Understanding bowel pain and finally finding its cause

Intestinal pain is more than just an occasional twinge. It's an important signal from your body, often pointing to deeper underlying causes such as undetected intolerances, nutrient deficiencies, or an imbalanced gut microbiome. Instead of ignoring it, you can see it as an opportunity to regain control over your well-being.

Why you should take your bowel pain seriously

Imagine sitting down to eat and suddenly your stomach rebels – a feeling that millions of people know all too well. You're definitely not alone. In fact, gastrointestinal problems are among the most common health issues in Germany and can significantly impact your quality of life.

A vague feeling of unease, bloating, or cramps are often dismissed as "normal" or attributed to everyday stress. But they aren't. These symptoms are your gut's way of telling you, unmistakably, that something is out of balance.

The hidden messages of your gut

Instead of repeatedly treating the symptoms only in the short term, it makes much more sense to get to the root cause. Your intestinal pain could point to various, often unnoticed triggers:

• Undiscovered food intolerances: Perhaps your body is secretly reacting to lactose, fructose, or histamine without you being able to identify it.
• A disrupted gut microbiome: The fragile balance of the trillions of bacteria in your gut can be thrown off by stress, diet, or medication.
• Nutrient deficiencies: A lack of important vitamins or minerals can noticeably impair the function of your digestive system.

These factors can affect your health unnoticed for a long time and drain your energy. The good news is: you no longer have to remain in the dark.

Imagine your gut as a highly sensitive ecosystem. Every meal, every stressful day, and every night with little sleep affects this delicate balance. Persistent intestinal pain is often the first visible sign that this system urgently needs support.

The prevalence of these problems is enormous. The following table provides a quick overview of how common certain digestive disorders actually are in Germany.

Overview of common gastrointestinal complaints in Germany

Complaint	Affected proportion of the population
heartburn	25%
Stomach ache	23%
Diarrhea	22%
constipation	19%
Flatulence	17%

The figures clearly show: You are not alone with your symptoms. A large part of the population struggles with similar problems, which underscores the importance of targeted investigation into the causes.

A representative survey conducted by the ABDA (Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists) came to a similar conclusion: Almost 7 out of 10 adults in Germany suffered from gastrointestinal problems within a year. You can find out more about the results of this survey at abda.de.

This is precisely where we come in. With mybody®x self-tests, such as the food intolerance test or the gut microbiome analysis , you can move from mere assumptions to concrete facts. Instead of continuing to guess what triggers your symptoms, you gain scientifically sound insights into your body – all from the comfort of your own home. This way, you regain control and can take targeted steps for a better gut feeling.

What's really causing your bowel pain? The most common causes revealed.

Does your stomach often feel unsettled, but you just don't know why? This section is like your personal map to the root causes of your discomfort. We'll look at, without any medical jargon, which factors can upset your gut and trigger pain.

Imagine your gut as an incredibly complex ecosystem. Trillions of microorganisms, your diet, and even your emotions must all be in harmony. Even the slightest disturbances can disrupt this delicate balance. Often, it's not the major, obvious illnesses, but rather a cumulative effect of smaller, everyday stresses that takes its toll on your gut.

The following graphic summarizes the three central pillars that significantly influence your gut health and are often at the center of recurring complaints.

This clearly illustrates how closely diet, stress, and the microbiome are intertwined and directly affect your gut. A change in just one of these areas can quickly trigger an unpleasant chain reaction.

Food intolerances as silent culprits

One of the most common reasons for recurring abdominal pain is the way your body reacts to certain foods. Unlike a classic allergy, where the immune system immediately and severely responds, the symptoms of food intolerances often appear with a delay. This makes it so difficult to find the trigger.

Possible silent culprits include:

• Lactose (milk sugar): Bloating and diarrhea after consuming dairy products are typical symptoms.
• Fructose (fruit sugar): Too much fruit, juices or sweetened foods can lead to cramps and bloating in people with fructose malabsorption.
• Gluten (gluten protein): Not only in cases of celiac disease, but also in cases of gluten sensitivity, the consumption of wheat, spelt and similar grains can cause problems.
• Histamine: Foods such as red wine, aged cheese or smoked sausage can cause headaches, skin rashes and also intestinal pain in people with histamine intolerance.

A mybody®x food intolerance test can help you identify specific IgG4 reactions to a wide variety of foods. This finally gives you concrete indications of which foods you should temporarily eliminate to give your gut a much-needed break.

Your gut microbiome is out of balance

Trillions of microorganisms live in your gut – your personal gut microbiome. This complex ecosystem is crucial for your digestion, your immune system, and even your mood. When it's in balance, you feel good. But when it gets out of sync, it's called dysbiosis .

Dysbiosis is like a beautiful garden suddenly overrun with weeds. The beneficial plants – in your gut, the good bacteria – are crowded out. This disrupts nutrient absorption and can lead to inflammation and pain.

This type of disorder can be triggered by many factors: a one-sided, sugar-rich diet, the use of antibiotics, chronic stress, or even insufficient exercise. The consequences are often bloating, irregular bowel movements, and cramping abdominal pain . Want to delve deeper? You'll find all the important information in our article on gut dysbiosis .

Stress and medication as invisible enemies

The connection between your brain and your gut is incredibly strong – it's also known as the gut-brain axis. When you're constantly under stress, your body releases stress hormones like cortisol. These can alter bowel movements, reduce blood flow, and make the protective intestinal lining more permeable.

Certain medications can also disrupt this delicate balance:

1. Antibiotics: They are sometimes unavoidable, but they kill not only harmful bacteria but also countless beneficial gut bacteria and can cause lasting damage to the microbiome.
2. Painkillers (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen or diclofenac can irritate the stomach lining and cause discomfort if taken regularly.
3. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): They change the pH level in the stomach, which can impair digestion and promote the growth of unwanted bacteria in the small intestine.

The causes of intestinal pain are therefore varied and often interconnected. The key lies in not only treating the symptoms, but also identifying your individual triggers. A self-test at home can be the first, crucial step towards greater clarity and well-being.

Irritable bowel syndrome and other chronic conditions

If abdominal pain , bloating, or unpredictable bowel movements become your constant companions, there's often more to it than just a bad meal. Many people experience these symptoms not just occasionally, but as a chronic burden that dominates their daily lives. The frustrating part? Although the symptoms are absolutely real, you often feel abandoned because standard examinations like a colonoscopy frequently yield no results.

This scenario is typical of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) , a functional disorder that has become a silent, widespread condition. A characteristic of IBS is that no visible inflammation or damage can be found in the intestines. Therefore, the diagnosis is often only made after all other possible illnesses have been ruled out – a long and arduous journey filled with uncertainty and the debilitating feeling of not being taken seriously.

When the intestines react particularly sensitively

The exact causes of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are complex and not yet fully understood, but research is painting an increasingly clear picture. It is now believed that a combination of several factors triggers the symptoms. The most important of these are:

• A disrupted gut-brain axis: Imagine this connection between the gut and brain as a sensitive communication highway. In people with IBS, it is often overstimulated. Stress or emotional strain can thus directly lead to intestinal pain and digestive problems.
• Altered intestinal motility: The muscle movements of your intestines are out of sync – either too fast (leading to diarrhea) or too slow (causing constipation).
• Visceral hypersensitivity: The intestines themselves are more sensitive to pain. Normal digestive processes, which others don't even notice, are perceived as painful by those affected.

Particularly alarming is the sharp increase in diagnoses, especially among young, active people. An analysis by the KKH health insurance company shows that in 2022, the proportion of 20- to 24-year-olds with an IBS diagnosis rose by a full 15 percent compared to 2012. Women are affected almost twice as often as men.

The cycle of uncertainty and the role of the microbiome

For many sufferers, this begins a veritable odyssey from doctor's visit to doctor's visit, without a clear cause being found. This leads to enormous frustration and sometimes even to the feeling that they are simply imagining their symptoms. This is precisely where an analysis of your gut microbiome can be the crucial piece of the puzzle that has been missing.

If standard tests don't yield any results, it doesn't mean your intestinal pain isn't real. It simply means the cause lies at a level these tests can't detect – for example, in the invisible ecosystem of your gut bacteria.

A mybody®x gut microbiome analysis provides you with objective and scientifically sound data about the state of your gut flora. You will learn specifically:

1. How diverse your microbiome is: A high diversity of bacteria is considered a sign of a healthy and resilient gut.
2. Whether an imbalance (dysbiosis) is present: The test reveals the ratio of beneficial to potentially harmful bacteria.
3. How good your supply of key bacteria is: You can see if important strains of bacteria are missing – for example, those responsible for the production of protective substances such as butyrate, which nourishes the intestinal mucosa.

These insights are invaluable. They break the cycle of uncertainty and give you concrete starting points for specifically improving your gut health – whether through a tailored diet, the targeted intake of pre- and probiotics, or better stress management. If you'd like to delve deeper into what exactly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is, you can find more information in our detailed article "What is IBS?"

When an acute infection leaves long-term traces

Sudden cramps, severe diarrhea, nausea – a gastrointestinal infection can completely derail you from one minute to the next. Most often, it's viruses like norovirus or rotavirus, or bacteria like salmonella, that force your body into a state of emergency. The effects are anything but harmless.

Gastrointestinal infections are indeed among the most common reasons for sick leave. A recent analysis by the AOK health insurance company shows just how much the numbers have risen: In Hamburg alone, there were 15 cases of incapacity for work per 100 employed people in 2023. Statistically speaking, that means one in seven people was affected. Young people between 20 and 29 years old were particularly affected, with 26 cases per 100 people.

But what actually happens in your body after the acute symptoms have finally subsided? Unfortunately, the end of the infection doesn't always mean that everything is back to normal.

When the infection goes away, but the problems remain

Imagine your gut during an infection as a battlefield. Your immune system is fighting the invaders with all its might, but this battle leaves its mark. Above all, your sensitive gut microbiome, the community of your beneficial gut bacteria, is severely affected.

The result is often dysbiosis – a significant imbalance in your gut flora. This imbalance is frequently the reason why you still struggle with symptoms weeks or months after the actual infection.

An acute gastrointestinal infection is like a violent storm that sweeps through your microbiome. Even after the storm has passed, many valuable plants have been uprooted, and the soil is vulnerable to weeds. Restoring the original balance requires targeted care.

Such a weakened gut ecosystem can open the door to long-lasting problems. One of the best-known is post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS ). Approximately 1 in 10 people develop chronic symptoms similar to those of IBS after a bacterial gastrointestinal infection – even though they never had problems before.

After the infection comes regeneration.

This is precisely the moment to take responsibility for your gut health and actively prevent subsequent problems. Instead of simply waiting and hoping that everything will regulate itself, you can specifically check how your gut is really doing and support its regeneration.

The self-tests from mybody®x are a smart tool for this. They help you finally gain clarity:

• A mybody®x gut microbiome analysis: It gives you a detailed insight into the state of your gut flora after an infection. You'll find out if important bacterial strains are missing and if there's an imbalance (dysbiosis) that could explain your symptoms.
• A mybody®x nutrient test: A severe infection depletes your body's reserves. A test can reveal whether you are deficient in important vitamins and minerals that could weaken your regeneration and immune system – for example, vitamin D, zinc, or selenium.

With these concrete results, you not only receive data, but also a solid foundation for your next step. You can specifically adjust your diet, replenish missing nutrients, and systematically rebuild your microbiome. This helps your body not only to overcome acute intestinal pain , but also to regain balance in the long term.

Finally find clarity: How a home test gets to the bottom of the causes

Are you fed up with intestinal pain and constantly wondering what's causing it? Are the waiting times for a specialist appointment dragging on endlessly, leaving you feeling utterly helpless? I understand completely. But there is a way you can take action and break free from this uncertainty – scientifically sound and from the comfort of your own home.

The self-tests from mybody®x are designed precisely for this situation. They give you a tool to finally gain concrete insights into your body, instead of continuing to grope in the dark.

Your path to answers in three easy steps

The entire process is designed to give you maximum control with minimal effort. No cumbersome phone calls, no weeks-long waits for appointments. You can act immediately and take matters into your own hands.

1. Order your test online and receive it discreetly. Browse mybody-x.com and choose the test that best suits your symptoms. Whether you want to specifically search for food intolerances or examine your gut microbiome – the right kit will arrive discreetly packaged directly to your home.

2. Taking a sample – it's easy in your familiar surroundings. Each test kit contains simple instructions and everything you need. A small blood, saliva, or stool sample is all it takes. You can do this comfortably and without stress in the comfort of your own home, whenever it suits you.

3. Analysis in a specialized laboratory and results you understand. Afterwards, you send your sample free of charge to our German partner laboratories. There, it is analyzed according to the highest scientific standards. Our laboratories are ISO-certified, which guarantees you the highest precision and reliability.

Your test results are much more than just a list of lab values. They are your personal roadmap to greater well-being. We translate the complex data into an easy-to-understand report with concrete, personalized recommendations for your diet and lifestyle.

Your data is absolutely secure. The entire process adheres to the strict guidelines of the GDPR, ensuring your personal health information is protected at all times.

Which mybody®x test is right for your intestinal pain?

Not all bowel pain is the same, which is precisely why it's so important to find the right test for your individual symptoms. This table will help you decide which self-test is most suitable for your specific symptoms and what insights you can gain from it.

Symptoms	Recommended test	What you will find out with this
Bloating, cramps, or diarrhea after certain meals.	mybody®x Food Intolerance Test	You can see which of up to 286 foods your body reacts to with an IgG4 response. This gives you a clear guide as to which foods you should try eliminating.
Chronic complaints such as irregular bowel movements, bloating, general malaise.	mybody®x intestinal microbiome analysis	You will receive a detailed analysis of your gut flora, see the ratio of beneficial to harmful bacteria, and determine whether dysbiosis (imbalance) is present.
Persistent fatigue , lack of energy, weak immune system in conjunction with intestinal pain .	mybody®x nutrient analysis	The test shows whether you are lacking important vitamins, minerals or trace elements that are crucial for healthy digestion and your general well-being.
Hormonally related complaints (e.g. during the menstrual cycle) combined with digestive problems.	mybody®x hormone test	You can uncover connections between your hormone levels (e.g., cortisol, estrogen) and your bowel problems.

A home test is your chance to regain control and create a solid foundation for targeted changes. Instead of remaining in the dark, you'll receive a clear roadmap to tackle your intestinal pain at its root cause.

If you want to know more about how such a test works exactly, also read our detailed guide to the mybody®x gut test .

This is how the test result becomes your new everyday life

You're holding your mybody®x results in your hands. This is a truly pivotal moment. It's more than just a piece of paper – it's the long-awaited answer to the question of what might be behind your persistent intestinal pain . Finally, the guesswork is over. Now the really exciting part begins: putting this knowledge into practice and giving your body what it truly needs.

Sure, the thought of changing your diet can initially feel like a huge hurdle. But don't worry, it's not about turning your whole life upside down overnight. It's more about small, targeted adjustments that often have a surprisingly significant impact on your well-being.

From knowledge to concrete action

Imagine your mybody®x food intolerance test shows a clear reaction to wheat and cow's milk. Instead of simply avoiding these foods in a panic, your personalized recommendations provide you with practical and delicious alternatives.

A typical day might look like this:

• Breakfast: Instead of the usual wheat roll with cheese, try a creamy porridge made from gluten-free oat flakes, refined with fresh berries and a splash of oat milk.
• Lunch: The pasta with cream sauce makes way for a colorful bowl with quinoa, lots of crunchy vegetables, chicken and a light olive oil-based dressing.
• Dinner: A warming lentil soup or a tray of colorful roasted vegetables and potatoes replaces the classic evening meal.

Often it is precisely these small, conscious exchanges that make a noticeable difference after a short time and alleviate your intestinal pain .

Your test result is like a personal user manual for your body. It shows you which "buttons" you need to press to bring your system back into balance – without leaving you groping in the dark.

Strengthen your microbiome in a targeted way

Did your gut microbiome analysis reveal dysbiosis, meaning an imbalance in your gut flora? Then the focus now is on specifically nourishing and rebuilding the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Your recommendations will therefore concentrate on prebiotic and probiotic foods.

Prebiotics (food for your good bacteria):

• Incorporate more fiber-rich foods such as leeks, onions, asparagus, chicory and whole grain products into your diet.
• A great trick: Cooked and then cooled potatoes or rice develop resistant starch – a real superfood for your beneficial gut bacteria.

Probiotics (The living helpers):

• Incorporate fermented foods such as natural yogurt (if you can tolerate it), kefir, fresh sauerkraut or kimchi into your diet.

Don't see these adjustments as a short-term sprint, but as the beginning of a lasting friendship with your gut. It's about establishing new habits that will help you achieve a better quality of life and a more comfortable gut feeling in the long run.

Should you ever feel overwhelmed or have questions along the way, you're not alone. Our mybody®x experts are available to support you through optional coaching. Together, you can create a plan that fits perfectly into your daily life, so you can achieve your goals and soon feel completely well again.

Do the mybody®x tests replace a visit to the doctor?

Absolutely not. A self-test is never a substitute for a medical diagnosis. Instead, see our tests as your personal tool to take a proactive approach – a smart first step on the road to recovery.

Imagine going to the doctor and simply saying, "I have a stomach ache." The search for the cause starts from scratch. With a test result from us, you come in and say, "I have a stomach ache, and my test shows a strong reaction to gluten and an imbalance in my microbiome." That's a completely different starting point. You already bring solid data with you, thus significantly accelerating the search for the cause.

How quickly can I expect to see an improvement?

That's the question that concerns us all the most. The answer, of course, depends heavily on the cause and your commitment. However, many of our customers notice a significant change after just a few weeks when they adjust their diet.

Your gut is like an overstimulated muscle. It needs time to calm down and regenerate. Give it that time – patience and consistency are your most important companions on the path to a better gut feeling.

Especially when you eliminate foods to which your body reacts according to an intolerance test, your gut can recover surprisingly quickly. However, when it comes to specifically building up your microbiome, it's more of a marathon than a sprint – but one with lasting success.

What if I can't cope with the results?

We completely understand this concern. A diagnosis with a lot of new information can be truly overwhelming at first. That's precisely why we've designed our analyses so that you're not left feeling alone.

We translate the lab results into easy-to-understand language and provide you with concrete, practical recommendations. If you still have questions or would like support with implementation, you can contact our experienced mybody®x health experts at any time. In an optional coaching session, you and your team will create a plan that fits perfectly into your life.

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Are you ready to stop guessing and find the true cause of your intestinal pain ? Discover the self-tests from mybody®x and start your journey to greater clarity and well-being. Find out now at https://mybody-x.com which test is right for you.