why does your stomach growl

The stomach growls due to a natural process called "peristalsis," where muscular contractions move food, fluids, gas, and digestive juices through the stomach and intestines. This movement creates rumbling sounds known as borborygmi. Growling often happens when the stomach and intestines are empty, making the noises louder because there is no food to muffle the sound. It can also occur during digestion as the body breaks down food. Additionally, stomach growling signals hunger because when the stomach is empty, it releases the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates contractions in the digestive muscles in preparation for food. Sometimes the growling can be caused or amplified by swallowed air, certain foods that produce gas, or digestive conditions. In sum, stomach growling is usually a normal sign of digestion or hunger caused by the movement of gas, fluids, and food through the digestive tract and the contractions of digestive muscles.