Jun 04, 2025
Why your stomach growls: The science behind the sounds
Siddhartha JanaStomach growling is normal
That rumbling sound in your stomach is a natural signal from your body that it’s time to eat—not a sign something is wrong.
Source: Canva
It’s your body’s reminder
Growling occurs when your stomach is empty, and the muscles contract to clear out leftover particles, air, or gas.
Source: Canva
Peristalsis is the cause
The noise comes from peristalsis—wave-like muscle contractions in the digestive tract, more noticeable when there’s no food.
Source: Canva
Hunger hormone ghrelin helps
Ghrelin, the hormone that triggers hunger, increases before meals and strengthens these contractions, making the growling louder.
Source: Canva
Why it’s louder when hungry
With an empty stomach, contractions move air and digestive fluids instead of food, making the sounds more audible.
Source: Canva
Eating calms the system
Food muffles the sounds and slows down contractions, while also reducing ghrelin levels, silencing the stomach.
Source: Canva
No need for embarrassment
Stomach noises are just your body’s natural way of communicating—it’s a healthy, normal part of digestion.
Source: Canva
Does rolling a frozen bottle ease pain? Experts weigh in