Why Does the Stomach Rumble?

The sound originating from the stomach, or borborygmi, is a noise that comes from the digestive tract. Although often referred to as stomach growling, this sound can originate from the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. The sound can occur at any time and is caused by increased intestinal activity, either spontaneously (after eating) or underlying conditions.

1. Sign of Hunger

The body continues to perform peristaltic movements regularly, even when no food has been consumed previously. Additionally, the stomach and intestines release acid and enzymes to prepare the digestive tract when food is consumed. The sounds that occur when hungry can last up to 20 minutes and occur repeatedly until we eat. This is a normal occurrence.

2. Digestion Occurring

When food enters the small intestine, the body releases enzymes to help break down food and absorb nutrients, while peristaltic movements occur to move food along the digestive tract. During this activity, sounds like rumbling or gurgling can be heard.

3. Diarrhea and Food Intolerance

During diarrhea, stomach rumbling occurs more frequently. This is due to an increase in fluids and gas in the digestive tract. In addition to diarrhea, which may be caused by bacterial, viral, or parasitic contamination in food, borborygmi can also occur due to food intolerance. This occurs because individuals lack specific enzymes needed to digest certain types of food.

In individuals with lactose intolerance, they do not produce enough lactase enzyme, which functions to break down lactose (sugar found in dairy products). As a result, they cannot digest lactose effectively, so lactose reaches the large intestine, where some of it is converted into gas and acid.

4. Gastrointestinal Diseases

Stomach rumbling can also be caused by diseases that occur in the gastrointestinal tract. First, there are infections such as gastritis or food poisoning due to salmonella, E. coli, or Campylobacter. Second is Celiac Disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten (a protein usually found in wheat and grains).

The third is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) due to intolerance or sensitivity to certain foods, as well as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis due to autoimmune factors. The last is bowel obstruction, which occurs when solid or liquid food attempts to pass through a narrowed part of the intestine.

If stomach rumbling is accompanied by other uncomfortable symptoms, the cause may be gastrointestinal disease.

How to Deal with It

Stomach rumbling is a normal part of the digestive system and indicates that the intestines are working unless the sound occurs simultaneously with other uncomfortable symptoms. However, there are times when the sound can be embarrassing if heard by others. Here are some tips to deal with stomach rumbling:

• Drink water or eat something
• Eat slowly to avoid swallowing too much air
• Avoid carbonated drinks and alcohol
• Avoid gas-producing (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage) and acidic (citrus fruits, coffee) foods
• Reduce sugar intake, especially fructose or sugar alcohols (artificial sweeteners)
• Undergo testing to diagnose food intolerance

So, besides indicating hunger and showing that digestion is taking place, stomach rumbling can be caused by diarrhea, food intolerance, and gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis, food poisoning, celiac disease, irritable bowel disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and bowel obstruction).

The way to deal with it is to consume water or food, chew slowly, avoid carbonated and gas-producing foods and drinks, and reduce sugar intake. If necessary, consult a doctor for a diagnosis of food intolerance. Which tips have you used to deal with it, Ladies?

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