Key Points:
Recurrent stomach pain has a reason
Pain after eating can indicate problems with digestion
Pain after a bowel motion can mean inflammation
Stomach pain is a common reason for people to come and see me for help. This can be a dull ache, sharp cramps or bloating that happens regularly. Sometimes it seems like this pain can happen for no reason at all, but it's your body's way of communicating something. Understanding the cause of your pain is the first step in helping you to feel better.
🟢Why does my stomach hurt for no reason?
When your stomach hurts and it appears to just happen, some of the most common causes for this can include:
Gas or indigestion
Stress and anxiety - your digestion is linked to your nervous system.
Infections
Food intolerances or sensitivities - certain foods can irritate your gut.
Constipation
Hormones - during your period or ovulation
🟢Why does my stomach hurt after I eat?
This can be a strong sign that your digestion isn't working as smoothly as it should be. Some common causes for this include:
Low stomach acid - this can be linked to stress levels, medications.
Food intolerances
Eating too fast or too much
Your gallbladder or liver needing support
Gut microbiome imbalances
Inflammation
🟢Why does my stomach hurt after I poo?
This can also have several causes such as:
Constipation and straining
Irritable bowel patterns
Haemorrhoids/Piles
Gut sensitivity or inflammation
Tension in your pelvic floor - from muscle tension
Recurrent stomach pain is your body's signal that something needs attention, this may be your gut bacteria, liver, diet, stress response or your nervous system.
My aim is to find out the cause of your pain and guide you to feeling more comfortable and to support your digestive health long-term.
*(If your pain is severe/persistent, you have a fever, vomiting, blood in your poo or urine then you need to see a medical doctor)
References:
Jansson-Knodell, C. L., White, M., Lockett, C., Xu, H., & Shin, A. (2022). Associations of Food Intolerance with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Psychological Symptoms, and Quality of Life. Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association, 20(9), 2121–2131.e3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgh.2021.12.021
Pasta, A., Formisano, E., Calabrese, F., Plaz Torres, M. C., Bodini, G., Marabotto, E., Pisciotta, L., Giannini, E. G., & Furnari, M. (2024). Food Intolerances, Food Allergies and IBS: Lights and Shadows. Nutrients, 16(2), 265. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16020265
Hechtman, L. (2018). Clinical Naturopathic Medicine (2nd ed.). Elsevier Australia.
d’Udekem d’Acoz, L., Carbone, F., Basnayake, C., & Biesiekierski, J. (2025). The impact of diet on functional dyspepsia: a critical review of current evidence. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 1–9. doi:10.1017/S0029665125101766
Casini, I., Massai, L., Solomita, E., Ortenzi, K., Pieretti, S., & Aloisi, A. M. (2024). Gastrointestinal Conditions Affect Chronic Pain and Quality of Life in Women. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(11), 1435. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21111435