The Science of Stomach Noises
What’s That Rumbling Sound?
Whether you notice them or not, your body makes a lot of noises. The clicking and cracking of your joints, or the sound you make when you pass gas, may not alarm you. But it may be strange to hear your stomach growl or gurgle.
“We get asked about this a lot,” says Ben Levy MD, a gastroenterologist in Medicine from the University of Chicago. “Patients sometimes feel uncomfortable if they can hear their stomach sounds.”
What’s going on in there? A symphony of normal digestion and hunger.
The Science Behind Stomach Noises
When you hear stomach noises after you have eaten, it is the sound of peristalsis, or smooth muscles contracting and pushing food into the small intestine and colon. There is even a medical term for these sounds: borborygmus.
“Think of your stomach as a washing machine,” says Levy. “Food and liquids mix together with the air we breathe while we eat. Food, liquid, and air pass through the digestive tract and gurgling is a combination of those factors.”
Stress can also cause your stomach to gurgle, whether you’ve eaten or not.
Common Triggers for Stomach Noises
You walk into a pizzeria, you smell freshly baked dough, and your stomach growls. This is because your brain has told your stomach to release an appetite-stimulating hormone called ghrelin that tells your intestines and stomach to contract. The noise you hear is the movement of those organs. Think of it as a hunger you can hear.
No hunger? Certain foods, such as peas, lentils, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, can be difficult for your body to break down. They can make your stomach growl, even if your appetite is sleeping.
Foods with artificial sweeteners, such as diet soda and sugar-free gum, can also be difficult to digest. Keep a food diary for a few weeks to see if there is a pattern.
Tips for Managing Stomach Noises
Stomach noises are a normal part of hunger and digestion. If all that happens is some sounds, there is nothing to worry about. However, it’s important to pay attention to your body and know when to seek medical advice. Call your doctor if the sounds are accompanied by pain, swelling, or changes in bowel movements.
“When the water goes through the pipes, you can hear it in the pipes. The same thing happens in your stomach,” says Levy. “It’s the acoustics of your abdomen: Most bowel sounds are completely harmless and doctors use it to our advantage.”
Walk a bit after eating; do not exercise; simply walk, to help with the involuntary muscle movement that creates noise when digesting food. And try these tips:
- Work on controlling your stress. Take time to relax, prioritize, and say no when you can.
- Have a meal or snack
- Drink water throughout the day
- Drink with a straw
- Avoid foods that cause excess gas, including soft drinks and sugar substitutes
- Eat slower
- Keep your mouth closed when chewing
- If you smoke, quit. Your doctor can help you get started with this
- Don’t drink too much water when you exercise
What You Need to Know
It’s important to know that stomach noises are a normal part of digestion. However, if you experience any alarming symptoms alongside the noises, such as pain, swelling, or changes in bowel movements, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional.
Understanding the science behind stomach noises and the triggers that can exacerbate them can help you manage and prevent excessive gurgling and growling. By making simple lifestyle changes and being mindful of your diet, you can minimize the occurrence of these noises and promote better digestive health.
Additional piece:
Stomach noises are a common occurrence, often reflecting the natural processes of digestion and hunger. While they may seem embarrassing or uncomfortable at times, understanding the underlying causes and triggers can help alleviate concerns and manage these noises more effectively.
Expanding on the topic, it’s important to note that maintaining a balanced diet plays a crucial role in minimizing stomach noises. For individuals experiencing frequent gurgling or growling, keeping a food diary can provide valuable insights into which foods may be contributing to these sounds. Additionally, paying attention to the body’s response to certain foods, such as dairy products or those high in artificial sweeteners, can help pinpoint potential triggers for excessive stomach noises.
Moreover, stress management and mindful eating practices can significantly impact digestive health. By practicing relaxation techniques and adopting a slower, more mindful approach to meals, individuals can reduce the likelihood of experiencing disruptive stomach noises. Furthermore, staying hydrated and engaging in regular physical activity can support overall digestive function and contribute to a healthier gut environment.
In summary, while stomach noises are generally harmless, they can sometimes indicate underlying digestive issues or sensitivities. By prioritizing a balanced diet, stress management, and mindful eating habits, individuals can effectively manage and alleviate excessive stomach noises, promoting better digestive health and overall well-being. Remember to listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns. Take care of your digestive system, and it will take care of you!
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Whether you notice them or not, your body makes a lot of noises. The clicking and cracking of your joints, or the sound you make when you pass gas, may not alarm you. But it may be strange to hear your stomach growl or gurgle.
“We get asked about this a lot,” says Ben Levy MD, a gastroenterologist in Medicine from the University of Chicago. “Patients sometimes feel uncomfortable if they can hear their stomach sounds.”
What's going on in there? A symphony of normal digestion and hunger.
When you hear stomach noises after you have eaten, it is the sound of peristalsis, or smooth muscles contracting and pushing food into the small intestine and colon.
There is even a medical term for these sounds: borborygmus.
“Think of your stomach as a washing machine,” says Levy. “Food and liquids mix together with the air we breathe while we eat. “Food, liquid and air pass through the digestive tract and gurgling is a combination of those factors.”
Stress can also cause your stomach to gurgle, whether you've eaten or not.
You walk into a pizzeria, you smell freshly baked dough, and your stomach growls. This is because your brain has told your stomach to release an appetite-stimulating hormone called ghrelin that tells your intestines and stomach to contract. The noise you hear is the movement of those organs. Think of it as a hunger you can hear.
No hunger? Certain foods, such as peas, lentils, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, can be difficult for your body to break down. They can make your stomach growl, even if your appetite is sleeping.
Foods with artificial sweeteners, such as diet soda and sugar-free gum, can also be difficult to digest.
Keep a food diary for a few weeks to see if there is a pattern.
“The main thing I look for is dairy products,” Levy says. “Lactose intoleranceor the inability to digest lactose, the sugar in milk, is very common.”
You may be hungry, especially if your last meal of the day didn't have enough protein to keep you full longer. Your stomach may also make noise if you have eaten a lot before bed, especially if it was high in fat or included a lot of alcohol. Or maybe you just notice it more if everything else is quieter at night.
Stomach noises are a normal part of hunger and digestion. If all that happens is some sounds, there is nothing to worry about.
Call your doctor if the sounds are accompanied by pain, swelling, or changes in bowel movementssuch as loose stools or lack of bowel movements for days.
“When the water goes through the pipes, you can hear it in the pipes. The same thing happens in your stomach,” says Levy. “It's the acoustics of your abdomen: Most bowel sounds are completely harmless and doctors use it to our advantage. “When we place the stethoscope on your abdomen, we listen for normal bowel sounds or high-pitched sounds that may indicate an obstruction.”
Call your doctor if you have loud bowel sounds and worrying symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, or rectal bleeding.
Walk a bit after eating; do not exercise; simply walk, to help with the involuntary muscle movement that creates noise when digesting food. And try these tips:
- Work on controlling your stress. Take time to relax, prioritize, and say no when you can.
- Have a meal or snack.
- Drink water throughout the day.
- Drink with a straw.
- Avoid foods that cause excess gas, including soft drinks and sugar substitutes.
- Eat slower.
- Keep your mouth closed when chewing.
- If you smoke, quit. Your doctor can help you get started with this.
- Don't drink too much water when you exercise.
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