Stomach churning is an uncomfortable sensation that may occur with gurgling, nausea and other symptoms. Anxiety, indigestion, pregnancy, and irritable bowel syndrome are just a few of the possible causes.
This article describes what stomach churning feels like, if it is normal, and 11 possible causes.
We also explain when to see a doctor and provide some tips for treating and preventing stomach churning.

Stomach churning is a feeling of discomfort in a person’s abdominal area. A person may feel uneasy and experience the following gastrointestinal symptoms in their abdomen:
- tightness
- pain or cramps
- knots
- churning
- gurgling or bubbling sounds
People may use other terms such as “stomach tied in knots” and “butterflies in the stomach” to describe this unsettling sensation.
Stomach churning has a variety of potential causes. These include conditions such as indigestion, which can have less serious causes, and other conditions requiring urgent medical attention.
Anyone concerned about their symptoms should speak with a healthcare professional.
Below, some potential causes of stomach churning are explained in further detail.
Indigestion, or dyspepsia, refers to pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.
Other symptoms of indigestion can
- pain — a burning sensation or discomfort in the upper abdomen
- becoming full too soon or feeling uncomfortable while eating
- bloating
- a churning or gurgling stomach
- belching or gas
- nausea
- vomiting
There is not always an obvious reason for indigestion, but some common causes include:
- eating or drinking too much or too quickly
- eating spicy, greasy, or acidic foods
- drinking too many caffeinated or carbonated beverages
- stress
- smoking
Recurrent indigestion can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as:
- heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- stomach ulcers
- gastritis
- gallbladder inflammation
- infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria
- lactose intolerance
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- stomach cancer
People with severe or recurring indigestion should see a doctor. They should seek immediate medical attention if indigestion accompanies any of the following symptoms:
- unexplained weight loss
- difficulty swallowing
- severe or frequent vomiting, especially if vomit contains blood
- black, tarry, or bloody stool
- shortness of breath
- severe and persistent abdominal pain
- chest, jaw, neck, or arm pain
- jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and arms
The gut and brain share many of the same nerve connections. For this reason, stress and anxiety can significantly affect the digestive system.
When a person feels stressed or anxious, their body releases stress hormones.
Some of these hormones enter the digestive tract, where they can lead to the following symptoms and conditions:
- stomach churning
- indigestion
- nausea
- appetite loss
- constipation
- diarrhea
- peptic ulcers
- IBS
Many people have premenstrual syndrome (PMS), meaning they experience a range of symptoms the week before their period.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, common symptoms of PMS include:
- gastrointestinal symptoms, such as
diarrhea and constipation - bloating
- abdominal pain (cramps)
Researchers are unclear exactly what causes PMS, but changes in hormones during the menstrual cycle may play a role.
Digestive issues
Digestive problems that can occur during pregnancy include:
Food poisoning is a common illness that affects people who have consumed contaminated foods or beverages. The
Although anyone can get food poisoning, the following people have a
- young children
- pregnant people
- older adults
- people with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing organ transplants or living with HIV
The symptoms of food poisoning can range from mild to severe, and they can take hours or even days to appear after a person consumes the contaminated food.
Common symptoms of food poisoning include:
- indigestion
- abdominal pain and cramps
- vomiting
- diarrhea or bloody diarrhea
- fever
According to the
- a high temperature exceeding 102°F
- frequent vomiting
- dehydration
- dizziness when standing up
- diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
- blood in the stool
Viral gastroenteritis, which people often refer to as “stomach flu,” is a viral infection of the intestines.
The
General symptoms of viral gastroenteritis include:
- abdominal pain and cramping
- nausea
- vomiting
- watery diarrhea
- sometimes a fever
Viral gastroenteritis is usually not serious. However, frequent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration, especially in infants, young children, or the elderly. Signs and symptoms of dehydration
- extreme thirst
- dry mouth
- infrequent urination
- sunken eyes or cheeks
- lethargy
- reduced skin turgor, which is when the skin stays raised after pinching it
Symptoms requiring prompt medical attention
- lethargy or irritability
- high fever
- frequent vomiting
- diarrhea lasting more than 2 days
- passing six or more loose stools in a day
- black, tarry, or bloody stools
- severe pain in the abdomen or rectum
Treatment for people with viral gastroenteritis primarily involves replacing lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration.
Stomach churning can sometimes be a symptom of food intolerance, such as lactose intolerance.
People with lactose intolerance experience digestive symptoms after consuming foods containing lactose, a sugar naturally present in milk and dairy products. These symptoms occur because their body does not produce enough lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose.
Lactose intolerance is different from a milk allergy, which occurs due to an immune response.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance can
- bloating and gas
- abdominal pain and cramping
- stomach growling or rumbling sounds
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhea or loose, foul-smelling stools
Many people with lactose intolerance can manage their symptoms by making dietary changes to avoid this sugar.
People with celiac disease experience digestive symptoms after eating products containing gluten. Gluten is a protein that occurs mainly in wheat, barley, and rye.
In people with celiac disease, the immune system overreacts to the presence of gluten and begins attacking the small intestine lining.
The symptoms of celiac disease can vary between people. However, some common digestive symptoms of this condition
- abdominal pain or cramping
- nausea
- vomiting
- bloating and gas
- persistent diarrhea or constipation
- pale, fatty, or foul-smelling stools
Other symptoms can include:
- unexplained weight loss
- bone or joint pain
- tingling or numbness in the legs
- mouth sores
- an itchy skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
- confusion and fatigue
- delayed growth or puberty in children
- reproductive issues in females, such as missed periods
As the symptoms can be similar to those of other digestive disorders, celiac disease can be difficult for doctors to diagnose. People with celiac disease can manage their symptoms by adopting a gluten-free diet.
IBS is a disorder that affects the function of the bowel. Between 10 and 15% of people in the U.S. have IBS.
Experts do not know what causes IBS, but they believe that it may be due to the increased sensitivity of the bowels.
Common symptoms of IBS include:
- abdominal pain or discomfort
- bloating
- diarrhea or constipation
Doctors generally recommend dietary and lifestyle changes for people with IBS. However, they may also prescribe medications to help relieve symptoms.
An intestinal obstruction is a blockage within the small or large intestine that can prevent digested food and waste products from passing through.
Causes of intestinal obstruction include:
- a hernia
- a tumor
- scar tissue resulting from intestinal surgery
- IBS
- the intestine twisting around itself
- foreign objects
Symptoms of an obstruction include:
- bloating and swelling in the abdomen
- severe abdominal pain or cramping
- loud gurgling sounds from the abdomen
- inability to pass gas
- constipation
- nausea
- vomiting
Intestinal obstructions can lead to potentially life threatening complications. People with symptoms of an obstruction should seek immediate medical attention.
Some medications can cause digestive symptoms, such as stomach churning, as a side effect. These include:
People should speak with a doctor if they experience stomach churning that worsens, does not improve, or reoccurs.
It is also advisable to seek medical attention if stomach churning accompanies other concerning symptoms, including:
- intense pain
- severe dehydration
- severe or persistent diarrhea or vomiting
- blood in vomit or stools
- unexplained weight loss
- high fever
The treatment for a churning stomach depends on its underlying cause. However, some steps that people can take to help prevent or alleviate stomach churning include:
- managing stress and anxiety levels
- practicing good food hygiene
- avoiding foods that trigger symptoms
- reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption
- consuming products containing real ginger, which may help
protect against digestive symptoms - taking antacids to soothe heartburn
- trying probiotics, which may help promote better gut health
There are many possible causes of stomach churning, including indigestion, stress and anxiety, and taking certain medications.
Stomach churning often only causes temporary discomfort before resolving without treatment. However, this symptom can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health issue.
People with persistent or recurrent stomach churning should see a doctor, especially if it occurs alongside severe or concerning symptoms.