Do you really know? Why do our stomachs rumble?
Nov 30, 2025
Stomach rumbles, known as borborygmi, are natural and happen whether we're hungry or not. These noisy growls are amplified when the stomach is empty. Factors like stress and fizzy drinks can increase rumbling, but there are practical tips to reduce it, such as balanced diets and calm breathing. Not all rumblings are a cause for concern, but if accompanied by pain or bloating, it's wise to consult a gastroenterologist. Understanding these quirky bodily functions can take the embarrassment out of public rumbles!
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Normal Bodily Sounds Have A Name
- Stomach rumbling is a normal, regular bodily function called borborygmi coined by the ancient Greeks.
- Sounds become louder when the stomach is empty because liquid and food normally muffle them.
Peristalsis Compresses Gas To Make Noise
- Rumbling comes from peristalsis: involuntary muscle contractions that push food and gas through the gut.
- Pockets of gas get compressed during these contractions and create the audible rumbling.
Practical Ways To Reduce Rumbling
- Reduce rumbling by eating a balanced diet, chewing thoroughly, and breathing calmly to avoid swallowed air.
- Try avoiding fizzy drinks, drink hot or cold beverages after meals, and apply light stomach pressure to ease contractions.