12 Causes of Stomach Noises: Normal or Something Serious?

What Are Stomach Noises?

Stomach noises—medically known as borborygmi—are rumbling or gurgling sounds coming from the digestive tract, especially the intestines. While these sounds are often linked to hunger, there are several other causes to consider, some of which may require medical attention.

1. Normal Digestive Activity

The digestive system naturally produces sound as it moves food, liquids, and gas through the intestines via muscle contractions (peristalsis). These sounds are completely normal and typically harmless.

2. Hunger

One of the most common reasons for a growling stomach is hunger. When your stomach is empty, your brain triggers muscle contractions in the stomach and intestines to clean out any remaining food—resulting in a growling sound.

3. Excess Air Swallowing

Eating or drinking too quickly, chewing gum, smoking, or consuming carbonated drinks can cause excess air to enter your digestive system, leading to increased gurgling and gas noises.

4. Lactose Intolerance

If you're lactose intolerant, consuming dairy can lead to gas, bloating, and stomach noises. This happens because your body can't digest lactose properly, causing fermentation in the gut.

5. High-Fiber Diet

Fiber-rich foods like vegetables, beans, and whole grains are healthy but can produce gas as they’re broken down, especially by gut bacteria—resulting in increased stomach sounds.

6. Intestinal Infections or Inflammation

Conditions like bacterial infections, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis cause inflammation in the gut. This can lead to cramping, diarrhea, and noticeable stomach noises.

7. Bowel Obstruction

Blockages in the intestines (due to hernias, tumors, or adhesions) can lead to intense muscular activity and loud sounds as the gut tries to move contents past the blockage. This is a serious condition that needs immediate medical care.

8. Celiac Disease

This autoimmune disorder causes your body to react negatively to gluten, damaging the small intestine lining and causing poor digestion, bloating, and abnormal sounds.

9. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a chronic condition that disrupts normal bowel movements and may cause bloating, pain, excessive gas, and loud stomach growling. Stress is a common trigger.

10. Hernia

A hernia happens when a part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. It may result in discomfort, swelling, and noisy digestion.

11. Ulcerative Colitis

This chronic inflammation of the colon can lead to ulcers, bloody stools, and stomach rumbling due to disturbed bowel movements and internal irritation.

12. Crohn’s Disease

A type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s can affect any part of the digestive tract, causing diarrhea, fever, weight loss, and frequent stomach growling.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if your stomach noises are accompanied by:

Severe abdominal pain or cramps
Persistent nausea or vomiting
Prolonged bloating or constipation
Bloody stools
Sudden unexplained weight loss
Fever

How to Stop Stomach Noises

Try the following tips to reduce or prevent stomach growling:

Eat smaller, more frequent meals
Drink enough water throughout the day
Avoid carbonated drinks and chewing gum
Chew your food slowly and thoroughly
Limit gas-producing foods like beans, broccoli, and dairy
Manage stress through mindfulness or light exercise
Take short walks after eating to aid digestion

Stomach growling is often harmless and simply a part of normal digestion, especially when you're hungry or eating high-fiber foods. However, persistent or painful noises should not be ignored. A healthy diet, regular meals, and mindful eating habits can greatly reduce the frequency and intensity of stomach sounds.