- Gurgling of the intestine: a normal digestive phenomenon
- Rumbling belly: symptoms that should alert
- How to reduce intestinal gurgling?
Frequent, but not very discreet, the rumbling belly naturally produces a noise. It results from bowel contractions, and we hear it because the swallowed air bubbles burst. It is also, sometimes, the sound of gas produced by digestive bacteria. This “gurgle” is above all a natural motor activity that kneads the contents of the stomach. “It’s completely harmless, if it happens from time to time as an isolated phenomenon, nothing to worry about” reassures Dr. Philippe Godeberge, gastroenterologist in Paris.
Gurgling of the intestine: a normal digestive phenomenon
To fully understand the mechanism, we must recall the path of food in our body. When you swallow food, it travels up the esophagus and then lands in the stomach. It is then that the gastric juices will reduce it to a mush so that the nutritional elements of the food are released. Then this porridge follows a path in the intestine. The latter includes many muscles that contract to facilitate this journey in question. The intestine contains good bacteria, i.e. probiotics. They produce absolutely natural gases during digestion.
Other gases are added: those of the esophagus when swallowing food, drinks (especially carbonated) or when chewing gum. All these gases will stagnate in the intestine and, if the latter contracts, it forms air bubbles bursting. This produces a famous gurgling noise emitted at the level of the belly. Often, we think that this sound means that we are hungry. But this is not always the case. Certainly, if the intestine is empty, the brain encourages it to contract to make it understand that it is ready to eat. This contraction often causes air bubbles to burst and give that “gurgle” sound. But the latter can also be triggered when the stomach is full. So, nothing to worry about if the phenomenon is isolated and irregular.
Rumbling belly: symptoms that should alert
“If it is accompanied by painsof bloatingchanges in stool (diarrhea Or constipation), there it is necessary to consult. Especially if it happens often” recommends Dr. Godeberge. Sometimes it’s a sign of bowel syndrome – or irritable bowel syndrome. In this case, gurgling should be the subject of medical advice.
Moreover, when the gurgling sounds are accompanied by frequent nausea or of vomiting, this may be a sign of an infection or other condition that requires medical diagnosis. It is also necessary to consult in case of unexplained weight losswhich may indicate an underlying health condition.
How to reduce intestinal gurgling?
In some cases, and especially if they are frequent, intestinal gurgling can be embarrassing – in the open space or on a date, for example. A few simple tips can help reduce these unwanted noises, in order to regain peaceful digestion.
- Adopt a balanced diet : intestinal gurgling can be caused by an unbalanced diet, rich in fats, sugars or foods that are difficult to digest.
- Chew well your food: rapid or insufficient chewing can lead to excessive accumulation of air in the digestive tract.
- Avoid carbonated drinks (sparkling water, sodas…): they release gas in your stomach, which can increase gurgling.
- Do not chew no chewing gum : they also tend to make you swallow air.
- Take some regular meals : Skipping meals or eating irregularly can upset your digestive system and lead to bowel sounds.
- Avoid stress and practice relaxation: stress can negatively influence your digestive system, causing gurgling.
If despite these tips, intestinal gurgling persists or is accompanied by other disturbing symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor. A professional can assess your digestive health and suggest an appropriate treatment.
Read also :
- Digestion: 15 effective anti-bloating tips
- Aerophagia: 4 natural tips to relieve it
- 12 ways to relieve irritable bowels
