© Shutterstock

A natural occurence -

A rumbling stomach is a natural occurrence. These stomach and bowel sounds are known as borborygmi, and refer to the noises made within the small and large intestines.

© Shutterstock

The intestines -

The intestines are hollow chambers, and the sounds that come from them during digestion are similar to the sound of water moving through pipes.

© Shutterstock

Digestion -

Stomach growling noises are usually a sign of digestion, occurring when food, liquid, digestive juices, and air move through your intestines.

© Shutterstock

Digestion -

Fluids rich in enzymes in your gastrointestinal tract break down the food and beverages you consume each day.

© Shutterstock

Peristalsis -

The intestinal walls rhythmically contract and relax to mix and squeeze food through the intestines so it can be digested. The process is called peristalsis and can cause stomach growling. It occurs several hours after eating and at night, usually when you're trying to sleep.

© Shutterstock

Hunger -

Stomach growling can be an internal signal that the body is hungry. 

© Shutterstock

Hunger -

When you're hungry, hormone-like substances in the brain trigger the urge to eat. Signals are then sent to the intestines and stomach, and as a result, the muscles in the digestive system contract and cause rumbling or growling sounds.

© Shutterstock

Hypoactive bowel sounds -

If your bowel noises have a different tone or are quieter and less frequent than usual, it could indicate hypoactive bowels. This occurs when intestinal activity slows down, often during sleep

© Shutterstock

Other causes of hypoactive bowels -

Some other causes of hypoactive bowel sounds include medication that can slow your digestion, such as codeine, abdominal surgery, radiation to the abdomen, and spinal anesthesia.

© Shutterstock

Hypoactive bowel sounds and constipation -

Hypoactive bowel sounds may also be a sign of reduced digestion activity, which could lead to constipation.

© Shutterstock

Hyperactive bowel sounds -

Hyperactive bowel sounds are louder and are related to greater intestinal activity. The noises may occur after eating or when you have diarrhea.

© Shutterstock

Hyperactive bowel sounds and underlying health conditions -

Frequent hyperactive bowel sounds may indicate an underlying health condition, such as Chron's disease, food allergies and intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome, or GI bleeding. 

© Shutterstock

Symptoms to look out for -

If your stomach growls around mealtimes or after a big meal, it's a sign your digestive system is working as it should.

© Shutterstock

Symptoms to look out for -

However, if you frequently experience hyperactive or hypoactive bowel sounds along with other symptoms such as excess gas, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sudden weight loss, it could indicate a medical issue like paralytic ileus, or bowel obstruction.

© Shutterstock

When to see a doctor -

Speak to a doctor if you experience changes in relation to the volume and occurrence of bowel noises or if the sounds occur with other symptoms. Your doctor may perform tests including blood tests and an endoscopy.

© Shutterstock

Bowel obstructions -

Bowel obstructions usually produce very loud, high-pitched sounds. They will typically occur with severe stomach pain, bloating, and a lack of bowel movement.

© Shutterstock

When is stomach growling a medical emergency? -

Seek immediate medical help if you experience stomach growling with bloody stools, vomiting, fever, and severe abdominal pain.

© Shutterstock

How to stop stomach growling -

Eating smaller meals, eating and chewing slowly, not drinking out of a straw, and limiting your intake of foods that can produce more gas can help stop stomach growling.

© Shutterstock

Foods to avoid: beans -

Beans contain raffinose, a complex sugar that the body has trouble digesting. When the bacteria in the large intestine break beans down, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane gas are produced.

© Shutterstock

Vegetables -

Vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage cause excess gas as they also contain raffinose.

© Shutterstock

Whole grains -

Whole grains, such as wheat and oats, contain raffinose, fiber, and starch. When broken down in the large intestine, they can create gas.

© Shutterstock

Dairy products -

Lactose is a sugar found in dairy products. People who don't produce enough of the lactase enzyme have difficulty digesting lactose, which can result in increased gas.

© Shutterstock

Health conditions -

If you have a health condition like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, you may need medication to help treat the underlying cause and provide symptom relief.

© Shutterstock

Is it good for your stomach to growl? -

Stomach growling or rumbling is completely normal. It's usually a signal that you're hungry or your digestive system is functioning normally.

© Shutterstock

What is your stomach trying to tell you when it growls? -

The sound of your stomach growling may indicate hunger or that your body is in the process of digesting food.

© Shutterstock

Why does my stomach growl at night? -

Your stomach may growl at night because it's digesting the food you ate for dinner. If you haven't eaten in a while, it may be a sign that you're hungry.

© Shutterstock

If growling persists -

If growling persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, speak to a doctor. Some complications may be life-threatening if left untreated.

© Shutterstock

Try breathing exercises -

Some experts suggest trying abdominal breathing (taking slow, deep breaths into the stomach) as a method to improve digestive health.

© Shutterstock

What happens if we ignore hunger signals? -

If you ignore hunger signals, you may experience fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and lightheadedness.

Sources: (WebMD) (Healthline)

See also: Your all-inclusive guide to a balanced diet

© Shutterstock