Bubble guts is a term we don’t hear all the time, but it is a real condition. So, just what are bubble guts? Here we explain the abdominal phenomenon and offer up some suggestions on how to get rid of it.
Most people have experienced a bubbling sound in their abdomen at some point, but what does bubble guts mean? Well, normally the process of digestion and assimilation of food is not silent; it produces some sound. This indicates that the intestines are active. These intestinal sounds are usually rather subtle, but when the noise is excessive or loud, it could be bubble guts. Bubble guts are usually a symptom of some underlying condition.
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In the medical profession, bubble guts are referred to as Borborygmi or intestinal peristaltic sounds.
What are the causes of bubble guts?
The sounds that come with bubble guts can last for just a few minutes or longer. The sound coming from our stomach is produced by fluids and gases and also by peristaltic movement of the intestines. However, the causes of bubble guts can be due to a number of different factors.
If a person has excess amounts of fluid in the gut, it can lead to a bubbling sound, excess gas that accumulates in the intestines, certain diseases, diarrhea, swallowing excess air, eating certain foods, some medications, and even hormonal changes can cause bubble guts. Below we outline some specific conditions that could cause bubble guts.
Diet
There are foods such as seeds, beans, eggs, milk, peaches, prunes, cabbage, onions, and carbonated drinks that can produce excess gas in the gut.
Diarrhea
When someone has diarrhea, there is an increase in peristaltic movement, which can lead to a rumbling sound in the stomach. Increased fluid volume in the intestines of those who have diarrhea also contributes to the sound.
Irritable bowel syndrome
IBS can produce diarrhea or constipation. As mentioned above, diarrhea can increase contraction or peristaltic movement in the gut, producing bubbling.
Food poisoning
Toxins produced by bacteria leads to food poisoning and food poisoning often causes diarrhea, loose stools, cramps, and bubble guts.
Prolonged stay of food
When food stays in the intestine too long, the colon bacteria break it down further, making it watery. This can create noise in the gut.
Irritants
There are certain irritants, such as coffee, tea, and alcohol that can aggravate the walls of the intestines and cause excessive movement of muscles, which can produce large bubbles and sounds.
Laxatives
Drugs or herbs that are taken to induce bowel movements can cause bubbles in the abdomen.
Excess fiber
When a person eats too much fiber, it can cause peristalsis and the production of bubbles. Beans, fresh fruits, carrots, and cucumbers are examples of foods that may cause bubbles when consumed in excess.
Inflammatory bowel disease
IBD is a disease known to create inflammation in the walls of the intestines. This inflammation has the potential to move into the upper part of the abdomen. Crohn’s disease is an example of an inflammatory bowel disease. Symptoms can include diarrhea and high fluid volume in the gut.
Excess gas in the gut
There are different ways that someone can get excess gas in the gut. As we mentioned above, it can be due to the consumption of certain foods, but it can also be from swallowing excess air when eating, talking, or yawning.
Treating bubble guts
Bubble guts can be uncomfortable and embarrassing due to the noise. If you are wondering how to get rid of bubble guts, check out the common treatments below:
- Antibiotics: Some people with bubble guts are suffering from a bacterial infection that leads to diarrhea. These individuals might be prescribed antibiotics, which can treat the bacteria and minimize the bubbling at the same time.
- Antimotility drugs: These drugs help reduce contractions of the intestine and can reduce diarrhea and bubble guts. Lopermide is an example of an antimotility drug.
- Antisecretory drugs: When excess fluid in the gut leads to diarrhea and bubbling, antisecretory drugs such as racecadotril can be prescribed by a doctor.
- Antiflatulents: Over-the-counter antiflatulents, such as Gas-X, can be helpful in eliminating gas from the gut. It is important to follow the instructions that come with antiflatulents. Do not take more than the recommended dose.
How to get rid of bubble guts naturally
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Bubble guts cure does not have to be complicated. As we have explained, there are many foods that can contribute to bubble gut so paying close attention to diet can be helpful. Here are a few home remedies for bubble guts, including dietary modifications.
- Dietary changes: Avoiding foods that cause excessive gas in your stomach can minimize the chances of bubble guts occurring again. Gas-producing foods like beans, peaches, prunes, and broccoli should be consumed in limited quantity. Also avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated drinks can be helpful.
- Chamomile tea: This tea is known to be beneficial to our intestines. It can be soothing to the stomach and can relieve the symptoms of bubble guts.
- Peppermint tea: Many people say that they find peppermint tea soothing when it comes to a rumbling stomach.
- Probiotics: Including probiotics in your daily diet can regulate your gut. Some foods, such as yogurt, dark chocolate, and sauerkraut contain helpful bacteria. Many people also take probiotic supplements.
- Chew: If you chew food properly and don’t gulp, it can lessen the amount of excess air getting into your stomach.
- Drink buttermilk: It contains good bacteria that can improve the state of your gut so that less gas is formed and less bubbling sound is produced. It can also help reduce diarrhea. Many yogurts have good bacteria and can be easy to incorporate into your daily diet.
The occasional case of stomach rumbling is nothing to stress over, but when it becomes a regular and loud bubbling, the discomfort can be hard to put up with and shouldn’t be ignored. It is best to find out what is causing bubble guts. In the majority of situations, it is a quick fix, but there is always the possibility that you are suffering from a more serious health condition, like an inflammatory problem, that really does require medical attention.
Related: Healthy gut diet: Foods to eat and avoid
