Introduction:
Stomach growling is the rolling noise that comes from the stomach. The sound is quite embarrassing in public situations or quiet places. The rolling noise can cause discomfort or awkwardness when an individual is attending an important meeting, romantic dinner, or library. However, there are some ways to decrease or prevent stomach growling. The article provides an overview of strategies to quiet the stomach growling sound and to end the embarrassing moments. By adopting the management strategies, say goodbye to stomach growling.
What Is Stomach Growling?
Stomach growling is a normal and natural phenomenon that most people come across. It is more noticeable when there is no intake of food, slow or incomplete digestion, or gas movement in the stomach. The other name for stomach growling is borborygmi. Stomach growling occurs as food, liquid, or gas goes through the stomach and small intestine.
Why Does Stomach Growling Occur?
Stomach growling occurs when an individual does not eat food or drink water for an entire day. The causes of stomach growling are as follows:
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Contraction of Digestive Muscles: The shrinkage of muscles present on the stomach lining causes the food to move through the digestive system for absorption and digestion.
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Mixing of Contents: The shrinkage of muscles causes the mixing of contents leading to the displacement of gas and fluids. This can lead to rolling noise in the stomach.
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Hunger: The phenomenon is more common when there is no food in the stomach or when there is no intake of food. On an empty stomach, the pronouncement of gas and fluid is more leading to stomach growling.
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Swallowing Air: The air can be swallowed by an individual during talking, eating, and drinking which can lead to the presence of gas in the digestive system causing the formation of the condition.
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Rapid Eating or Drinking: When an individual eats or drinks more quickly, it can lead to the intake of excess air in the stomach causing the development of the condition.
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Gastrointestinal Disorders: The stomach growling is more frequent in individuals with certain disorders such as gastroenteritis and irritable bowel syndrome.
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Stress and Anxiety: The normal functioning of the digestive system gets affected leading to an increased amount of gas and liquid movement in the stomach.
How to Stop Stomach Growling?
There are some ways to stop stomach growling, which include:
1) Drink Some Water: When the stomach is growling, an individual can drink some water. Drinking water helps in two ways. The first one is by improving digestion, and it also fills the stomach, which later improves the hunger reaction and controls the condition. Drinking more amounts of water can make it easier for the stomach to break down food and prevent gas formation.
To prevent stomach growling, an individual should sip water slowly throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts of water at the same time. Drinking large quantities of water at the same time can lead to rolling sounds from the stomach.
2) Eat Regular Meals: If the stomach is not full, then the stomach may signal that it is time to eat again. Having a balanced meal in the stomach can decrease the awkward noises. Taking small amounts of food helps to improve digestion and metabolism and prevents the condition. By avoiding fasting for long periods by maintaining a steady supply of food, an individual can get freedom from the condition.
3) Chew Slowly: An individual should eat slowly and avoid eating quickly. Chewing slowly can prevent this stomach growling by blocking the intake of excess air. Chewing properly can also reduce the amount of air that is swallowed, preventing gas production and digestive problems.
4) Try to Avoid Gas Producing Foods: Stomach growling can be caused by large amounts of gas going through the digestive tract. The food that an individual should avoid to prevent gas production is as follows:
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Beans.
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Lentils.
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Broccoli.
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Cabbage.
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Cauliflower.
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Peas.
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Onions.
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Mushrooms.
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Brussels sprouts.
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Whole grains.
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Sodas.
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Beer.
5) Try to Avoid or Reduce Acidic Foods: The high acidic food or drinks should be avoided by an individual because these may cause growling noises. Acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, sodas, coffee, and more., can cause the condition formation. Drinking alcohol can also cause stomach growling by an increase in acid production and result in inflammation in the lining of the stomach.
6) Reduce Sugar Intake: Excessive intake of sugars like fructose, and sorbitol can cause digestive problems like diarrhea triggering these stomach sounds.
7) Do Not Overeat: Overeating can make it hard for the digestive system to perform its regular functions. Eating smaller portions regularly and slowly can prevent the formation of the condition.
8) Stay Active: An individual should do some physical exercise such as walking or cycling after having meals. By doing physical activity the digestion process is improved and an individual will get freedom from growling noises.
9) Stay Calm: Stomach growling can be evident during stressful conditions. An individual can manage stress through deep breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga. These exercises will improve the digestion process and manage stomach growling.
10) Try to Practice Portion Control: An individual should eat smaller portions of food with proper chewing methods. This can prevent stomach growling and improve digestion.
11) Try to Avoid Foods That Cause Intolerance: Some people are allergic to certain foods like dairy products, wheat, fish, eggs, and more. So eating these foods that are allergic to the body can cause irritation and inflammation of the stomach and small intestines. Some of the common foods that cause allergy to people are as follows:
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Dairy products.
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Lactose.
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Gluten.
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Soy.
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Fish.
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Eggs.
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Brinjal.
Conclusion:
Even though stomach growling is a normal phenomenon, it can create some discomfort and awkwardness. So practicing certain lifestyle changes like eating at regular intervals, avoiding acidic foods, sugary foods, intolerant foods, and managing stress and anxiety can help prevent stomach growling.