Embarrassing noises

[1556]

Does anyone else feel gas and have weird noises coming from just below the stomach? It's so embarrassing and stresses me out even more. Any suggestions on how to stop it?

[patientj]

Yes - these sounds are quite common, they even have their own name: borborygmi. If it's just below the stomach, that's probably the air moving through the transverse colon after food that has reached the large intestine has started to be digested.

Everyone will probably experience these from time to time, but I know what you mean about the sounds being embarrassing. You might want to try keeping a food diary to see if the symptoms are more frequent on days when you've eaten certain foods, or at certain times of day. There are several foods that our bodies can't digest but bacteria can, and limiting these might prevent excessive gas build up. However, bear in mind that it will take a while for food to make it's way to your large intestine, therefore, if you have symptoms in the evening, you might want to look more carefully at food you ate at lunch and dinner.

[1556 in reply to patientj]

Thank you so much! I have cut out dairy and gluten and am also trying probiotics.

[Kariss]

What you're hearing is called borborygmi. It is the sound of your stomach trying to digest your food and sometimes also because you are hungry and the stomach acids are active. It can be particularly loud and cause gas and discomfort when the stomach is finding it hard to digest certain foods. These are often fatty foods, excess sugar and fibrous cereals like wheat, barley or gluten.

Try keeping a food diary to see if certain things create more noise and discomfort, then you could try cutting these out to see if is better for you. Sometimes borborygmi is caused by incomplete digestion of food and your body may have an intolerance to these so keeping a diary is a good way to find out. If it continues, especially if there is pain, go and get checked by a doctor who will be able to advise you on IBS and how to cope with it and if necessary run some tests to check for intolerances.

Best of luck.

[1556 in reply to Kariss]

Thank you,appreciate it! And yes I tested as lactose intolerant so have cut out dairy.

[Kariss]

Ah, good. Lets hope you will soon be seeing results. I cut out wheat products for two years to get my tummy back on track - it was hard work, there is so much out there to tempt you, especially if you're the one cooking and feeding the family! But it was worth it! My intolerance decreased and now I can eat some wheat based foods in moderation without too much discomfort.

Good luck, keep up the good work.

[1556 in reply to Kariss]

Do you know any good shops with gluten free bagels and things? Hope things work out for you too

[Kariss in reply to 1556]

Tesco does a limited range of gluten free products and co op too. You have to search, sometimes they're on the shelves with the normal breads. I haven't found bagels yet but will ask my daughter as she tries to eat gluten free as much as poss. As far as bread goes the one called Genius (think that's the spelling) is the nicest.

Otherwise health food shops are a good try...bit more expensive though, and farmers markets sometimes have gluten free stuff.

If you're eating out, it pays to ask as they don't always declare gluten free on their menus but will often have it available for 'just in case'. Happy hunting!

Thanks for your good wishes - the IBS remains a battle, but I won't let it defeat me!

[1556 in reply to Kariss]

Appreciate all the help! Loving the positive attitude too, keep it going

[missymo]

Yes i do!! & it dies stress you out more!! Ice yet to find an anser though!! If there is one!!

[1556 in reply to missymo]

If I find anything that works I will let you know

[Digitaldiva85]

Yes! I have had this for days now. I have just started to a new job and trying to keep the noises under control just causes more tension The doctor gave me wind settler capsules, did nothing!

[1556 in reply to Digitaldiva85]

I would definitely suggest keeping a food diary and seeing what type of foods cause more noises. For me it was dairy, hope that helps!