Why Does Your Stomach Trouble You Even When All Tests Are Normal?

"Why does your stomach trouble you even when all tests are normal?" This could be due to IBS, a confusing yet common condition.

1. What exactly is IBS? It involves symptoms like bloating, loose stools, sometimes constipation, gas, and rumbling. Since no abnormalities show up in any tests, it is often overlooked.

2. Your stomach hurts after eating, but you don’t know what to avoid! Trigger foods vary individually; some react to milk, others to bakery items, some to soybeans. A Low FODMAP diet means avoiding foods that are poorly digested in the small intestine, causing bloating and gas. It may seem difficult initially, but with experience, identifying triggers becomes easier.

3. Stress, Anxiety, and IBS form a triangle Stress directly affects the digestive system; the gut-brain axis is very important. When you are calm, your stomach is calm!

4. Even if tests are normal, some special investigations are useful: • Stool test: to check for inflammation or infection • Colonoscopy (especially if age >40) • Food intolerance and microbiome testing are advanced tests that can be helpful

5. There is no direct cure, but long-term control is possible: • Soluble fiber, probiotics, and sometimes medications • Personalized plan to identify and avoid triggers • Working on lifestyle, sleep, and mental health is essential

6. IBS is not unknown or an obstacle. It is a friend to understand and live with! Befriend your body; your stomach will listen to you!

Be cautious if you see claims like “IBS cured” anywhere!

Positive change is possible; thousands of patients have achieved it, and you can too!

Dr Ravindra L. Kulkarni, MD, DNB, FSCAI (Cardiology) Just For Hearts