Abdominal and intestinal rumbling – what are the causes?

The sensation of gurgling in the stomach most often arises when fluids, gases and food pass through the stomach and intestines. It may be felt as a sloshing, shifting, "waving" or movement inside the abdomen, even if it is not accompanied by audible sounds. This gurgling itself is often a normal part of the digestive system’s functioning, whilst its significance depends primarily on the presence of other symptoms that may affect the quality of daily life.

1. The sensation of feeling full
2. Reducing bloating
3. FAQ – Rumbling in the stomach and intestines – what are the causes?

The sensation of feeling full

The stomach and intestines constantly contract, mixing food with digestive juices and propelling the contents of the digestive tract through its successive sections. The intestines contain not only food, but also water, mucus, digestive secretions and gases. When the liquid contents move along with gas bubbles, a distinct sensation of fullness, gurgling or shifting of the abdominal contents may occur.

Such sensations may be particularly pronounced after a large meal or after drinking a large amount of fluid. After eating, the activity of the stomach and intestines increases, as the food contents must be mixed, broken down and gradually moved on. This sensation of overflow may also occur on an empty stomach, when the digestive tract undergoes cyclical contractions to clear the upper sections of any residual food contents.

Overflow and gas

The sensation of the contents moving may be more pronounced when there is more gas in the intestines. Some of this gas comes from swallowed air, whilst some is produced during the fermentation of previously undigested food components by gut bacteria. More gas may be produced, for example, after a meal eaten too quickly, carbonated drinks or a larger amount of easily fermentable carbohydrates. In people with reduced lactose tolerance, similar symptoms may occur after consuming products containing higher amounts of lactose.

Diarrhoea and infections

Bloating may also be more noticeable during diarrhoea, as the contents of the bowel are more liquid at that time and may move through the system more quickly. It may also occur with constipation and gas build-up, irritable bowel syndrome, food intolerances, gastrointestinal infections or other disorders affecting bowel function. Stress and severe emotional tension can also affect bowel contractions and the rate at which the contents move through the gut.

The most common causes of bloating in the abdomen and gut

Reducing bloating

If you frequently feel as though you’re about to burst, it’s worth paying attention to the pace at which you eat and the size of your meals. Eating more slowly and chewing your food more thoroughly can help reduce the amount of air you swallow. It may also help to cut down on fizzy drinks if they noticeably increase the sensation of gas and fluid moving through your bowels. Some people find that smaller, more frequent meals are easier to tolerate than eating very large portions in one go.

The case for prevention and precautions

There is no need to preventatively eliminate many foods simply because bloating occurs. If a symptom regularly occurs after consuming a specific food, one can monitor its relationship with diet and other symptoms. If lactose intolerance or other problems related to a specific food ingredient are suspected, it is more sensible to determine the cause than to follow broad elimination diets for a long time without a diagnosis.

Fibre in the diet

If you also suffer from constipation, an adequate intake of fibre is important. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) considers 25 g of fibre per day to be an adequate amount for regular bowel movements in adults. It is best to introduce large amounts of fibre gradually, as a sudden increase in intake can exacerbate fermentation, gas formation and a feeling of bloating.

When should you be concerned?

A bloated feeling requires closer attention when it occurs alongside severe or worsening abdominal pain, prolonged diarrhoea, blood in the stools, recurrent vomiting, a fever or unintentional weight loss. Severe abdominal distension accompanied by pain, vomiting and an inability to pass wind or stools also requires urgent assessment.

"Rumbling in the stomach is most often a natural result of the movement of fluids, gases and food through the digestive tract. Whether it may indicate a health problem depends primarily on its frequency and accompanying symptoms, rather than the sensation of movement in the bowels itself." Anna Zięba – Dietitian

FAQ – Rumbling in the stomach and intestines – what are the causes?

What does stomach rumbling mean?

It is most commonly associated with the natural functioning of the stomach and intestines. During contractions of the digestive tract, food, fluids and gases move through it, which may be felt as sloshing, gurgling or rippling.

Why do I feel gurgling in my stomach after eating?

After a meal, the activity of the digestive tract increases. Food is mixed with digestive juices and gradually moved through the different sections of the intestines. The sensation may be stronger after a large meal, fizzy drinks or foods that increase gas production.

Why does my stomach gurgle on an empty stomach?

The digestive tract continues to work even when we are not eating. Between meals, there are cyclical contractions that help move residual digestive contents along. Therefore, gurgling on an empty stomach does not necessarily indicate an illness.

Can gurgling in the gut be caused by gas?

Yes. Gas moving through the gut alongside fluids can cause a very distinct sensation of gurgling. The amount of gas increases, amongst other things, as a result of swallowing air and the fermentation of certain food components by gut bacteria.

Could a rumbling stomach be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome?

It may be one of the symptoms, but a rumbling stomach on its own is not sufficient to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome. In the case of this condition, the key diagnostic features are, above all, recurrent abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits.

Does lactose intolerance cause rumbling in the gut?

It can. Undigested lactose reaching the large intestine is fermented by bacteria, which can increase gas production. People with lactose intolerance may then also experience bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

How can you reduce frequent rumbling in the stomach?

It is worth starting by eating more slowly, chewing thoroughly and cutting down on fizzy drinks. It may also help to monitor your reaction to specific foods and avoid very large meals. However, there is no need to preventatively eliminate gluten, lactose or entire food groups without a clear reason.

When should rumbling in the tummy be a cause for concern?

Medical advice is particularly required if bloating occurs alongside severe or worsening pain, prolonged diarrhoea, blood in the stools, recurrent vomiting, a fever or unintentional weight loss. Severe abdominal bloating combined with pain, vomiting and an inability to pass stools or wind requires urgent medical assessment.

Sources:

• Lacy, B. E., Cangemi, D., & Vazquez-Roque, M. (2021). Management of Chronic Abdominal Distension and Bloating. Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association, 19(2), 219–231.e1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgh.2020.03.056
• Serra J. (2022). Management of bloating. Neurogastroenterology and motility, 34(3), e14333. https://doi.org/10.1111/nmo.14333
• Konturek, P. C., Brzozowski, T., & Konturek, S. J. (2011). Stress and the gut: pathophysiology, clinical consequences, diagnostic approach and treatment options. Journal of physiology and pharmacology : an official journal of the Polish Physiological Society, 62(6), 591–599.