Why does your Stomach growl when you are hungry?

The growling sound you hear from your stomach when you're hungry is known as "borborygmi" (singular: borborygmus). It is a normal physiological response that occurs as a result of the movement and contraction of the muscles in your gastrointestinal tract.

When you haven't eaten for a while, your stomach and intestines go through a process called the migrating motor complex (MMC). The MMC is a cyclical pattern of contractions that helps move residual food particles, gas, and digestive secretions along the digestive system.

During the fasting phase, which occurs between meals or when you haven't eaten for some time, the MMC becomes more active. These contractions can create the rumbling or growling noises you hear.

The growling sounds are caused by the movement of gas and fluid in your intestines, as well as the contraction of muscles in the stomach and small intestine. The contractions can be quite forceful, and when they occur in the presence of air and fluid, they produce the characteristic rumbling sound.

It's important to note that borborygmi are not exclusive to hunger. They can also be caused by other factors, such as gas or the movement of stool through the digestive system. Additionally, some individuals may experience more noticeable stomach growling than others, even when they are not necessarily hungry.