Borborygmi: Why Your Stomach Growls (and When It Matters)
When the room goes silent but your stomach decides to speak…
I’m proud to say that the readers of this article won’t be the only ones to have learned something new today.
If you’ve never heard the word borborygmi—pronounced bor·br·ig·mai—you aren’t alone. The term has French, Latin, and Ancient Greek origins and simply refers to the familiar rumbling or growling sound coming from your stomach.
And here’s the good news: most of the time, it’s actually a sign that your digestive system is working exactly as it should. In fact, a complete lack of movement or sound could indicate a more serious issue.
What’s Actually Causing That Noise?
Your digestive system is constantly in motion.
The muscles of your stomach and intestines contract, relax, and mix food with digestive enzymes while moving gas and liquid through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract—a process known as peristalsis.
Most of the time, this activity happens quietly. But occasionally, those movements become loud enough to hear.
This is more likely to happen when:
- Your stomach is empty (sounds are amplified)
- You’ve swallowed extra air (aerophagia)
- There’s increased gas or fluid moving through your system
When Borborygmi Becomes More Noticeable
Sometimes, stomach noises can feel louder, more frequent, or just plain more embarrassing.
In many cases, this still falls within the normal range—but it can also appear alongside other digestive symptoms, especially in people managing conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
When borborygmi is more persistent or intense, it may be related to underlying factors such as:
- Nutrient malabsorption (e.g., celiac disease)
- Food intolerances (like lactose intolerance)
- Increased fermentation in the gut
- Diarrhea or changes in bowel habits
- Conditions like IBS, IBD, or diverticulitis
- Excess intake of sugar alcohols (common in “diet” or sugar-free products)
In these cases, the sounds are often accompanied by symptoms such as gas, bloating, or discomfort.
What Can You Do About It?
If your stomach noises are mild and not paired with other symptoms, simple lifestyle adjustments can help:
- Avoid going long periods without eating
- Eat slowly to reduce swallowed air
- Limit carbonated beverages and gum
- Pay attention to foods that increase gas or discomfort
If symptoms feel excessive or are impacting your quality of life, your healthcare provider can help identify underlying causes and guide next steps.
A Simple (and Practical) Tip
If you’re someone who experiences this during long meetings, classes, or quiet environments, a small snack can go a long way.
Something simple like a granola bar, fruit with nuts, or yogurt with seeds can help keep your digestive system steady—and your stomach a little quieter.
Final Thoughts
Borborygmi might feel embarrassing in the moment, but it’s usually just your digestive system doing its job.
Understanding what’s normal—and when to look a little deeper—can help you feel more in control of your gut health (and a little less self-conscious the next time your stomach decides to chime in).
- Camilleri, M. (2019). Gastrointestinal motility disorders in neurologic disease. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 129(3), 1023–1030. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI124437
- Lacy, B. E., Pimentel, M., Brenner, D. M., Chey, W. D., Keefer, L. A., Long, M. D., & Ford, A. C. (2021). ACG clinical guideline: Management of irritable bowel syndrome. The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 116(1), 17–44. https://doi.org/10.14309/ajg.0000000000001036
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). (n.d.). Your digestive system & how it works. https://www.niddk.nih.gov
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