By Claire Neemann

Some might say that the growling of the stomach is only result of hunger. In reality, noises that occur in the abdominal region of the body are also due to the digestion, or mixing, of food during a process called Migrating Motor Complex (MMC). The noises typically sound like liquid running throughout your intestines.

According to Healthline, a study conducted by Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America revealed that when people are hungry, their stomach and intestines are alerted by the hormones in the brain that hunger has aroused. This triggers the digestive system muscles to contract, creating noises. Those noises typically last several minutes once initiated.

“Once my stomach starts growling it typically lasts under a minute,” said sophomore Yahaira Miranda.

Not only can the noises be caused by hunger, but also digestion. Inside a hollow tube that stretches from the mouth to anus lays a smooth layer of muscle. When food flows into the tube, the walls of muscle squeeze the food, fluids and other gases produced during this a rumbling noise is generated by the small intestines.

People all around the world have different experiences with grumbling stomachs, but most can say their stomach has growled at one point.

“Most of the time, my stomach growls loudly right before lunch time, it can be embarrassing, but I hear a lot of other people’s growling too so it makes it better,” said freshman Emily Webb.

Gastroenterologists have developed a naming system to identify the growling noises produced by the abdominal area. The first type, hyperactive, typically transpires after meals when the stomach is digesting food. Hyperactive noises are louder, and can be heard by other people. The second type, hypoactive, usually hints that the digestion process has ended or will be ending. Hypoactive noises are quieter and often can’t be heard by other people.

Although most of the time growling of the stomach is harmless, for some people, stomach growling can be a serious issue. People who have experienced infections of the intestines, trauma, blood clots, a tumor, ulcers, food allergies, or radiation exposure may find themselves suffering from bowel obstruction.

For people who are embarrassed by the noises produced by the abdominal area, gastroenterologists recommend limiting the amount of artificial sweeteners, beans, carbonated drinks, fruits, and whole grain products consumed.

So the next time you grab a Mountain Dew Kickstart the day of the big test, think do you really want to be embarrassed by your stomach?