Why Your Stomach Growls: Causes, Signals & How to Stop It

Have you ever faced a situation of Stomach Growls? Hushed-up meeting, library, or classroom, and the stomach goes ahead to make a loud trumpet call; we all have experienced it at one point or another. It is referred to as borborygmi (yes, a fancy term), that low, rumbling noise, and until recently used to be regarded as something to make fun of, though in practice it is mostly a matter of your body doing its job.

However, the thing is that the growling of the stomach is sometimes not about hunger. It can say so much about your digestion and gut health, and well-being, in general. So, without further ado, let us examine why your stomach makes these sounds and when you should care about it and when you should not.

Science Behind Stomach Growls

The growling of the stomach occurs due to the contraction of muscles in the stomach known as peristalsis. These contractions push food, fluid, digestive fluid and even air through your gut and intestinal tract.

These contractions will be more pronounced when you have an empty stomach since there is nothing to cushion the noise. That way, hunger will tend to increase the noise in the gut. However, Puster also occurs after eating, and thus, you can hear Puster even when the stomach is full.

Frequent causes consist of:

• Hunger: The traditional starting point.
• The ease with which what you just ate can be digestive.
• Air swallowing- this noise can be added by talking during a meal, the consumption of a carbonated drink or chewing gum.

Stomach Normal and Abnormal Noise

Normal gut sounds are just normal aspects of digestion. They are either soft, gurgly or sometimes clacking on ears, particularly when you have not had food in a long time.

Unusual Stomach growls can be due to some problems.

• Hyperactive bowel sounds: Usual diarrhea, infections and even food.

• Hypoactive bowel sounds: May reflect constipation or slowed gut motility.

• Thumb Rule: If growling is accompanied by pain, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, then it is worth consulting the doctor.

Typical Causes of Stomach Growls

Although hunger is the most conspicuous inciting factor, others that induce the crime are:

• Foods that increase the activity of the gut:  Beans, lentils, broccoli, and foods containing high amounts of fiber.

• Dairy products: People who have lactose intolerance cannot take dairy products as they may produce too much gas and noise.

• Food intolerances & allergies: Gluten (celiac disease), artificial sweeteners and spicy foods.

• Air swallowing: This might occur due to eating so fast, drinking with a straw or even an anxiety problem.

Are Stomach Growls ever a Cause of Concern?

Once in a while, this stomach rumbles and is normal; however, incessant or excruciating sounds may be related to:

• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

• IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)

• Celiac disease

• Gastroenteritis

• Intestinal blockages (not very common and serious)

• See a doctor when stomach growling is accompanied by:

• Severe pain

• Constant diarrhea or constipation

• Weight loss without cause

• Stool with blood

Other Signals Your Gut Is Telling You (What It Is Saying)

Your stomach is not a digestive machine, but it can also influence the balance of hormones, the immune system, and even the mind.

Good gut health signs are:

• Normal bowel habits

• No so-called excessive bloating and discomfort

• Energy levels are good

Evidence that the gut needs support:

• Frequent indigestion

• Constant bloating

• Constant constipation or diarrhea

How to stop Stomach Growls?

When the noises of your belly make you feel self-conscious, here are some natural ways to deal with stomach growling:

• Drink plenty of water: This will facilitate the passage of the food along the gastrointestinal tract.

• Serve smaller proportionate meals – Do not fill up your gut. Reduce processed food and overconsume milk consumption & dairy products, especially in case you are lactose intolerant.

• Cut on artificial sweeteners -Artificial sweeteners may upset the balance of intestinal bacteria and lead to bloating.

• Control stress– Stress induces movement of the guts.

Stomach Growls! When it is Mortifying (and How to Curb it)

In case you have a habit of having a growling stomach when something important is happening:

• Take something light in advance.

• Do not eat carbonated drinks and chew gum.

• Eat mindfully- learn to slow down and chew.

• And keep in mind: to the majority of people, your stomach sounds are much louder and are a bigger concern than to other people.

Myth Busters of the Gut

Myth: When I have a growling stomach, it is always a sign that I am hungry.

Fact: It just moves stuff around food and air, including post-meal.

Myth: To be healthy, you need to do your gut cleanses.

Fact: Your digestive system does its detoxification, so strive for fibre content, hydration and nutritionally balanced diets.

Myth: Gut noises are all bad.

Fact: Most are benign symptoms of a functional GI tract.

Stomach Growls can be normal at times an early symptom of stomach issues

Stomach growls, or scientifically it is called borborygmi, does not appear as a quirky body sound. It is an indication of a good digestive system, peristalsis. In the majority of cases, it is just innocuous and even positive. However, when the noise of the gut is common, painful or when other symptoms are present, it would be an opportune time to visit a doctor.

Key Takeaways

1. Stomach Growls are normal at times.
2. Pay attention to your body- it needs it sometimes and requires food, sometimes better care of the gut.
3. Tips to keep the rumbling at bay are hydration, mindful eating and staying away from the trigger foods.
4. The happier the gut, the happier you-so do the gut a favor and it will do you the same.