Does Your Stomach Growl

It seems that our bodies let us know many things in a variety of ways, if it is well and alive!  That familiar growl of our stomach is sending hunger signals.  Are these noises actually coming from our stomach and are they really telling us its time to eat?  Actually, no, but here is what’s really going on with all the rumbles in the belly.

The stomach growling actually originates as muscular activity in both your stomach and your small intestine.  To understand what causes it, take a look at how the body digests the foods and beverages it consumes.  A primary component of the digestive system is a long and hollow tube called the esophagus that runs from the back of the mouth to the anus.  All the various organs along with our gastrointestinal tract is connected through the esophagus, such as the gallbladder, liver pancreas and stomach, as well as the small and large intestines (bowels).

The process called peristalsis does the work of digesting and propelling food through the body from the stomach to the anus.  The food is mixed with a variety of digestive juices along the way that help the body transform liquids and solids into a gooey mixture known as chyme.  This is where the growling noises come into the process and are caused by pockets of trapped air and gasses that are compressed as the body churns food particles and chyme through our digestive system.  The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders say that audible or not, the bowel sounds in the absence of other significant symptoms are normal phenomena of no medical significance.  It might be embarrassing in a social gathering, but no indication of a medical affliction.

Mark Andrews, a specialist in physiology and biophysics at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine notes that contractions generally subside after you eat.  If you do have hyperactive bowel sounds as with diarrhea, it could signal a need for medical attention.  These bowel sounds are characterized by the combination of peristalsis of your intestines, higher levels of fluid and gas and amplified sounds of watery stools.  Some malabsorption states can result in exaggerated bowel sounds as lactose intolerance and Celiac disease.

A bowel obstruction is not only noisy but can also be life-threatening.  These are characterized by increased contractions that attempt to force air, liquids and solids through a narrowing of your intestine and usually produce very loud and often high-pitched sounds.  This is because of the buildup of food, fluids, gas and gastric acids behind the site of the blockage.

It is usual for the intestines to be completely silent during sleep, at certain times of the day and following abdominal surgery.  However, a complete absence of intestinal sounds that occur during an attack of severe abdominal pain could be an indication of a serious intra-abdominal event and you should consider this an emergency.

Optimize our gut microbiome to prevent intestinal problems with fermented foods, such as cultured dairy, as yogurt, kefir and sour cream and cultured vegetables.  Probiotics support the growth of your gut’s good bacteria.  If fermented foods are not an option for you, you might consider taking a daily probiotic supplement.  Unless the sounds are bothersome, or accompanied by abdominal pain or other alarming symptoms, there is little cause for concern. Your best defense against more serious digestive issues is to act now to proactively maintain your health.

Dr Fredda Branyon