Why your heartburn may not be about too much acid—and what to look at instead A woman in her early forties sits down and describes years of bloating that intensifies after meals, persistent joint stiffness, and brain fog that makes focusing at work nearly impossible. She has seen gastroenterologists, rheumatologists, and various other doctors. The colonoscopy was normal. Blood work were unremarkable. One doctor diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome and suggested she manage stres

“Doctor, I wake up feeling fine. But by late afternoon, my stomach looks and feels swollen no matter what I eat.”That line shows up in clinic more often than you’d think. Sometimes it comes with gas, sometimes cramping, and sometimes constipation for weeks followed by sudden loose stools—or a frustrating mix of both. Many people have already tried cutting gluten, dairy, or whole food groups. A few feel better briefly. Others are told their tests are normal and start wondering