Borborygmi: What Your Gurgling Stomach Is Telling You

Have you ever noticed loud gurgling or rumbling sounds coming from your stomach and wondered if something was wrong? These noises, known as borborygmi, are a normal part of digestion and often nothing to worry about. However, in some cases, excessive or persistent gut noises can indicate an underlying issue. Let’s explore what borborygmi is, why it happens, and when it might be time to seek help.

What Is Borborygmi?

Borborygmi (pronounced bor-buh-RIG-mee) refers to the gurgling, rumbling, or growling sounds produced by your digestive tract. These noises occur when food, liquid, and gas move through your intestines during digestion. They can be loud enough to be heard by others or subtle and only noticeable to you.

Borborygmi is a normal function of the gut and can occur at any time, not just when you’re hungry. It is caused by the migrating motor complex (MMC)—a natural cleansing wave that moves food debris and bacteria through the small intestine in between meals.

Common Causes of Stomach Noises

1. Hunger

One of the most common reasons for borborygmi is hunger. When your stomach is empty, the MMC activates to sweep the digestive tract, leading to audible growls.

2. Digestion

After eating, your stomach and intestines contract to break down food and push it along the digestive tract. This movement can create gurgling sounds.

3. Gas Movement

Gas naturally forms in the gut during digestion. When it shifts through the intestines, it can produce rumbling noises.

4. High-Fibre or Gas-Producing Foods

Certain foods, such as beans, lentils, cruciferous vegetables, and carbonated drinks, can increase gas production and lead to louder borborygmi.

5. Stress and Anxiety

Your gut and brain are closely connected. Stress can speed up or slow down digestion, leading to increased gut sounds.

When to Seek Help

While borborygmi is generally harmless, there are times when persistent or excessive gut noises might indicate an underlying issue. Consider seeking professional advice if you experience:

• Ongoing discomfort or pain – If your stomach noises are accompanied by persistent bloating, cramping, or pain, it could signal irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food intolerances, or gut dysbiosis.

• Diarrhoea or constipation – Frequent changes in bowel habits alongside loud gut noises may suggest malabsorption, infections, or inflammatory conditions.

• Excessive bloating or gas – While some bloating is normal, persistent or painful bloating could be a sign of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or food intolerances.

• Unexplained weight loss – If you’re losing weight without trying, along with gut noises, it’s worth investigating conditions like coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or malabsorption issues.

• Nausea or vomiting – Frequent nausea or vomiting alongside borborygmi could indicate gastrointestinal infections or blockages.

How to Support Healthy Digestion

If you’re experiencing frequent gut noises but no concerning symptoms, simple lifestyle changes can help:

• Eat slowly and chew thoroughly – This reduces air intake and aids digestion.

• Balance your diet – Avoid excessive processed foods, which can contribute to bloating and discomfort.

• Stay hydrated – Drinking enough water supports smooth digestion.

• Manage stress – Practising mindfulness or deep breathing can help regulate gut motility.

• Support gut health – A diverse diet rich in fibre, prebiotics, and probiotics helps maintain a balanced gut microbiome.

Final Thoughts

Borborygmi is a normal part of digestion and usually nothing to worry about. However, if it’s accompanied by pain, digestive distress, or unexplained symptoms, it’s best to seek professional advice. If you’re unsure whether your gut health is optimal, I can help you assess and support your digestive function.

If you’d like personalised advice on improving your gut health, book a consultation at my Warners Bay clinic today.