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The Science Behind Stomach Growling

Mar 13, 2025

Understanding Stomach Growling and Digestive Noises

Introduction

  • Stomach growling is a common and sometimes embarrassing occurrence, especially in quiet settings like job interviews.
  • Common assumption: Eating before an important event will stop stomach growling.

Causes of Stomach Growling

  • Not Directly Linked to Hunger:

    • Stomach noises are primarily caused by air moving through the digestive tract.
    • These noises are due to sound vibrations created by the movement of air, not because of hunger alone.
  • Role of Digestive Muscles:

    • Digestive system uses muscle contractions to move partially digested food.
    • In the process, air is shifted around, contributing to sound production.
  • Analogy:

    • Similar to the sound of blowing bubbles through a straw, but occurring within the stomach and small intestine.

Influence of Hunger

  • Hunger Increases Muscle Contractions:

    • Digestive system clears out remnants of the last meal to prepare for new food, causing additional contractions.
    • Eating can decrease these contractions and muffle the sound.
  • Activity of Digestive System:

    • Regardless of hunger, an active digestive system will produce noise.

Conclusion

  • Stomach growling is a natural bodily function driven by the digestive process.
  • It's a common occurrence with limited control.

Additional Information

  • Thanks to a Patreon supporter, Sarah A, for the question.
  • Viewers can submit questions and get early access to Quick Questions videos by supporting on Patreon at Patreon.com/SciShow.