When we are hungry, it is normal for our stomach to “rumble”. This is a natural physiological process in the body, called borborygmus, which consists of contractions of the stomach and intestine that occur both when we eat and when we do not eat.
In the second case, the body begins to prepare to receive food. The stomach, for example, starts releasing a hormone called ghrelin, which stimulates the brain to understand that we are hungry, according to Paulo Barros, gastroenterologist at the Specialized Center for Digestive System at Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz.
“In general, the body stimulates the entire digestive system to produce enzymes and prepare for digestion. Then, you start to have a certain intestinal contraction too and, as a result, you start to hear some noise and some snoring”, he explains.
In some cases, belly noises may become more noticeable and the cause of this may be exactly what was ingested. “The noises we hear are the passage of liquid and gas through the intestine. This can vary with what we eat. If we eat something that is more irritating to the intestine, which produces more gas, like feijoada, the intestine distends and you hear it pass”, explains Barros.
However, in other situations, noises may indicate motor dysfunction in the intestine. This is the case with irritable bowel syndrome, according to the specialist. The use of antibiotics can also alter the gut microbiota.
“This alters digestion and the formation of fecal matter, which can increase the noise inside the belly. The patient who has diarrhea, for example, has a very strong contraction of the intestine, which is why he feels the colic, and he hears the liquid passing from one side to the other”, says the gastroenterologist.
When can belly noises be warning signs of something serious?
The noises in the belly are normal contractions of the intestine, as we have already seen. However, some symptoms that may be accompanied by contractions can signal a warning sign of some change in the intestine.
“A warning symptom is abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements, these are signs that you need to see a doctor for an evaluation,” says Barros.
What to do to avoid “rumbling” in your stomach?
Despite being natural physiological processes of the intestine, noises (or “rumblings”) in the belly can be, in some cases, embarrassing. To avoid them, the gastroenterologist’s advice is to maintain healthy eating habits.
“Have a balanced, healthy diet and avoid products that irritate the intestine. For example, beans, cabbage and peppers are irritating. Heavy foods in general can increase these sounds too”, says Barros.
Some types of medication, such as simethicone, can be used to reduce gas formation or help release it, which helps prevent stomach noises.
This content was originally published in Why does your stomach growl? Understand the causes and see how to stop the noise on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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