Why Does My Stomach Growl When I''m Not Hungry?

Stomach growling when you're not hungry is often caused by normal contractions that move air and fluid through the digestive tract. Between meals, some of these contractions occur as part of a pattern called the migrating motor complex (MMC). These powerful muscle contractions occur every 90-120 minutes between meals to clear your digestive tract of leftover food particles, bacteria, and debris. The growling sound, called borborygmi, happens when these contractions push air and fluids through your stomach and intestines. Air and fluid in your stomach and intestines can create audible rumbling as they move. Stress, carbonated drinks, and talking while eating can increase stomach sounds. This cycle helps move remaining material through the digestive tract and may help limit bacterial buildup in parts of the small intestine.