Growling Stomach...

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What Causes It

It can be embarrassing when your stomach rumbles and growls during an important office meeting or in the middle of a quiet prayer at church. Despite your best efforts to muffle the sounds your digestive tract seems to have a mind of its own! Why does your stomach growl and is there anything can you do about it?

It’s often said your stomach growls when you’re hungry. This is partially true. When your stomach is empty for a long enough period of time, your brain sends a signal to the stomach muscles to start rhythmically contracting. These muscle contractions known as peristalsis are the same contractions that move food through the digestive tract when it’s full. When these contractions occur it causes the sensation of hunger which sends you to the refrigerator for your next meal or snack.

Those growling stomach sounds not only occur when you’re hungry, but also after you eaten a meal. The difference is the growling sounds are less noticeable after you’ve eaten because your stomach is full of food and liquid. When the stomach doesn’t contain food, it’s easier to hear the movement of air and gas which is what accounts for the growling stomach sound in the first place.

There’s a medical term for a growling stomach, but it’s a mouthful to pronounce. It’s called borborygmi which are normal sounds that the stomach and intestines make as it moves air and gas. Although borborygmi and growling stomach sounds aren’t abnormal, they may be more pronounced if the stomach and intestines have large amounts of air and gas. This can occur when there’s an intolerance to certain types of food or when a food isn’t completely digested. When undigested food remains in the stomach or intestines, bacteria devour it and produce gas which can lead to borborygmi and abdominal bloating.

Another cause of excessive borborygmi stems from the habit of swallowing air. Some people are habitual air swallowers which, in some cases, is related to air gulping due to stress and anxiety. Drinking carbonated beverages, chewing gum, and talking too much while eating can also cause excessive air to be swallowed leading to more pronounced stomach growling and burping.

The best way to avoid growling stomach sounds and borborygmi is to eat small meals every few hours to offset hunger and avoid foods that are likely to be gas producers such as beans, vegetables, and artificial sweeteners, especially when you’re going to be in a quiet, public place. Milk and milk products can also cause excessive gas in people who are lactose intolerance. Taking measures to avoid swallowing air by eating more slowly and not talking excessively while chewing and swallowing also helps to reduce the risk of borborygmi. If the problem is persistent, it’s a good idea to see your doctor to rule out a food intolerance or allergy that could be contributing to the symptoms.


by Dr. Kristie