Q&A for How to Avoid Embarrassing Gut Noises

In some cases, it can mean that your gut bacteria (which should be residing in your large intestine) has migrated out of your large intestine and into your small intestine. That can cause disruptions in your digestive system like gas—and when this bacteria is in the wrong spot, you'll feel or hear it.

If the rumbling is caused by hunger, have a small snack inside your bag and eat it right before class. If someone in your class pokes fun, look them in their eyes with a dead-serious face and tell them firmly: "I'm hungry, stupid. If you're bothered, buy me food now".

What is it you are eating? Starchy foods (example: pasta) are difficult to digest, and produce a lot of gas, making your stomach gurgle. If you can, don't eat a lot. Don't rush, or you'll end up swallowing air, trapping it in your stomach, and developing wind. Avoid drinking fizzy drinks, take gas-relief medicine, drink herbal tea, and avoid dairy. Dairy is hard to digest. It may be trapped wind, so that needs to come out. If you feel you'll burp or break wind, go to an empty area, or go outside where nobody is around. It'll be less embarrassing.

Sometimes trapped air can cause stomach rumbling. This is why we are advised to chew slowly and well. It is important not to swallow air, and to send food down ready for the stomach to digest it. But sometimes our stomachs also rumble. It is perfectly normal, and you can simply ignore it. You may look up to see if anyone has noticed and if they have, just say "excuse me," smile, and continue reading. Everyone will have this experience sometimes, it's not a big deal.

Did you ever hear the phrase, "You ate something that doesn't agree with you"? This is what it means. Try not eating 3 hours before bed. If you continue to have this problem, you need to figure out what you eat that creates this problem. Try googling "sleep hygiene" or "food hygiene." You mention that it is something that has occurred "lately." Perhaps it is a question your doctor can answer for you.

The amount of rumbling someone's stomach does has nothing to do with their weight.

If it's hunger noises, then just puff your stomach out or make sure you eat something beforehand. If that doesn't work, just laugh it off. You can't stop your stomach from digesting.

Maybe you're lactose intolerant? Try to cut back on the milk/dairy and see if that helps. It's normal for the stomach to make some noises, and usually it sounds much louder to you than it does to anyone around you. Consult your doctor if you really think the noises are excessive.

Make sure to eat before class, and eat digestive friendly foods. Also, keep snacks on hand.

Limit your intake of foods that produce gas, and try to avoid gum. Avoid dairy if you have lactose intolerance. See your doctor for specific advice.

If its happening on a regular basis, talk to a doctor immediately. You may be able to solve this problem. You may also need therapy to keep your mind on something else, not about this incident. Talk to a parent or another trusted adult. They may be able to help you.