In this episode of “Ok Now You Know,” Joe Garner demystifies the common yet often misunderstood phenomenon of stomach growling, also known as borborygmi. Ever wondered what’s really happening inside your body when your stomach growls? Joe breaks down the science behind these noises and sheds light on what they signify about your digestive system.

Joe explains that stomach growling is the sound of gas moving through your intestines and the contractions of your stomach as it processes food. The gastrointestinal tract is continuously in motion through peristalsis, which propels food, fluids, and gas through the digestive system. Even when empty, the digestive muscles continue their motions, causing the recognizable rumblings. Joe also dives into how the brain-gut connection signals your stomach to prepare for food, which can amplify these growling sounds, especially when you see or smell something appetizing.

While normal stomach growling is a common part of digestion, Joe warns that excessive growling accompanied by pain, bloating, or changes in bathroom habits could indicate underlying digestive issues that may require medical attention. The episode concludes by reinforcing the importance of listening to our bodies and recognizing the signals they give us.