The gurgling sound your stomach makes — often called “borborygmi” — is completely natural and happens due to movement of gas and fluids through the digestive tract. While hunger is one common reason, it’s definitely not the only reason. Here’s a complete explanation of all possible causes:
🔊 Why the Stomach Makes Gurgling Sounds
The sounds come from the muscular contractions of the stomach and intestines, called peristalsis, which move food, liquid, and air through the digestive tract.
✅ Main Causes of Stomach Gurgling
1. Hunger (Empty Stomach)
- When you’re hungry, the brain signals the digestive system to prepare for food.
- Hormones like ghrelin are released, stimulating muscle contractions and producing gurgling.
- The stomach may be mostly empty, so the sounds of air and residual fluid movement are more noticeable.
2. Digesting Food
- After eating, your body breaks down food using stomach acid and enzymes.
- As food moves through the intestines, gas is produced and muscles contract, causing gurgling.
- Sounds may be louder if you’re digesting something fibrous or gas-producing (e.g., beans, cabbage).
3. Swallowed Air
- Eating too quickly, talking while eating, drinking carbonated drinks, or chewing gum can cause you to swallow air.
- This air passes through your digestive tract and can create bubbling or gurgling noises.
4. Gas Production
- Certain foods ferment in the intestines, creating gas.
- Bacteria in your gut also produce gas during digestion.
- This movement of gas through the intestines causes rumbling sounds.
5. Anxiety or Stress
- When you’re nervous or anxious, your digestive system can become overactive.
- The gut-brain connection causes stress to increase bowel movement or spasms, leading to more noticeable sounds.
6. Mild Indigestion or Upset Stomach
- Overeating, eating spicy or greasy food, or eating too quickly can irritate your stomach and intestines.
- This can lead to extra movement and sound as your digestive system tries to handle the load.
7. Lack of Food Over Time (Fasting or Long Gaps Between Meals)
- If you’re skipping meals or following intermittent fasting, gurgling becomes more noticeable due to an empty, active digestive system.
- Even thinking about food can stimulate sounds via the cephalic phase of digestion.
⚠️ When Gurgling Might Signal a Problem
Most of the time, gurgling is harmless. However, if it’s frequent and comes with symptoms like:
- Bloating
- Pain or cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Unexplained weight loss
…then it may point to issues like:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Lactose intolerance or food intolerances
- Infections
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
✅ Summary
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Hunger | Stomach preparing for food; empty space makes sounds louder |
| Digestion | Movement of food, gas, and fluids creates gurgling |
| Swallowed Air | Caused by fast eating, talking, or carbonated drinks |
| Gas Production | From bacteria or gas-producing foods |
| Stress/Anxiety | Speeds up or alters gut activity |
| Indigestion | Causes extra activity in the digestive tract |
| Long Gaps Between Meals | Empty gut still tries to “clean” itself |
If you ever feel concerned, especially with other symptoms, it’s wise to check with a doctor. But usually, a gurgling stomach is just your gut doing its job — whether hungry, full, or somewhere in between.
