Have you ever felt embarrassed when you were in a very quiet place, like in an exam hall or an important meeting at the office, and heard a loud 'gurgling' sound from your stomach? Or have you ever been unable to sleep at night because of this sound coming from your stomach when you were trying to sleep? This is a problem that many people have. So today, let's talk about why our stomach makes this sound, is it normal, or is it something to be afraid of?
Why does my stomach make noises after eating?
If you hear a rumbling sound in your stomach after eating, it's most likely a normal part of your digestive process. To be precise, the smooth muscles in our stomach and intestines contract and relax to push the food we eat down the digestive tract. This process is called peristalsis. When these muscles work, the food, liquids, and air in our stomach mix together.
Think of your stomach as a washing machine. Just like the sound of clothes spinning with water and soap, it is very normal to make a 'gurgling' sound as food, digestive juices, and air mix together in your stomach. There is even a medical name for this - `(Borborygmus)`.
Also, stomach noises can occur when stress increases . During times like when an exam is approaching or when we are busy, our digestive system can change and cause these kinds of noises.
Why does your stomach growl when you're hungry?
Have you ever had your stomach suddenly growl when you walk past a good kottu shop, or when you smell bread coming from a bakery? There's a reason for that too.
When we start to feel hungry, especially when we smell something delicious or think about it, our brain sends a signal to our stomach. This signal stimulates the stomach to produce a hormone called `(Ghrelin)`. This hormone is what makes us feel hungry. This causes the stomach and intestines to start contracting in preparation for the food even before it arrives. When the muscles in an empty stomach contract like this, the air and fluids inside are pushed back and forth, which is what makes that 'gurgling' sound. Simply put, it's hunger that you hear.
Sometimes, even when we're not hungry, our stomach can make noises. The reason for this is certain foods we eat.
For example, foods like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, lentils, and chickpeas are a little difficult for our bodies to digest. When these are digested, excess gas is produced in the intestines. As this gas moves around, the stomach can make noises.
Also, things like diet soda and sugar-free gum, which are difficult to digest, can cause stomach noises. If you have this problem, keep a food diary for a few weeks to see what foods make you burp more.
One thing to watch out for in particular is milk and dairy products . Many people cannot digest the sugar in milk, lactose. We call this condition ``Lactose intolerance.'' People with this condition experience bloating, flatulence, and gas when they drink milk or eat something like yogurt or cheese.
Should I be worried about this noise? When should I see a doctor?
Most of the time, stomach sounds are a normal part of hunger and digestion. So there's no reason to be alarmed by a sound. It's like the sound we hear when water flows through a water pipe. In fact, doctors will put a stethoscope on your stomach and ask if you can hear these normal bowel sounds.
However, there are times when we need to be concerned about other symptoms that accompany this noise.
| Normal situations, no need to be afraid | When to seek immediate medical advice |
|---|---|
| Making noise when hungry. | Severe stomach pain or stomach cramps with stomach noises. |
| Making noise after eating. | Persistent bloating and discomfort. |
| Only the sound remains without any other inconvenience. | Conditions such as diarrhea or constipation for days. |
| Hearing more noise in a quiet environment at night. | Nausea or vomiting. |
| Blood in the stool (rectal bleeding). |
If you have one or more of these symptoms along with stomach noises, be sure to see your doctor for advice.
What can be done to reduce this noise?
Although this is normal, if you find it embarrassing to have it in public, there are a few simple things you can try to reduce this noise.
- Take a short walk after eating: It's not a big workout, just a short walk of 10-15 minutes. This helps with the digestion process.
- Drink water little by little: Instead of drinking large amounts of water at once throughout the day, drink little by little.
- Eat slowly: When we eat quickly, we swallow more air. So take your time, chew well, and eat with your mouth closed.
- Reduce foods and drinks that cause gas: Try cutting back on soda, artificial sweeteners, and vegetables that you find difficult to digest (such as cabbage and lentils).
- Manage stress: Try to keep your mind relaxed. Things like meditating or listening to music can help.
- If you smoke, stop: Smoking also causes us to swallow more air. It is also harmful to the digestive system. If you want to stop this, you can seek help from your doctor.
- Don't starve: Eating a small, healthy snack between main meals can help reduce hunger pangs.
Take-Home Message
- Stomach growling is often a normal, harmless part of hunger or the digestive process.
- Stress and certain foods (such as dairy foods, cabbage, lentils) can cause this sound.
- If the sound is accompanied by other symptoms such as severe pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, it could be a sign of a medical condition, so see your doctor immediately.
- Simple lifestyle changes like eating slowly, drinking water in small amounts, and taking a short walk after meals can help control this sound.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න