Why Your Stomach Hurts and When It Might Be IBS

Stomach pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical advice and also one of the most confusing. One day it feels like simple bloating, another day it’s sharp cramps, and sometimes it disappears altogether. For many people, this on-and-off pattern eventually leads to a bigger question:

“Is this normal… or is it something like IBS?”

Understanding what’s behind your stomach discomfort can help you feel more in control of your health. This article breaks down the most common causes of stomach pain, how to recognize the signs of IBS, when symptoms are serious, and how approaches like NAET may support individuals dealing with food sensitivities and digestive triggers.

Why Your Stomach Hurts: Common Causes

Stomach pain isn’t always a sign of illness. Sometimes it’s just your digestive system reacting to what you ate or how you feel. But other times, it points to something deeper.

General Causes of Stomach Pain

1. Indigestion (dyspepsia)
This is that heavy, burning, or overly full feeling you might get after a meal. It often shows up when you eat too quickly, overeat, or choose foods your gut doesn’t love.

2. Food intolerances (like lactose or gluten)
Food intolerances aren’t allergies, they’re issues with digesting certain ingredients. When your body can’t properly break something down, it can lead to bloating, cramping, gas, or even brain fog. These reactions can show up hours or 1-3 days later, which makes them easy to miss.

3. Gastroenteritis (“stomach flu”)
This is usually caused by a virus and tends to come on suddenly. You may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, or even fever. While it’s uncomfortable, it usually passes within a few days as your body clears the infection.

4. Constipation or diarrhea
Both ends of the spectrum can create abdominal pain. Constipation may cause pressure, sharp cramps, or a “stuck” feeling, while diarrhea can lead to urgent cramping and spasms. These changes are often tied to diet, hydration, stress, or gut sensitivities.

5. Acid reflux or GERD
If you feel burning in your upper stomach or chest especially after eating or lying down this may be reflux. It happens when stomach acid moves upward into the esophagus. GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) is the more chronic, persistent form of reflux.

6. Stomach ulcers
Ulcers are open sores in the stomach lining, often caused by the H. pylori bacteria or long-term use of NSAIDs (like ibuprofen). They may feel like a gnawing or burning pain, especially when your stomach is empty.

7. Infections
Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can all irritate your digestive tract. Symptoms may include pain, nausea, fever, vomiting, bloating, or sudden changes in bowel habits.

8. Stress or anxiety
Your gut and brain communicate constantly. When you’re overwhelmed, your nervous system shifts and your digestion feels it. Stress can slow digestion, speed it up, or create cramps, urgency, or butterflies that don’t feel so pleasant.

When Pain Could Be More Serious

If stomach pain is severe, sudden, or persistent, especially with symptoms like fever, blood in stool, vomiting blood, or black stools, conditions such as appendicitis, kidney stones, bowel obstruction, or gynecological issues should be considered.

Seek immediate medical attention for red-flag symptoms.

When Stomach Pain Might Be IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that affects how your gut moves, senses, and reacts. It is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning the structure of the gut is normal, but the communication between the brain and gut is not.

IBS can feel unpredictable; some days are completely fine, and others bring bloating, urgency, or discomfort without warning.

Key Symptoms Suggesting IBS

You may be experiencing IBS if you notice:

• Abdominal pain or cramping that often improves after a bowel movement

• Bloating, pressure, or a heavy feeling

• Changes in bowel habits such as:

• Chronic diarrhea

• Chronic constipation

• Alternating between the two

• Relief after passing stool

• A sensation of incomplete evacuation

• Gas or mucus in stool

• Recurring flare-ups over time

How IBS Differs from General Stomach Pain

IBS symptoms are typically:

• Chronic (recurring), not one-time

• Strongly connected to bowel movements

• Triggered by certain foods, stress, or hormonal changes

• Not associated with fever or blood, which suggests something more serious

Who Is More Likely to Develop IBS?

You may be at greater risk if you have:

• A family member with IBS

• History of stress or trauma

• Anxiety or depression

• Past bacterial infection in the gut

• Food sensitivities or intolerances

IBS affects an estimated 12% of people in the United States, and women experience it twice as often as men. Symptoms may worsen during menstruation and the condition is most commonly diagnosed in people younger than 50.

When to See a Healthcare Professional

A medical evaluation is important if you notice:

• Persistent changes in bowel habits

• Pain that doesn’t improve after passing stool or gas

• Weight loss

• Rectal bleeding

• Diarrhea at night

• Unexplained vomiting

• Iron-deficiency anemia

These symptoms are not typical for IBS and may indicate another condition.

IBS: What It Is and Why It Happens

IBS occurs when the brain and digestive system don’t communicate smoothly. This affects:

• gut motility (how food moves)

• sensitivity (how strongly nerves react)

• digestion of certain foods

It’s not dangerous, but it can be life-disrupting that causes discomfort that affects eating, routines, and confidence.

IBS may present differently from person to person. Some people struggle daily, while others have flare-ups only during stress, travel, or diet changes.

Where NAET Fits In: A Gentle Complementary Approach

For some individuals, digestive symptoms can be triggered by food sensitivities, intolerances, or environmental exposures. When these triggers stack together, symptoms may intensify, especially with IBS.

This is where NAET (Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques) may provide support as a holistic, non-invasive approach.

What NAET Is

NAET is an alternative therapy that aims to reduce sensitivities by combining:

• Muscle response testing (to identify potential triggers)

• Acupressure

• Avoidance specific for each allergen (is dependent on severity of reaction)

The goal is to help the body respond more calmly to foods or substances that previously caused reactions.

Why Some IBS Patients Explore NAET

NAET may be considered when someone:

• suspects food sensitivities

• experiences reactions to multiple foods

• has persistent symptoms despite diet or medication

• prefers a holistic or integrative health approach

• wants to complement medical or nutritional therapy

NAET is non-invasive, drug-free, and sessions generally have minimal side effects.

Final Thoughts

Stomach pain can be confusing, uncomfortable, and sometimes overwhelming but understanding the patterns behind your symptoms can make a world of difference.

While occasional discomfort may be normal, persistent bloating, cramping, or bowel changes might point toward IBS. And if food sensitivities or environmental triggers seem to worsen your symptoms, holistic options like NAET may offer an additional layer of support alongside traditional care.

If you’re not sure where to begin, I always recommend starting by simply tracking your symptoms, noticing your daily triggers, and reaching out to a practitioner who understands both digestive health and the mind-body connection. I’m here to guide you through that process whenever you’re ready.