Have you ever been in a quiet room and suddenly heard a
rumbling noise coming from your stomach? You might be wondering what's going on
in there. Abdominal sounds are normal and can occur in everyone. However,
sometimes they can be a sign of an underlying health condition. In this
article, we'll take a closer look at abdominal sounds and what they can tell
you about your health.
What is a stomach growl or stomach rumbling?
Stomach sounds are noises that your stomach and intestines
make as food and gas move through your digestive system. These sounds are
created by the movement of gas, fluids, and muscles in your digestive tract.
The technical term for these sounds is bowel sounds or peristalsis or
borborygmi.
Types of stomach noises
There are two types of abdominal sounds: normal and
abnormal. Normal sounds are those that you hear on a regular basis and are
typically not a cause for concern. They are usually low-pitched and occur every
5-15 seconds. Abnormal sounds, on the other hand, are those that are loud,
high-pitched, or occur frequently. These sounds can be a sign of an underlying
health condition.
Common Causes of stomach growling
Stomach growling noises can be caused by a variety of
factors. common causes for stomach growling include:
1. Hunger: When you're hungry, your stomach produces a
hormone called ghrelin. This hormone stimulates your digestive system, causing
it to produce more gurgling sounds.
2. Gas: When gas moves through your digestive system, it can
create a variety of sounds. These sounds are usually normal and not a cause for
concern.
3. Digestive Issues: If you have a digestive issue like
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food allergy, or inflammatory bowel disease
(IBD), you may experience more frequent or abnormal abdominal sounds.
4. Intestinal Blockage: If your digestive system is blocked
by a tumor or other obstruction, you may experience loud, high-pitched
abdominal sounds.
5. Medications: Some medications can cause your digestive
system to produce more sounds. Examples include laxatives and antibiotics.
6. Certain foods: Your body can have trouble digesting some
foods, such as peas, lentils, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. Even
when your appetite is dozing off, it might cause your stomach to growl.
When to worry about stomach growling?
Stomach growling is usually a normal part of digestion and
nothing to worry about. However, if you are experiencing excessive stomach
growling or it is accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea,
bloating, constipation, nausea, or vomiting then it may be a sign of an
underlying medical condition and should be discussed with a doctor. Stomach
growling may also indicate that the individual is not eating enough food and
may need to adjust their diet. If the stomach growling persists for an extended
period of time and does not appear to be related to hunger then it should be
assessed by a doctor to rule out any potential issues. It can also be helpful
to keep track of what foods are consumed before the stomach starts growling in
order to determine if certain foods are causing the issue.
How to stop stomach growling
If you are looking for ways to stop your stomach grumbling,
here are some tips that can help:
1. Eat Small Meals: Instead of having three large meals a
day, try having five to six small meals. This will help keep your digestive
system busy, reducing the chances of stomach growling.
2. Drink Water: Drinking water can help flush out excess gas
from your digestive system, reducing the chances of stomach growling.
3. Avoid Certain Foods: Some foods can increase the chances
of stomach growling, such as beans, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, and onions. Try
avoiding these foods or consuming them in moderation.
4. Chew Slowly: Chewing your food slowly can help break down
the food more efficiently, reducing the chances of stomach growling.
5. Try Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that
can help improve your digestive health. Adding probiotics to your diet can help
reduce the chances of stomach growling.
6. Manage Stress: Stress can affect your digestive system,
leading to stomach growling. Try managing stress through activities such as
yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.
Takeaway message
Stomach growling is a common occurrence that can be
embarrassing. However, with the right tips and tricks, you can reduce the
chances of stomach growling and improve your digestive health. Remember to eat
small meals, drink plenty of water, avoid certain foods, chew your food slowly,
try probiotics, and manage stress. By incorporating these tips into your
lifestyle, you can stop your stomach from growling and enjoy a healthier
digestive system.