Ever been in a silent meeting and suddenly...*growl*? Your stomach embarrassingly announces its presence. But why does it do that? These noises, officially called borborygmi, are usually perfectly normal and rarely indicate hunger, although hunger can be a trigger.
Think of your digestive system as a tiny housekeeper constantly cleaning. Even when empty, your stomach and intestines contract rhythmically to sweep away leftover food, fluids, and digestive secretions. This process, called migrating motor complex (MMC), pushes everything towards your colon. The growling sound? That's simply gas and liquids being squeezed through the intestines during this cleaning process.
So, next time your stomach rumbles, don't panic! It's probably just your gut doing its job. If growling is accompanied by pain, bloating, or other digestive discomfort, consult a doctor. Otherwise, consider it your body's quirky way of saying 'Hi!'