Is It Normal for Your Stomach to Make Noises When You're Not Hungry?
Medically reviewed by Lauren Okafor | MD, The Frank H Netter MD School of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center on August 22nd, 2026.
Yes, stomach noises when you're not hungry are completely normal and occur regularly throughout the day. These sounds, called borborygmi, happen as your digestive system continues working even between meals. Your stomach and intestines contract in wave-like motions called peristalsis to move food, liquids, and gas through your digestive tract. This process occurs approximately every 1-2 hours during fasting periods as part of your body's natural housekeeping function. The sounds become more noticeable when your stomach is empty because there's less food to muffle them. Increased stress, certain medications, or digestive conditions can make these sounds more frequent or audible.
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