Why does your stomach make gurgling noises when you're hungry?
Dec 03, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Xuemei
Introduction
Gurgling, also known as bowel sounds, may be caused by gastrointestinal motility, gastric acid secretion, an empty stomach, intestinal microbiota, or neural reflexes. Bowel sounds do not necessarily indicate a gastrointestinal problem. However, if they occur frequently and are accompanied by symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, or constipation, medical evaluation should be sought promptly to rule out potential underlying conditions.
Gurgling, also known as bowel sounds, may be caused by various factors such as gastrointestinal motility, gastric acid secretion, an empty stomach, intestinal microbiota, and neural reflexes. Details are as follows:
1. Gastrointestinal Motility
After eating, the gastrointestinal tract begins to contract to aid in digestion and nutrient absorption. This process produces gas, which moves through the intestines and generates audible sounds.
2. Gastric Acid Secretion
When hungry, increased gastric acid secretion mixes with air in the stomach, forming bubbles that can trigger gurgling noises.
3. Empty Stomach
When the stomach is empty due to hunger, the stomach walls may rub against each other, potentially causing bowel sounds.
4. Intestinal Microbiota
The gut hosts a large number of microorganisms. During hunger, these microbes may become overactive, accelerating intestinal motility and producing gurgling sounds.
5. Neural Reflexes
When hungry, the stomach sends signals to the brain. The brain's neural response to these signals may intensify intestinal contractions, leading to increased bowel sounds.
Bowel sounds do not necessarily indicate gastrointestinal problems. However, if they occur frequently and are accompanied by symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, or constipation, medical evaluation should be sought promptly to rule out underlying conditions.
