Why does our stomach growl when we are hungry?

The feeling of hunger is familiar to many of us and is often accompanied by the loud rumbling of the stomach. But what does this physical reaction mean, and what is happening in our bodies when our empty stomach starts to signal?

What Happens in the Body When We Are Hungry?

During the periods between meals, our body continues to work, even when we are not consuming food. The function of our stomach is not only to store food but also to prepare it for further digestion. The complex mechanism of our digestive system operates through the continuous contraction and relaxation of the stomach muscles, which aids in the processing of food.

The gastric juice found in the stomach, composed of various components, helps break down food. Therefore, the feeling of hunger and the rumbling of the stomach are not just signs of a lack of nutrition but also a natural reaction of our body. Hunger and the loud functioning of the stomach are closely related to the digestive processes that reveal the marvelous workings of our body.

What Happens in the Stomach When We Are Hungry?

When we are hungry, numerous processes begin in our stomach. First, when food reaches the stomach through the esophagus, the smooth muscles of the stomach start to move the contents to thoroughly mix it with gastric juice. This process results in a paste-like consistency of food, making it easier to digest.

Gastric juice contains water, mucus, gastric acid, and pepsin, which is responsible for breaking down the proteins in food. During digestion, food spends 1-4 hours in the stomach, depending on the type of food consumed. When the stomach is empty, its muscles continue to contract to keep the internal environment of the organ active.

This continuous movement is not always silent, and when the stomach is empty, it also pushes air into the duodenum, which can cause loud rumbling. Therefore, stomach rumbling is a natural sound resulting from stomach and intestinal movements, and although many associate these sounds with the stomach, they can actually originate from the small intestine as well.

The Nervous System of the Gastrointestinal Tract

The gastrointestinal tract has its own unique nervous system, known as the enteric nervous system. This nervous system works in conjunction with the central nervous system and is responsible for regulating the movements of the digestive system, particularly peristalsis. This phenomenon refers to the contractions and relaxations of the smooth muscles of the digestive tract that help move food from the stomach into the intestines.

The enteric nervous system can function independently and is capable of responding to events occurring in the stomach and intestines. During the digestion of food, the movements of the stomach and intestines can also produce sounds; however, these sounds are generally not audible since the food within dampens them. Additionally, swallowed air and gases produced during digestion can generate various sounds that differ from stomach rumbling.

Overall, stomach rumbling is a natural phenomenon that indicates the normal functioning of the digestive system. However, it is important to note that if bloating or increased intestinal gas production is frequently experienced, it may require medical investigation, as these conditions can indicate various health issues.