“Borborygmi,” the formal name for stomach growling, is the sound made when intestines move gas and liquids around. This is why it takes place:
1. Contractions of Digestive Muscles: Muscles line the stomach and intestines. These muscles contract periodically to help move food, liquid, and gas through the digestive system, a process called peristalsis.
These muscles keep contracting even when your stomach is empty. This makes the contents (even if it’s just air and digestive juices) move around, making noises that sound like growling.
Number 2: Signs of Hunger: The brain releases glucagon and other hormones when you haven’t eaten. These hormones signal the digestive muscles to start contracting, which in turn causes the growling sound. – The growl is your body’s way of telling you it’s time to eat.
3. Presence of Gas: Gas in the intestines, whether from swallowed air or the breakdown of certain foods by gut bacteria, adds to the noise.
The sound is generally more noticeable when the stomach is empty because there is less content to muffle the noise.
4. Normal Digestive Process: Stomach growling isn’t just a sign of hunger. It can also occur after eating, as the digestive system works to process the food, pushing it along the digestive tract.
5. Potential Digestive Issues: While growling is usually harmless, excessive or loud stomach noises, especially if followed by discomfort, could indicate issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food intolerances, or digestive blockages.
In summary, stomach growling is a normal and natural part of the digestive process. It is mainly caused by the movement of gas and fluids within an empty or partially filled stomach and intestines.
- hp/picture: Image by Darko Djurin from Pixabay
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