If your stomach makes these 5 sounds, it may be your body’s way of asking for help, so be sure to pay attention!

When you are hungry, many people's stomachs will make gurgling sounds, which are medically known as "bowel sounds." But what many people don't know is that different bowel sounds represent different signals. There are five types that you must pay attention to, which may be your body's cry for help.

Where does that rumbling sound in your stomach come from?

Bowel sounds are mainly produced by three forms of small intestine: tonic contraction, segmental movement and peristalsis.

Tonic contraction: It keeps the small intestine in a certain shape and position, and is the basis for ensuring other forms of movement of the small intestine.

Segmental movement: fully mix the chyme and digestive juices for better chemical digestion.

Peristalsis: It mainly plays the role of pushing chyme, and peristalsis accompanies the entire small intestine.

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Why does your stomach growl when you are hungry? This is because when the food in the stomach is basically digested, although the stomach is almost empty, gastric juice will continue to be secreted. Under the action of gastric juice, the contraction of the stomach will be strengthened. The more intense contraction than usual will stimulate the nerves and transmit signals to the brain, thus forming the perception of "hunger". Sometimes, the gurgling sound you hear is gradual, from a small sound to a big one. The violent contraction of the stomach caused by hunger will compress the gas in the body to move forward. When the gas breaks through the liquid through the narrow lumen, it will make a sound. The narrower the lumen, the louder the sound.

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Pay attention to these 5 bowel sounds

Bowel sounds are divided into physiological and pathological types. Physiological bowel sounds are caused by the interaction of intestinal peristalsis and gas and liquid in the intestinal cavity. Everyone will have bowel sounds. It is normal for bowel sounds to occur 4 to 5 times per minute. The sound is relatively gentle and rarely heard. Unlike the gurgling sound of the stomach, bowel sounds can generally be heard around the navel; when seeing a doctor for gastrointestinal symptoms, the doctor will generally use a stethoscope to check bowel sounds. Bowel sounds reflect whether the intestinal function is normal or not. If the bowel sounds exceed 10 times per minute or the tone is high-pitched, it means that your body is sending you a "distress signal". Different bowel sounds also represent different signals. 1. Simple gurgling sound, no other abnormalities in the body - indigestion People with lactose intolerance drink milk on an empty stomach, which stimulates gastrointestinal peristalsis and makes a relatively loud "gurgling" sound. In severe cases, diarrhea and vomiting may occur. Some people also consume foods that are easy to produce gas, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, black beans, etc., which can cause bowel sounds. Emotional stimulation such as tension and anxiety can also lead to accelerated intestinal motility and increased bowel sounds.

2. The frequency of bowel sounds increases, the sound is louder, and peristalsis can be felt - acute gastroenteritis

Acute gastroenteritis may also be accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal distension, abdominal pain, constipation, unformed stools, or loss of appetite.

3. Bowel sounds weaken or even become lighter - peritonitis When peritonitis occurs, it is also accompanied by abdominal pain, abdominal muscle tension, etc. Elderly and frail patients will gradually become hot, and the peritoneum will be stimulated and cause nausea and vomiting.

4. The number of bowel sounds increases significantly, reaching more than 15 times per minute, and the frequency of the sound increases - intestinal obstruction may indicate mechanical intestinal obstruction. The sound of this type of intestinal obstruction is very clear, and sometimes even has a metallic sound. In addition, when intestinal paralysis occurs, intestinal peristalsis disappears, intestinal contents stagnate, and bowel sounds disappear.

5. Hyperactive bowel sounds accompanied by abdominal pain, diarrhea, and even blood in the stool - acute inflammation, gastrointestinal bleeding Intestinal gas may come from the outside world or from the imbalance of intestinal flora, which is produced by bacteria in the intestine. At the same time, long-term hyperactive bowel sounds accompanied by other gastrointestinal symptoms (such as abdominal pain, abnormal defecation, etc.) may be a precursor to colorectal cancer.

When bowel sounds appear, how to “rescue” the intestines?

Since the intestines send bowel sounds to us to "call for help", how should we "rescue" our intestines?

1. Chew slowly and talk less when eating. Chew slowly and talk less when eating. Avoid smoking and chewing gum frequently, and drink less carbonated drinks to avoid inhaling a lot of air.

2. Reasonable diet It is recommended to reduce the intake of high-starch and high-protein foods, and drink more yogurt in daily life. Yogurt contains probiotics, bifidobacteria and other flora, which can help improve the balance of intestinal flora, promote intestinal peristalsis, and thus improve intestinal sounds.

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3. Pay attention to keeping the stomach warm. Cold air entering the body will affect the normal functioning of the stomach and intestines, leading to gastrointestinal dysfunction. You should pay attention to keeping your abdomen warm and try to eat and drink less cold food and drinks.

4. Pay attention to diet and eat more fruits, vegetables and other foods rich in dietary fiber. We should pay attention to the types of food we eat and our own special conditions. For example, people with lactose intolerance should try to avoid eating foods containing lactose. Bowel sounds are the "language" of the stomach and intestines. They communicate with you in their own way. When they give you feedback on your physical condition, please do not ignore them, carefully analyze different conditions, and treat your stomach and intestines well.

References

[1] Why does my stomach growl at 37 degrees? [J] Science Enlightenment 2020.10.01

[2] Cui Bai, your stomach is growling even when you are not hungry? Maybe it is your body sending you a warning. [J]

[3] Wan Xuehong, Lu Xuefeng. Diagnostics, 9th edition[M]. Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House, 2018: 173.

[4] Hou Feng, Study on the evaluation of intestinal function after gastrointestinal surgery using digital bowel sound monitoring system [D] Xi'an Medical College, 2019.06

Author: Xu Lang, popular science creator

Reviewer: Wang Qiang, deputy chief physician, Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital