What is stomach noise? – This is the sound caused by the normal movement of gas, liquid or food down the intestine during digestion. This normal and harmless movement is known as peristalsis. Though it is often loosely called “stomach noise”, the sound actually originates from the intestine. 

What are the causes of “stomach noise”?

The following factors are commonly responsible for stomach noise:

1. Excess gas in the intestine – Foods and drinks that either contain or produce excess gas generate loud sounds as the gas escapes under solid food mass during intestinal movement (peristalsis). Example of such foods / drinks include: beans, carbonated drinks and certain fruits. Sometimes, the excess gas comes from the air swallowed with food while eating.
2. Digestive process – The process of digestion whereby food, drink and gas are moved through the intestine, sometimes generates easily audible sound instead of the normal regular peristaltic sound, which commonly requires the aid of instruments such as stethoscope to hear.
3. Hunger – The forceful contraction (movement) of the intestine when it is empty, brought about by signals from the brain, sometimes generates intestinal rumbles noticeable as stomach noise.
4. Food allergy / intolerance – When the body is allergic to or lacks the enzymes to metabolize certain foods (such as in persons with lactose intolerance), this may lead to excessive generation of gas or rapid movement of intestinal contents, which may result in intestinal rumbles that manifest as noise.

Can stomach noise be a sign of disease?

Though stomach noise is often normal, it may need to be investigated in certain situations. This may be necessary when the noise becomes excessively loud and unusually frequent. Investigation may also be necessary when the noise is accompanied by other symptoms such as: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and persistent lower abdominal pain.

How can stomach noise be prevented?

While it may be difficult to completely stop stomach rumbling, too frequent occurrence can be prevented by:

1. Limiting the consumption of gas-producing foods such as beans, vegetables, carbonated drinks etc
2. Reducing the intake of acidic foods and drinks such as coffee, orange, tomatoes etc
3. Eating at the appropriate time to avoid excessive hunger
4. Eating slowly to reduce ingestion of excess air with food
5. Avoiding any food the body is allergic or intolerant to