THAT RUMBLING SOUND YOUR TUMMY MAKES…

 

Discover how the small intestine is really to blame...

Waves of involuntary muscle contractions called peristalsis churn the food we eat to soften It and transport It through the digestive system. The contractions are caused by strong muscles in the oesophagus wall, which take just ten seconds to push food down to the stomach. Muscles in the stomach churn food and gastric juices to break It down further. Then, after four hours, the semi- digested liquefied food moves on to the small intestine where yet more powerful muscle contractions force the food down through the intestines bends and folds. This is where the rumbling occurs. Air from gaseous foods or air swallowed when we eat — often due to talking or inhaling through the nose while chewing - also ends up in the small intestine, and it’s this combination of liquid and gas in a small space that causes the gurgling noise. Rumbling is louder the less food present in the small intestine, which is partly why people associate rumbling tummies with hunger. The other reason is that although the stomach maybe clear, the brain still triggers peristalsis at regular intervals to rid the intestines of any remaining food. This creates a hollow feeling that causes you to feel hungry.