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Ways to Stop Stomach Growling

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Ways to Stop Stomach Growling

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Stomach growling is the rolling noise that comes from the stomach only when an individual does not eat food for the entire day.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Babu Lal Meena

Published At September 30, 2021
Reviewed AtNovember 3, 2023

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:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Gastrointestinal Disorders: The stomach growling is more frequent in individuals with certain disorders such as gastroenteritis and irritable bowel syndrome.

  • 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:

  • Beans.

  • Lentils.

  • Broccoli.

  • Cabbage.

  • Cauliflower.

  • Peas.

  • Onions.

  • Mushrooms.

  • Brussels sprouts.

  • Whole grains.

  • Sodas.

  • 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:

  • Dairy products.

  • Lactose.

  • Gluten.

  • Soy.

  • Fish.

  • Eggs.

  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

What Is The Sound Due To Stomach Growling Known As?

Stomach growls are also known as stomach rumbling or gurgling. However, the exact term for stomach sounds is borborygmi.

2.

What Does a Growling Stomach Mean?

Growling sounds from the stomach occur in the following conditions and are normal to happen.
- During digestion.
- Movement of food, liquid, or air within the intestines.
- Contraction of muscles of the digestive system during hunger.
- Your stomach can also growl in certain disease conditions like,
Diarrhea.
- Food allergy.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases.

3.

What Other Symptoms Accompany a Gurgling Stomach?

Stomach gurgling sounds, in normal instances, do not cause additional symptoms. However, if any underlying disease of the gastrointestinal tract is causing the sounds, the following symptoms would accompany it,
- Gas trouble.
- Not feeling hungry at all.
- Abdominal pain.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Constipation.
- Blood in stools.
- Heartburn.

4.

What Does My Stomach Make Growling Sounds When I Am Not Hungry?

Stomach growling sounds can occur both in hungry and not-so-hungry situations. If you are not hungry and your stomach growls, it is due to the digestion of the food that you probably ate a while before or due to the movement of liquid or gas within your intestines and is completely normal.

5.

Why Do Pregnant Women Experience Stomach Growling at Night?

There is an increased appetite and boosted metabolism during pregnancy to meet the requirements of the growing fetus. Hence, for more food intake, your hormones signal the brain to boost your hunger and metabolism, leading to stomach growls.

6.

Why Does It Hurt When My Stomach Gurgles?

The following conditions cause stomach pain along with gurgling sounds,
- Diarrhea.
- Abdominal gas problems.
- Food intolerance and allergy.
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
- Gastrointestinal infections.

7.

Should I Be Worried About Stomach Gurgling?

If your stomach rumbling is not accompanied by stomach pain, bloody stools, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, you do not have to worry about your gurgling sounds.

8.

How Can I Stop Post-Meal Stomach Growling?

- Chew and eat slowly.
- Do not keep your stomach empty for long periods. Eat at regular intervals.
- Eat in moderation. Do not fill your tummy with excess food.
Limit the intake of foods that are hard to digest, such as broccoli, beans, etc.
- Limit caffeinated and acidic foods and drinks.
- Go for a bit of a walk (not intense) after your meal.
- Limit sugary foods.

9.

How Can I Stop My Stomach Gurgles Due to Diarrhea?

If you have any gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel diseases, you may frequently experience stomach growling and diarrhea. Treating the condition will only relieve abnormal growling sounds and diarrhea.

10.

Is IBS Associated With a Gurgling Stomach?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) causes stomach gurgling sounds along with abdominal cramps, diarrhea, abdominal bloating, mucus excretion, fecal incontinence, swollen abdomen, and abdominal cramps.
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Dr. Babu Lal Meena
Dr. Babu Lal Meena

Medical Gastroenterology

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