I'm sorry your friend is having stomach issues; I totally feel his pain. I had this problem for many years of my life and was told by my doctors that I was perfectly healthy as well--maybe just a little IBS that's all. I didn't buy it. Through research of my own I found out I had gluten intolerance, the protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oats. Since I have been off of gluten containing foods I am totally free of tummy issues. This does make eating even more of a challenge since I have been trying to go completely macrobiotic, but I feel so much better. I can eat all the brown rice, millet, quinoa I want.