If you've ever experienced your stomach growling loudly at the worst possible moment—like during a silent meeting or in the middle of a class—you’re not alone! This phenomenon has a scientific name: borborygmus. But why does our stomach make these strange noises, especially when we’re hungry?
The answer involves a complex interaction between our digestive system, intestinal muscles, and the air inside our gastrointestinal tract. Let’s break it down and understand how it all works!
(Image: Segredos do Mundo)
1. WHAT IS BORBORYGMUS?
Borborygmus refers to the sound produced by the movement of gas and fluids inside the digestive system. It happens due to the contractions of the muscles in the stomach and small intestine, which continuously work to mix food, liquids, and digestive juices.
Even though stomach growling is often associated with hunger, it can also occur during digestion or even in moments of anxiety.
2. WHAT CAUSES THIS SOUND?
Stomach growling happens for a few key reasons:
A) Peristaltic Movements
The digestive tract never stops working, even when we’re not eating. The stomach and intestines are always making peristaltic movements, which are involuntary muscle contractions that push food and liquids through the digestive system.
These movements help:
✔ Mix food with digestive juices
✔ Facilitate nutrient absorption
✔ Move waste through the intestines
When food is present in the stomach, these sounds are muffled. However, when the stomach is empty, the noises become more noticeable because there is more air and less food to absorb the sound.
B) The Brain’s Role in Hunger
When the body realizes it has been a while since the last meal, the brain sends a signal to the stomach to release hunger hormones, such as ghrelin.
This hormone stimulates the production of gastric juices and activates peristaltic movements, preparing the body to receive food. As a result, the stomach muscles contract more actively, pushing the air inside the digestive tract and creating the well-known growling sounds.
C) Presence of Gas and Air in the Intestines
Our digestive system contains air and gases, which can be produced by food fermentation or swallowed while talking and chewing.
When these gases are moved by peristaltic contractions, they collide with liquids and the walls of the digestive tract, producing the characteristic sounds of borborygmus.
3. WHY DOES GROWLING HAPPEN MORE WHEN WE’RE HUNGRY?
While stomach growling can happen at any time, it’s more common when we’re hungry for three main reasons:
✔ An empty stomach amplifies the sounds → Without food to absorb the noise, the growls become more noticeable.
✔ Hunger triggers peristaltic movements → The brain signals the stomach to prepare for food, increasing muscle activity.
✔ More air is present in the digestive tract → Since no food is being digested, the air inside moves more freely, producing more noise.
4. HOW TO PREVENT STOMACH GROWLING?
If you want to avoid these embarrassing noises in important moments, here are some strategies that can help:
🥜 Have small snacks between meals → Eating something light can help keep your digestive system occupied.
🚰 Drink water → Water helps fill the stomach temporarily and reduces the presence of air in the digestive system.
🐢 Eat slowly and chew well → Swallowing air while eating too fast can increase the amount of gas in the digestive system.
🚶 Avoid carbonated drinks → Sodas and other fizzy beverages increase gas levels, making growling sounds more frequent.
5. WHEN CAN STOMACH GROWLING BE A PROBLEM?
Although borborygmus is normal, in some cases, it can indicate digestive issues, such as:
⚠ Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) → People with this condition often experience excessive stomach noises, along with pain and bloating.
⚠ Nutrient Malabsorption → Problems like lactose intolerance or celiac disease can cause excessive growling and digestive discomfort.
⚠ Gastrointestinal Infections → Some infections increase intestinal activity, leading to more noticeable borborygmus.
If stomach growling is accompanied by pain, diarrhea, bloating, or other persistent symptoms, it may be necessary to consult a doctor.
(Image: Band)
CONCLUSION
Stomach growling can be uncomfortable, but it is a completely normal body function. It happens due to the peristaltic movements of the digestive system, especially when we are hungry or have an empty stomach.
Although it is usually just a signal that it’s time to eat, paying attention to other symptoms can help ensure that the digestive system is functioning properly.
Now that you know why your stomach growls, you can be better prepared to avoid those awkward moments in meetings! 😆
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