When your stomach growls, it usually means that the muscles in your stomach and intestines are contracting to move gas, fluids, and sometimes food through your digestive tract-a process called peristalsis. These muscular contractions create the rumbling or growling noises often associated with hunger
. More specifically:
- Hunger signal: When you're hungry, your brain releases hormone-like substances that trigger contractions in your stomach and intestines, causing the growling sounds as the digestive tract is empty and air and fluids move around
- Digestion: Growling can also occur after eating, as your intestines contract to mix and propel food, gas, and digestive fluids along the digestive tract. This is a normal part of digestion and can happen even several hours after eating or at night
- Gas movement: The presence and movement of gas in your intestines can increase the noise. Certain foods that produce more gas, like beans or cabbage, can make growling louder
- Other causes: Sometimes stomach growling may indicate digestive issues such as food intolerances, infections, irritable bowel syndrome, or bowel obstruction, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like pain, diarrhea, or bloating
In summary, stomach growling is a normal physiological process reflecting digestive muscle activity and is most commonly a sign of hunger or digestion in progress. It is usually nothing to worry about unless it is persistent and accompanied by other concerning symptoms
