Stomach rumbling is the normal sound of the gut moving gas and fluid along. Here is why it is louder when you are hungry, and when it is worth checking.
What the noise is
The stomach and bowel are muscular tubes that squeeze to push food, fluid and gas along. The rumbling, called borborygmi, is the sound of gas and fluid moving through. It happens all the time, but we usually do not hear it.
Why it is louder when you are hungry
When the stomach has been empty for a couple of hours, a wave of strong contractions sweeps through the stomach and small bowel to clear out leftover food. This “housekeeping” wave repeats about every one and a half to two hours until you eat. With no food to muffle the sound, the gas and fluid echo more loudly.
Other common reasons
- Swallowing air, and fizzy drinks
- Gas-producing food, or lactose intolerance
- Faster gut movement, as in a stomach bug or IBS
What helps
Eat slowly, and cut down on fizzy drinks. A glass of water can quieten a hungry stomach.
Growling on its own is normal. See a doctor if it comes with pain, bloating, diarrhoea, vomiting, or weight loss. Loud gurgling with a swollen, painful abdomen and vomiting can mean a blocked bowel and needs urgent care.
General information only. Reviewed by Dr Chia Chung King, 2026-11-13. Book a consultation.