Stomach Gurgling: Causes & Tips To Reduce It

Do you hear noises in your stomach frequently after eating? It usually is not a cause of concern unless it is accompanied by other health conditions. Stomach gurgling is a normal part of your digestion which can also occur when you get hungry. Stomach noises can also be caused due to the presence of liquid within the intestines. Read this article to learn the causes and some measures to reduce stomach noises.

Causes Of Stomach Growling

There are various reasons which can result in stomach growling. Some of them are as follows:

Digestion

Your stomach makes noises when there is a muscular contraction of the intestinal wall. This happens when your intestines are processing the food.

Peristalsis

Another cause of stomach noises can be peristalsis. This is the sound which occurs after you eat. This can happen after some hours of your meal or even when you are about to sleep.

Hunger

Your stomach can make noises when you are hungry. The noises can increase in your stomach when you have been hungry for more than two hours. 

Also Read: Stomach Cancer: Types, Tests For Diagnosis and New Treatments

Gastrointestinal Disorders

In some cases, stomach noises can also be caused due to gastrointestinal disorders in your body, such as irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome causes sensitivity in your bowels which leads to stomach pain, constipation or diarrhoea, gas and bloating.

Food Intolerances

Another reason for stomach gurgling can be caused due to food intolerance which leads to incomplete digestion. This can cause gas in your intestines and lead to stomach noises.

How To Reduce Stomach Noises?

There is no complete prevention method to stop your stomach noises; however, some measures can be followed to reduce them. Some of them are as follows:

Avoid Foods That Cause Gas

It will be helpful if you avoid eating foods like beans, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, mushrooms, peas, whole grains, etc, as they can build gas in your stomach and lead to stomach gurgling. 

Avoid Large Meals & Eat Slowly

You should eat smaller meals instead of eating a heavy meal at once. This is because it is difficult to digest large meals, and incomplete digestion can lead to stomach noises. In addition, you should chew your food properly and eat slowly as it aids in the digestive process.

Avoid Carbonated Drinks

You should avoid drinking carbonated drinks as they can lead to bloating. Moreover, avoid drinking them with a straw as it allows more passage for air and can cause gas. 

Practise Breathing Exercises

You should also practise breathing exercises by taking deep breaths to help your digestive process. Moreover, they are beneficial for your respiratory health and help you to relax your mind.

Also Read: What Is 4-7-8 Breathing Technique And How It Benefits You?

When To Visit A Doctor?

In most cases, stomach noises are not a problem. However, if you are facing other issues like abdominal pain, fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, bloating, loss of appetite along with stomach gurgling, you should visit a doctor. 

Bottomline

Stomach gurgling is normal, but if it is consistent and painful and accompanied by other symptoms, you should seek your doctor’s help. You should avoid drinking carbonated drinks, eating foods that can cause gas, and practise breathing exercises to improve your digestion.