Stomach growling can be loud, embarrassing, or surprising. Especially when it happens in quiet places like school, meetings, or bedtime. But stomach growling is completely normal, and it’s actually a sign that your gut is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do.
So why does your stomach growl, what causes those rumbling noises, and when should you be concerned? Here’s a simple, GI-NP-approved guide for kids and adults
What Is Stomach Growling?
Stomach growling, also called borborygmi, is the sound your stomach and intestines make when:
• food is moving
• gas is shifting
• the gut is contracting
• your stomach is empty
Your digestive system is always working, even when you’re not eating, and the movement of gas and fluid through the intestines creates rumbling or gurgling sounds.
Why Does My Stomach Growl?
There are a few very normal reasons your belly makes noise.
1. You’re Hungry
This is the most common reason.
When your stomach is empty, your brain releases a hormone that signals your gut to restart a cleansing wave called the migrating motor complex.
This motion sweeps leftover food and bacteria through your intestines — and it makes noise.
This is healthy and normal.
2. Your Gut Is Moving Food Along
Even when you’re not hungry, your stomach growls as it digests and moves food forward. Many people notice this:
• after eating
• when lying down
• when relaxing
• during class or meetings
It’s simply digestion happening.
3. Gas Is Moving Through the Intestines
Air naturally gets trapped and pushed around as food breaks down.
This produces rumbling noises, especially if:
• you ate quickly
• you swallowed air
• you had fizzy drinks
• you ate gas-producing foods (beans, broccoli, cauliflower, onions)
This can also happen during bloating or constipation.
4. You’re Digesting Carbs or Fiber
Some foods ferment more than others.
Healthy foods like fruit, beans, whole grains, and fiber can produce extra gas and sound.
This is normal and not a sign that anything is wrong.
5. You’re Nervous or Anxious
The gut and brain are closely connected.
Anxiety can speed up gut motility, leading to louder noises and more movement.
Kids especially experience this before school or big events.
When Stomach Growling Is NOT a Problem
Growling is harmless when:
• it isn’t painful
• it happens after eating
• it happens when hungry
• it isn’t paired with vomiting or fever
• bowel movements are normal
If it’s just noise — your gut is healthy and active.
When Stomach Growling Might Need Attention
Reach out to your provider if growling is paired with:
• persistent pain
• chronic diarrhea or constipation
• significant bloating
• unintended weight loss
• vomiting
• feeling full after only a few bites
Rarely, these symptoms can signal food sensitivities, reflux, IBS, or slow motility.
How to Reduce Stomach Growling
If the noise is bothering you or your child, try these simple steps:
1. Eat small, frequent meals
Large gaps between meals make the migrating motor complex activate — leading to growls.
2. Slow down eating
Less air swallowing = fewer noises.
3. Drink water regularly
Helps smooth digestion and prevent noisy gas movement.
4. Add gentle movement
Walking helps gas move through the gut more quietly.
5. Support regular poops
Constipation increases stomach noises because gas gets trapped behind stool.
6. Identify specific food triggers
Some foods create more digestive noise — this is normal, but you can space them out if needed.
Final Thoughts
Stomach growling is almost always a normal part of digestion and a sign that your gut is awake, active, and doing its job. Kids and adults both experience belly noises daily and most of the time, it means your body is working exactly as it should.
If the noises become painful or disruptive, small changes in hydration, diet, and eating habits can make a big difference.
Kindly,
Renee
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