s overall well-being, which is exactly how Ayurveda views it. People with a more robust appetite tend to feel more balanced and energetic, while those with weaker appetites or ‘balance’ feel sluggish and off-temper.

When it comes to dealing with a case of IBS, it can be a bit tricky for Ayurveda because everyone suffers from a different form of IBS; alongside stress relief and a shift to a more gut-friendly lifestyle, dietary changes and herbal support, Ayurveda formulates a plan to naturally and sustainably manage IBS. 

To help you understand Ayurveda’s approach to IBS better, we’ve put together a simple quiz! 

1. What is Ayurveda’s approach to digestive health?

A. Ayurveda believes digestion is the root of overall health. 

B. Ayurveda does not focus on digestion.

C. Ayurveda treats all digestive problems the same way.

Correct answer: A. 

Ayurveda emphasises that efficient metabolic processes determine overall health and wellness. The kindling of digestion, referred to as Agni, should be strong to ensure proper nutrient absorption and waste removal. Treatment relies on an individual’s doshas to have balance.

2. Which dosha imbalance is most commonly linked to IBS?  

A. Vata 

B. Pitta  

C. Kapha  

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: Disorders of the bowels are usually associated with an aggravation of Vata dosha due to its irregular activities like digestion, distension of the stomach, and bowel movement.  

Pitta-type can be volatile, giving rise to inflammatory changes which lead to the emptying of bowel contents or diarrhoea.  

Kapha-type leads to the formation of faeces containing mucus, which also causes sluggish digestion.

3. How does Ayurveda suggest managing IBS naturally?  

A. Eating warm, easily digestible food 

B. Practising yoga and meditation  

C. Using herbal remedies like Triphala  

D. All of the above

Correct Answer: D  

Explanation: Ayurveda takes a holistic view of the disease in question:  

Cooked and soothing foods promote balance within the digestive system.  

Stress is the most important triggering factor for IBS, which is why Yoga helps a lot.  

Triphala is a blend of three fruits known to assist in gentle cleansing and supporting digestion, thereby encouraging intestinal health and regularity.  

These methods together lead to optimal outcomes.  

4. What is the role of stress in IBS according to Ayurveda?  

A. Stress has no impact on IBS.  

B. Stress can aggravate Vata disorder, which worsens the symptoms of IBS. 

C. Stress helps IBS symptoms improve.

Correct Answer: B

Explanations: Ayurveda recognises the relationship between the mind and gut. Stress worsens Vata, leading to irregular digestion, bloating, and IBS symptoms. Meditation, pranayama, and soothing herbs assist in restoring balance. 

5. In what ways can Ayurveda assist you in recognising the triggers of your IBS? 

A. By knowing your specific dosha type 

B. By simply following an IBS diet

C. By only using herbal drugs

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: Ayurveda tailors its treatment based on the individual. Knowing the dosha helps in determining what foods, activities, and even emotions are likely to trigger IBS symptoms. Diet and lifestyle changes can help manage the condition.

If you still have some doubts or wish to explore more, we have got you covered. Read Ayurvedic Solutions for IBS to better understand this.

Results: Evaluate Yourself

Lastly, take some time to think about what you know about IBS and how it impacts you after completing the quiz. If a good number of the questions were difficult for you, consider learning more so that you can better manage the symptoms, and your digestive health improves. Understanding IBS better places one in a position to make decisive choices about diet and lifestyle that positively affect one’s health. 

Even if you do have adequate knowledge, understanding the most recent research and managing strategies is always a good thing. IBS is a complicated condition, and many people would benefit from being aware of it.

Inspired by Beth’s journey, do you feel like having a gut fix? Contact Nirva Health for more information!  

Wrapping It Up

IBS is more than just a pain in the stomach - this is because it creates suffering for many people. In fact, a lot of people all over the world have to deal with it, and it affects your quality of life in amazing ways. A lot of people silently suffer due to the fact that small lifestyle changes, diet changes, and even learning how to control their stress levels can help to relieve pain and suffering.

By bridging the gap in awareness, we hope to guide people through a chain that was incorrectly suppressed so that proper care can be pursued. The more people are educated about IBS, the better they will be prepared to live alongside it, help reduce the myths, and lessen the ignorance surrounding health problems related to digestion.

If you or anyone you know has been struggling with IBS, start from somewhere in the learning process. Take charge, reach out for help, and adjust your everyday way of living to suit you.