When asked why their stomach is growling, most people will answer: “Because I am hungry!”. However, this is most probably untrue. It is indeed normal for the stomach to be rumbling when it is empty and you are really hungry, but it can also make similar noises when it is full.

The growling sounds do not always come from your stomach, sometimes they originate in the small intestine. Many times when your stomach or intestines make these sounds, known as “borborygmus” (a term used to describe the growling of the intestines, resultant from the presence of liquid and gas), you might not even hear them. Rumbling is strongest when the stomach is empty, which is why it is typically associated with hunger. 

What is stomach growling caused by

The rumbling of your stomach is caused by muscle contractions of the intestinal wall, along with the presence of liquid and gas. This is a perfectly normal body function, which takes place throughout most of the day. 

According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), the noise coming from your gut is caused by the ingestion of liquids and solid foods. They mix together with about 8 liters of fluid, rich in enzymes, which is later absorbed. Despite that, the liquid passes through a tube that has air. Then you can hear the rumbling. 

Gases are present in the intestines at all times. They result from the spontaneous ingestion of air and the release of hydrogen, carbon dioxide and other gases from the bacterial fermentation of food in the lower intestine. 

Growling is part of the Migration Motor Complex (MMC)

If you hear your stomach rumble, it is most probably due to the fact that your stomach and intestines are engaged in a process, called Migration Motor Complex. This normally happens when the gut and the stomach are empty for about two hours. When the receptors in the stomach sense that there is lack of food they activate activity waves in the intestinal nervous system. 

This triggers contractions, associated with hunger, which spread along the entire length of the intestine. This process aids the excretion of the stomach contents, along with mucus, food particles, bacteria and other food buildup. Poor functioning of the MMC is characterized by abdominal pain, feeling of sickness, vomiting and diarrhea.  

In order to ensure the effectiveness and health of your excretory system, we suggest that you go through a colon – hydrotherapy in DetoxCenter. This is the best method for detailed and in – depth cleansing of the entire colon, which effectively eliminates accumulation of excrements and decomposing materials on the intestinal mucosa. This natural cleansing process eliminates every symptom, directly or indirectly connected with poor intestinal functioning. Colon – hydrotherapy not only purifies the body on the inside, but it also makes your skin clean and vibrant, neutralizes negative effects from stress and unhealthy food and keeps you in good shape. 

Colon – hydrotherapy is much more comprehensive and complex than enema. The purpose of the therapy is to clear the defecation area all the way from the rectum to the appendix. 

The procedure is a controlled infusion of pre – filtered, decontaminated and tempered water through a small speculum. As the procedure progresses, cycles of infusions and purifications alternate continuously. The process is absolutely objective and is dynamically adapted towards the health status of the patient. The patient lays on his/ her back and is under constant observation of a professional therapist who performs the procedure. 

Colon – hydrotherapy has proven its efficiency for the following symptoms:

• Constipation
• Gases
• Diarrhea
• Atonic colon
• Chronic colitis
• Flatulence
• Diverticulosis
• Parasitic infections
• Intestinal mycoses
• Chronic candidiasis
• Dysbacteriosis

Motilin is a hormone that is involved in the induction of different MMC phases, but is relatively under – researched and little is known about it. What we do know is that motilin levels are periodically increased every 90 – 120 minutes, in-between feedings, and its release stops right after we have consumed food. When motilin concentration reaches its highest levels muscle contractions in the stomach and intestines occur. 

When does stomach rumbling indicate a problem

Most of the time when your stomach is growling there is nothing to worry about. Nonetheless, increased gut rumbling, especially if you are suffering from dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, or recurring diarrhea, indicates accumulation of liquids and gases and leads to intensive muscle contractions. In addition, malabsorption due to celiac disease or lactose intolerance lead to a condition known as hyperactive bowel sounds. 

Insufficient levels of the enzyme necessary for lactose absorption in the gut allow for sugars to reach the large intestine where bacteria cause them to ferment. These bacteria release hydrogen and other contraction – stimulating byproducts, which stimulate intestinal contractions. Consequently, they intensify the three conditions that trigger stomach rumbling: intestinal movement, gas and liquid. 

On rare occasions these sounds are increased in the case of mechanic obstruction of the intestines. In such cases the contractions are trying to remove the hard substances, liquids and gas in narrowed intestinal areas. If there is an obstacle, the growling will be accompanied by intense abdominal pain and other symptoms. In such cases you should seek immediate medical assistance!

Consuming too much sugar causes growling

If you notice that your stomach is growling excessively, it might be because you have consumed a lot of sugar, especially fructose and sorbitol. Excessive amounts of sugars can cause diarrhea, gases and increased intestinal rumbling. What is more, sugar is a preferred nutritional source for fungi, which cause infections and sinusitis, while probiotics increase the population of healthy bacteria. Healthy bacteria prevent the spread of pathogenic microorganisms.

LactoControl is a dietary supplement that helps with lactose intolerance and milk protein intolerance, associated with consumption of milk and dairy products. Lactose intolerance is a condition, characterized by the inability of the organism to process and dissolve milk sugars. It is caused by the insufficient production of the lactase enzyme. This condition intensifies the stomach growling and it can also cause pain. LactoControl supports the normal digestion by decomposing milk   sugar into easily digestible sugars – glucose and galactose. 

GlutenControl is formula, specifically designed to support digestion of gluten, casein and other allergenic and food intolerance – causing proteins. In order to protect yourselves from digestive problems, you should be following a diet that excludes fresh milk, dairy products and gluten – rich foods. At lifestore.bg you can find a wide range of carefully selected foods that are specifically designed for people with the latter health problems. 

Actually, optimal condition of the gut flora is the most important prerequisite of good health. By supporting the intestinal microbiota, you will not only balance your body and protect yourself from diabetes, but you will also improve your immune system functions. 

So, do not be alarmed if your stomach is growling – it is perfectly normal. Nonetheless, this is a good reminder of the complex processes that take place in your body. This is why you should take care of your gut flora, hence your whole organism. If you want to optimize the quality and quantity of good bacteria, follow these steps:

• Consume fermented foods – fermented vegetables, kefir, natto (fermented soy), Kombucha, etc. They contain vitamin K2. Optimal K2 levels are essential if you are ingesting vitamin D3 supplements.
• Take probiotic supplements with optimal probiotic strain content, such as Pro10Biotics. Pro10Biotics supports digestion and assimilation of difficult to digest foods. It also aids maintenance of optimal intestinal microflora.
• ProflorEnzyme is a revolutionary combination of probiotics and enzymes, designed to support the balance of the gut microflora. It inhibits pathogenic bacteria and overgrowth of fungal organisms that affect the microbiome.
• Gastro is a natural product that supports overall digestion. It helps regular digestive tract elimination, removes mucosal inflammations, regulates stomach acidity and reduces gastrointestinal pains and spasms.
• Increase intake of soluble and insoluble fiber by consuming more vegetables, nuts and seeds.
• Air your room/ office frequently.
• Recent studies indicate that plates that have been hand – washed, rather than in the dishwasher, have more good bacteria on their surface, hence foods served in such plates reduce the risk of allergies and stimulate the immune system.
• Intestinal Mucosa Repair and Recover is a special combination of ingredients, designed to support the normal condition of the intestinal mucosa. The active ingredients of the supplement (L – glutamine, gelatin, collagen II and Omega – 3) repair the gut lining and recover its integrity and permeability, and supports the optimal functioning of the whole digestive tract.