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Why does it feel like my insides are twisting?

Food allergies, intolerances, and associated autoimmune conditions (like celiac disease) can cause a churning sensation in the stomach or intestinal tract as a direct result of eating foods the body can't tolerate. Many food intolerances, like lactose intolerance, cause symptoms like: nausea. diarrhea.

healthline.com - Stomach Churning: Anxiety, Diarrhea, Causes, Pregnancy, and More

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We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process . Stomach churning is an uncomfortable, agitated sensation caused by a variety of stomach and intestinal issues. These can range from indigestion to viruses. If you often experience stomach churning, you may have a medical condition that requires treatment. Many conditions can cause your stomach to feel like it’s churning. The feeling results from your stomach or intestines contracting more than normal. While it’s usually temporary, it can sometimes go on for hours or even days. Your stomach can churn for prolonged periods of time due to conditions such as:

morning sickness in the first trimester of pregnancy

indigestion

anxiety disorders

motion sickness

migraines

strenuous abdominal exercises

prolonged hunger that can come from dieting and fasting

certain medications like antibiotics, NSAIDs, or laxatives

Your churning stomach may be caused by a more serious condition if it’s accompanied by:

nausea

vomiting

diarrhea

constipation

cramping

bloating

abdominal distention

These conditions, which can result in prolonged (and sometimes severe) symptoms, include:

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is often referred to as “the stomach flu” or a “stomach bug,” but it’s actually not a flu virus. Viruses like rotavirus, norovirus, and similar contagious pathogens cause stomach churning, accompanied by severe vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms of rotavirus, which are generally more severe in children than adults, include:

abdominal pain

severe fatigue

irritability

high fever

Rotavirus symptoms can last for up to 10 days.

A person who catches norovirus, which lasts from 24–72 hours, might experience:

abdominal cramping or pain

generalized body aches

watery stools or diarrhea

headache

low-grade fever

chills

Viruses that cause gastroenteritis can lead to dehydration because the illness lasts for a while, and symptoms can become very severe.

Learn more about gastroenteritis.

Food poisoning

Food poisoning may occur when you’ve eaten food that is contaminated or spoiled. This can result in stomach churning. Bacteria, parasites, and viruses are the most frequent culprits of foodborne illness.

Symptoms of food poisoning include:

nausea

vomiting

diarrhea

abdominal cramps

loss of appetite

low fever

headaches

weakness

Food poisoning generally lasts anywhere from an hour or two to several days. In rare cases, it lasts up to 28 days.

Learn more about food poisoning.

Celiac disease, lactose intolerance, and other allergies

Many food intolerances, like lactose intolerance, cause symptoms like:

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nausea

diarrhea

vomiting

bloating

gas

stomach cramps

If you’re lactose intolerant, you’ll notice a pattern of having these symptoms after eating dairy products or drinking milk. In the case of celiac disease, the symptoms aren’t always so straightforward. Only one-third of adults with celiac disease experience gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea. People with celiac disease can also exhibit the following symptoms:

stiffness and pain in joints and bones

iron deficiency anemia

skin disorders

tingling and numbness in hands and feet

tooth discoloration or loss of enamel

irregular menstrual cycles

infertility and miscarriage

pale sores inside the mouth

weak, brittle bones

fatigue

seizures

While people with celiac disease may not experience diarrhea, it’s still possible they might have a churning sensation in their stomach after ingesting gluten.

Stress

Short-term and ongoing stress can trigger many symptoms and health conditions in the body. This includes stomach pain and upset, which can cause you to feel like your stomach is churning. Other effects of stress on your digestive system include:

nausea

vomiting

diarrhea

constipation

heartburn

acid reflux

increased risk of ulcers

Learn more about stress.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a condition with a varying combination of gastrointestinal symptoms that can be caused by irregular (spastic or slow) movements of the colon. A person with IBS may experience:

alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea

bloating

gas

stomach cramps

Even though IBS is chronic , or long term, symptoms can come and go. Churning in the stomach could accompany the symptoms when they flare up.

Learn more about IBS.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

PMS varies in intensity from one woman to the next. Some women may experience gastrointestinal symptoms each month, which may include the sensation of churning in the stomach. Other stomach and intestinal symptoms experienced during PMS include:

bloating

stomach pain

constipation

diarrhea

Learn more premenstrual syndrome.

Intestinal obstruction

An intestinal obstruction is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a blockage forms in either your small or large intestine. Undetected, it can lead to intestinal rupture, which is a medical emergency that requires hospitalization and immediate treatment.