Why Do Stomachs Growl? Causes and Treatments

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The Unmentionables is a series that answers common questions we all have about our bodies but are sometimes afraid to ask.

It always seems to happen at the worst of times. That loud gurgling noise from your stomach that announces to the world that you're hungry or need to go to the bathroom - or maybe even both. If you've ever been embarrassed by stomach noises, you might be wondering why your stomach growls, grumbles, and rumbles. And if you're a frequent rumbler, you might be wondering if there's anything you can do to quiet your tummy. Here's everything you've ever wanted to know about pesky stomach noises and what to do about them.

What causes stomach growling?

As gas moves through your gastrointestinal tract, it can generate noises like:

• Growling

• Rumbling

• Gurgling

• Grumbling

The medical term for these noises is borborygmi.

Your gut is mostly filled with liquids and semi-solid materials. But there are gas bubbles too. You swallow gas as you eat and speak. And your gut bacteria form gas as it breaks down food so your gut can absorb it. As this gas moves through the liquid it can generate noises.

There are everyday examples of this phenomenon too. For example, when you suck hard through a straw, you can generate a slurping sound. And bubbles popping up from a carbonated beverage can also make noises.

The gas moving through your gut is no different. It will generate noises too. People tend to say it's their stomach making noises. But actually, those sounds could be coming from anywhere in your gut, including your small and large intestines.

Gas moves through your gut constantly. And that gas is constantly generating noise. But most of the time, these noises are so quiet you don't hear them. Every now and then, gas movement can shift and that's what causes those louder rumbling noises.

What triggers stomach growling?

Stomach growling is triggered by shifts in gas patterns. There are several things that can result in these gas shifts.

Swallowing too much air

You're more likely to have loud grumblings if you swallow too much air. You swallow air when you eat, drink, and speak. But some things can cause you to swallow more air than normal. This includes chewing gum, smoking, drinking carbonated beverages, and eating large meals. People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) also tend to swallow a lot of air.

Hunger

There's a reason most people link stomach growling and hunger. When your stomach is empty, it contains more air. And sounds travel more easily through air than liquid. This means you're more likely to hear stomach noises when your stomach is empty and you're hungry.

Lactose intolerance

People with lactose intolerance can't digest lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream. Leftover lactose gets broken down by that bacteria that lives in the colon (large intestine). And this process creates a lot of gas. This is why lactose intolerance causes symptoms like bloating and gassiness (flatulence). This extra gas in your colon can also cause a spike in stomach gurgling and rumbling.

High fiber foods

High fiber foods like whole grains, leafy vegetables, and fruits are great for your gut health. But they're also "high-residue" foods, which means your gut doesn't fully break them down. When the residue gets to your colon, bacteria will partially break down that residue. The bacteria generate gas and that extra gas can make your stomach rumble.

Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions like celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can also cause an increase in grumbling. Again, this has to do with how the gut breaks down food and whether bacteria in the colon produce more gas. Infections in the gut like gastroenteritis (the "stomach flu") can also affect how gas moves through your intestines. This can lead to more noises too.

Can stomach growling be a sign of something serious?

A growling stomach is not usually a sign of something more serious.

Most people experience stomach growling because of an empty stomach or swallowing too much air.

Sometimes stomach growling can be a sign of a gut infection or other medical conditions, like lactose intolerance or celiac disease. But it's not common for growling to be the only sign of these conditions. People are more likely to have other, more obvious symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. These symptoms are what prompt people to seek care, not stomach growling.

Overactive bowel sounds sometimes develop when a person has an intestinal obstruction (blockage). But again, people will have other, more obvious symptoms that prompt them to seek medical care.

So, if you just have an occasional spike in your stomach gurgling, chances are you're either hungry or you've been swallowing too much air.

Can you stop your stomach growling?

You can't stop stomach noises completely. But there are things you can do to even out your gas patterns so that your intestines aren't as loud.

Here are a couple of tips:

• Keep regular mealtimes. Stick to regular meals and snack times. This will keep your stomach from getting completely empty and reduce your chances for loud growls.

• Cut back on gum chewing. You swallow a lot of air when you chew gum. Consider cutting back on gum chewing to help regulate stomach noises.

• Stop smoking. Smoking cessation will benefit every part of your body, including your intestines.

• Cut down on lactose. If you think you might be lactose intolerant, try cutting dairy out of your diet. This will help relieve stomach growling and other symptoms.

• Talk to your primary care provider. Talk with your primary care provider if you still can't get your stomach grumbles under control. They can help you figure out if a medical condition like reflux is causing your stomach noises.

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