The digestive system naturally produces rumbling sounds as it moves food and gas through the small and large intestines.
In most cases, these noises are a normal part of digestive processes and gut movements and help indicate that your stomach and digestive tract are actively working.
Understanding stomach growling can help you distinguish between normal gut functions and potential signs of digestive imbalances.
What stomach growling means
Stomach growling, also known as borborygmi, refers to loud noises that occur as the digestive system moves food, gas, and fluids through the digestive tract.
These stomach rumbles are most frequently caused by gut muscle contractions, known as peristalsis, that help transport contents through the small intestine and prepare them for bowel movements.
In some cases, underlying gastrointestinal symptoms may worsen these noises, causing hyperactive bowel sounds and even severe abdominal pain.
People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may experience more frequent or pronounced abdominal noise due to changes in how their intestines contract and respond to food.
While beginning in most cases, if stomach noises are accompanied by other symptoms such as severe pain, bloating, or nausea, it may signal a digestive issue that requires medical evaluation.
Watch the video below to learn more about the common causes of stomach growling.
Causes of stomach growling
Stomach growling can occur for various reasons, ranging from regular digestive processes to immune system reactions within the gastrointestinal tract.
While these often normal bowel sounds are typically harmless, they may signal gastrointestinal disorders or sensitivities to certain foods that can affect digestion.
Here are six common triggers of abdominal noises.
1. Muscular contractions
When the stomach is empty, peristalsis continues to move residual food, air, and fluids through the intestines.
This process can lead to loud bowel sounds that can echo in the abdomen. These noises result from the interaction of moving gases and liquids within the intestines as your body processes food and prepares for waste elimination.
This natural activity keeps the intestines active, clears leftover material, and supports a steady rhythm for healthy digestion and nutrient absorption.
2. Migrating motor complex
The digestive system continues to function between meals through a process called the migrating motor complex (MMC).
A study published in StatPearls found MMC to be “responsible for peristalsis and cleansing of the small intestine and prevents retrograde translocation of bacteria.”1
This means that the MMC helps maintain digestive health by sweeping residual contents and bacteria through the small intestine, reducing the risk of bacterial overgrowth and supporting proper gut function.
Because the MMC occurs when the stomach is empty, it can cause intense rumbling sounds that persist long after eating.
3. Gas buildup
Excessive gas production within the intestines can amplify stomach sounds as the digestive system works to move excessive amounts of air through the gut.
Gas buildup often occurs as a result of swallowing air while eating or drinking, as well as consuming carbonated beverages or gas-producing foods such as beans and cruciferous vegetables.
Gentle movement and adequate hydration can help release trapped air and support normal digestion.
4. Food sensitivities
Changes in bowel habits and abdominal sounds can indicate how well your body digests food and responds to certain ingredients.
Food sensitivities, such as difficulties digesting lactose or gluten, can disrupt digestive balance, leading to bloating and irregular movements.
“Conditions such as lactose intolerance or celiac disease may cause increased fermentation and movement within the intestines, contributing to more frequent and noticeable sounds,” explains Dr. Berg.
In individuals with lactose intolerance, undigested milk sugars can interact with gut bacteria, which contributes to gas production and associated rumbling.
5. Stress or anxiety
Emotional stress and anxiety can stimulate the gut-brain connection, leading to increased intestinal movements and associated sounds.
According to research published in The American Journal of Pathology, “Stress may trigger allergic reactions in the gut and other organs, and depression or anxiety may worsen symptoms in inflammatory disorders of the intestine.”2
During stressful periods, you may notice louder or more frequent abdominal sounds as the body responds to heightened tension.
Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, spending time in nature, or gentle stretching exercises can help alleviate stress and may prevent digestive problems.
6. Medications
Certain medications, such as laxatives, pain relievers, and antibiotic drugs, can disrupt normal gut function and contribute to gurgling or rumbling sounds.
Certain drugs also increase gas production and trigger slower or accelerated intestinal movement, which can worsen abdominal noises.
If your stomach starts growling frequently after starting a new medication, it’s essential to consult a doctor to discuss potential side effects.
How to calm a growling stomach
To calm stomach gurgling, it’s vital to focus on maintaining optimal digestive function, staying hydrated, and avoiding trigger foods.
Drinking warm water or herbal teas such as peppermint or chamomile tea can help relax the stomach muscles and support smoother digestion.
Nutritious foods that offer beneficial fats, such as salmon, avocados, and nuts, may also help reduce rumbling by providing the digestive system with something to work on, signaling that the stomach is no longer empty.
These healthy fats also promote satiety and slow down digestion, which can help alleviate stomach grumbling.
In cases of mild bloating or excess gas, a gentle stretching routine or a short walk can also promote the natural release of air, which helps pass excess gas and may relieve abdominal growling.
For individuals who experience IBS, allowing sufficient time between meals helps the gut rest, supports a better digestive rhythm, and promotes gastrointestinal comfort.
Finally, sitting upright after eating rather than lying down promotes proper digestion and helps prevent the buildup of air or pressure that may lead to intestinal noises.
While a noisy tummy is often harmless, it’s crucial to see a doctor if your symptom pattern changes or you notice digestive issues.
Persistent bloody stools or abdominal pain may indicate underlying gastrointestinal infections or chronic gut conditions such as Crohn’s disease.
In these cases, your doctor may recommend blood tests or other diagnostic evaluations to identify the cause and formulate an appropriate treatment plan.
Habits that support healthy digestion
A healthy digestive routine can help reduce abdominal bloating and irregular stomach sounds by promoting balance throughout the digestive tract.
To support smoother digestion over time, it’s vital to eat slowly and chew thoroughly. This allows food to break down more efficiently and signals your stomach to release digestive enzymes.
Staying hydrated throughout the day is also important, as adequate fluid intake helps move food through the intestines, supports nutrient absorption, and prevents sluggish digestion.
Additionally, incorporating probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, or kefir can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which play a crucial role in maintaining gut health.
It’s also recommended to avoid highly processed foods, which further supports digestive comfort and helps lower the risk of inflammation.
Intermittent fasting is an excellent tool to give the digestive system regular periods of rest. Prolonged periods of caloric restriction allow the MMC to clear residual food, support gut motility, and promote overall digestive health.
Key takeaways
While stomach growling meaning often reflects normal digestive activity and can be linked to hunger, it may also be triggered by mild food sensitivities or gut bacteria imbalances.
Recognizing these cues and adopting healthy digestion habits, such as eating slowly, staying hydrated, and managing stress, can help promote gut comfort and ease a noisy tummy.
While most bowel sounds are harmless, persistent or unusually loud noises accompanied by discomfort may signal underlying digestive disturbances that warrant medical evaluation.
FAQ
1. Why does my stomach growl when I’m not hungry?
Your stomach may growl even when you’re not hungry as it continues to move residual foods, gas, and digestive fluids through the intestines between meals. This natural process helps maintain digestive rhythm and promotes a clean environment within the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Is stomach growling a sign of poor digestion?
No, in most cases, stomach growling is a normal part of digestion, reflecting the natural movement of muscles and fluids through the gastrointestinal tract rather than indicating any digestive problem.
3. Can fasting cause stomach growling?
Yes, fasting can cause stomach growling as the digestive system remains active even when food isn’t present, allowing muscles to contract and move residual fluids and gas.
4. What foods make stomach growling worse?
Foods that cause excess gas or irritate the intestinal lining, such as beans, gluten, carbonated beverages, and high-fiber vegetables, can make stomach growling more pronounced.
5. How can I stop my stomach from growling?
To reduce stomach growling, chew slowly, stay hydrated, and add probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, to your diet. Managing stress can also help improve digestion and lessen growling.
