Published on Feb 08, 2025 6 min read

Why Do Stomachs Growl, Noses Run, and Yawns Spread? Explained!

Have you ever heard your stomach rumble, only question why it does that; have your nose begin to run, but you’re not sick; or why when someone around you yawns, you automatically yawn as well? All these are interesting and although these may not appear to be related, they all refer to various ways that the body functions in given circumstances or in response to some stimuli. Stomach growling usually results from digestion or hunger and a runny nose may be because of anything arising from allergens to emotions. Yawning however requires more than tiredness and while some people do yawn in a strange manner, it is considered to act as a method of cooling the brain.

Why Does Your Stomach Growl?

The familiar rumbling of your stomach, scientifically known as borborygmi, happens because of activity in your digestive system. While it's often associated with hunger, stomach growling is a normal phenomenon that can occur even when you're not hungry. It’s simply your digestive system doing its job.

How the Digestive System Creates Growling Sounds?

As your stomach and intestines process food, they contract and relax in waves through a process called peristalsis. These rhythmic movements push food, liquid, and gas through your gastrointestinal tract, creating vibrations that result in the rumbling sounds we all recognize. The presence of air or gas can amplify these sounds, making them more noticeable.

Why Hunger Makes Growling Louder?

When you haven’t eaten in a while, your stomach releases hormones that signal your brain to jumpstart peristalsis. This process clears out leftover food particles, gas, and other materials, preparing your digestive system for the next meal.

Since your stomach and intestines are relatively empty during this time, the growling may be louder because there’s less material to muffle the sound. This is why people often associate a growling stomach with hunger, even though it’s simply part of routine digestive maintenance.

Other Causes of Stomach Growling:

While hunger and digestion are the most common reasons for stomach growling, other factors can contribute as well:

• Swallowing Air: Eating too quickly or consuming carbonated drinks can increase the amount of air in your digestive tract, leading to louder rumbling.
• Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress can stimulate your digestive system, causing growling as part of a physical reaction to stress.
• Digestive Gas: Excess gas in your system, whether from certain foods or swallowed air, can intensify the sounds.

Tips to Reduce Stomach Growling:

Although stomach growling is natural, there are steps you can take to minimize it:

• Eat Smaller, Frequent Meals: Regularly eating small portions keeps your digestive system working more consistently, preventing loud growling caused by an empty stomach.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking water helps maintain smooth digestion and reduces excess air or gas in your system.
• Avoid Carbonated Drinks: Soda and sparkling water introduce extra gas into your stomach, increasing rumbling.
• Chew Slowly and Avoid Swallowing Air: Eating at a slower pace and avoiding talking while you eat can reduce the amount of air swallowed.
• Manage Stress: Practices like deep breathing, meditation, or exercise can calm your digestive system and reduce the impact of stress-induced growling.

When to Be Concerned?

Stomach growling is usually harmless and a natural part of digestion. However, if it's accompanied by pain, severe discomfort, or other unusual symptoms, it may be worth consulting a doctor to rule out underlying issues.

Why Does Your Nose Run?

A runny nose, known medically as rhinorrhea, happens when excess mucus flows from your nasal passages. This natural response can be triggered by irritants, infections, or environmental changes, serving as your body's way of defending itself.

How It Protects You?

Mucus is vital for maintaining healthy nasal passages. It creates a protective barrier, trapping dust, allergens, and harmful microorganisms to prevent them from reaching your respiratory system. When irritants like smoke, pollution, or germs enter your nose, your body increases mucus production to flush them out. While it can be inconvenient, this process is a crucial defense mechanism to keep your airways clear and your lungs safe.

Common Causes of a Runny Nose:

1. Cold Weather: Ever notice your nose runs more in chilly temperatures? Cold air stimulates mucus production as your body works to warm and humidify the air you breathe, protecting your lungs in the process.
2. Infections: Viral or bacterial infections, like the common cold or sinusitis, irritate the nasal lining and cause inflammation. In response, your body produces more mucus to trap and expel harmful pathogens.
3. Allergies: Allergic reactions to triggers like pollen, pet dander, or mold cause the release of histamines, which make nasal tissues swell and produce extra mucus.

How to Manage a Runny Nose?

• Keep your nasal passages moist with a saline spray.
• Steer clear of allergens and irritants that may trigger symptoms.
• Stay well-hydrated to help thin mucus and promote easier drainage.

Why Are Yawns Contagious?

Yawning is a fascinating reflex that continues to puzzle scientists. While it’s a natural response to fatigue or boredom, its contagious nature adds an intriguing social dimension.

The Science Behind Yawning:

Yawning involves opening the mouth wide and taking a deep breath, which stretches the jaw and boosts blood flow to the brain. This process may help cool the brain and restore alertness, making it a functional tool for staying awake and focused.

The Mystery of Contagious Yawning:

Contagious yawning appears to be connected to empathy and social bonding. Research shows that people are more likely to "catch" yawns from those they feel close to, such as family members or friends.

Why Do We Yawn When Others Do?

1. Mirror Neurons: These specialized brain cells activate when we observe someone else’s actions, prompting us to mimic their behavior—like yawning.
2. Evolutionary Advantage: In prehistoric times, synchronized yawning may have helped groups stay alert and unified, enhancing their survival.

Tips to Suppress a Yawn:

• Practice deep breathing to reduce the urge.
• Keep your mind engaged and active to prevent boredom-triggered yawns.

What These Behaviors Reveal

The Body’s Communication System:

These everyday phenomena underscore the body’s remarkable ability to communicate and adapt. Each action whether signaling hunger, defending against irritants, or encouraging social bonding serves a specific purpose within this intricate system.

Health Insights:

While these behaviors are often harmless, excessive or unusual patterns could point to underlying health issues:

• Frequent Stomach Growling: May signal digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Persistent Runny Nose: Could indicate chronic sinusitis or allergies.
• Excessive Yawning: Might be linked to sleep disorders or neurological concerns.

Conclusion:

From rumbling stomachs and runny noses to contagious yawns, these common bodily actions reflect the complexity of our physiology. They demonstrate the body’s ability to communicate its needs, protect itself, and strengthen social connections. By understanding the science behind these everyday occurrences, we gain valuable insights into both our health and the incredible ways our bodies work.