WHY DOES OUR STOMACH GROWL WHEN HUNGRY, AND CAN WE AVOID EMBARRASSING RUMBLING?
It happens to the best of us!
Growling can occur when muscles contract when there is no food in the stomach. It’s a perfectly normal process according to your experts.
You feel embarrassed as loud rumblings interrupt your presentation, but experts say it’s nothing to be ashamed of – and the noises are out of your control.
The perfectly normal physiological process is known as borborygmi and is the result of contractions of muscles in the stomach and intestines.
These help move food along the digestive tract. However, when the tract is empty because you haven’t eaten, the normal contractions generate noise as they move air and fluids through the stomach and intestines.
HOW TO MAKE IT STOP IF YOU CAN’T EAT
But what happens if you’re somewhere you can’t easily eat a meal – is there any way to ease the noisy symptoms of an empty stomach?
Experts say drinking water may be enough to temporarily muffle the rumbles.
Eating your meals slower may also help because it will slow down digestion, keeping you fuller longer, which should keep growling at bay.
If your stomach seems to be consistently growling before you feel ready for another meal, you may need to eat less, but do so more often.
Swapping three larger meals for four to six smaller ones can improve digestion and prevent growls, as well as improve metabolism and keep you more satisfied – which will prevent the cries of hunger.
YOUR STOMACH MAKES NOISE WHEN IT’S SICK
Excessive gas, indigestion, diarrhea or a chronic gastrointestinal condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) also causes tummy rumbles…
To avoid the awkward sounds, it is important to keep your stomach satisfied by eating regularly and not skipping meals.
Avoiding carbonated beverages and staying away from gas-producing foods like broccoli, cabbage and beans can also help reduce any post-meal growling.
You should also discuss any lingering or painful abdominal rumblings with your doctor.
