7 simple ways to stop burping too much

Picture this: you’re having a delightful feast with your loved ones, laughter and intoxicating aromas filling the air. But just as you’re about to take a sip of your favourite beverage, an unexpected burst of sound echoes through the dining hall—a burp! Oh, the wonders of burping! Well, that should not be the case because burping is the body’s natural way to detoxify or get rid of excess gas and is perfectly normal. But if you find yourself burping too much, you might need to reassess some of your lifestyle habits. Let’s take a look at how to stop burping if it’s happening too frequently.

Burping, also known as belching or acid reflux, is a natural process in which gas accumulated in the stomach or esophagus is released through the mouth. It is a common bodily function that helps to relieve excess air or gas from the digestive system. “While occasional burping is normal, excessive burping can be uncomfortable and even painful,” says nutritionist Dr Manoj Kutteri.

Tips on how to stop burping

If you find yourself burping excessively or regularly, there are several strategies you can try to lessen burping and improve your digestive comfort. Here are some tips, as suggested by Dr Kutteri, to stop burping:

1. Say no to carbonated drinks

Carbonated beverages like soda and sparkling water contain carbon dioxide gas, which can trigger burping. To reduce burping, opt for non-carbonated beverages or drink carbonated drinks slowly and in moderation, allowing the gas to escape before swallowing.

2. Eat and drink slowly

Eating and drinking too quickly can lead to swallowing excess air, contributing to burping, explains Dr Kutteri. To prevent this, take your time while eating, chewing your food thoroughly before swallowing. Chewing food well helps break it down and mix it with saliva, aiding in the digestion process and reducing the likelihood of swallowing air.

Also read: 5 possible reasons why you’ve been burping all the time

3. Avoid high-sugar candies

“Sucking on candies or chewing gum can cause you to swallow air, leading to more frequent burping,” says Dr Kutteri. If you’re prone to excessive burping, try to reduce these habits or choose sugar-free alternatives.

4. Stay away from burp-inducing foods

According to the doctor, certain foods are known to produce gas in the digestive system, leading to increased burping. Examples include beans, lentils, cabbage, onions, and some spices. If you suspect that certain foods may be causing your excessive burping, consider following an elimination diet to identify the impact of each food on your symptoms. Additionally, soaking beans and lentils before cooking them can help reduce their gas-inducing properties.

5. Maintain good posture while eating

Your posture during meals can affect the amount of air you swallow. “Sitting up straight with your back erect helps prevent compressing the stomach, reducing pressure and the likelihood of burping,” says Dr Kutteri. So, make a habit of sitting upright and maintaining good posture while eating.

6. Manage stress

Stress and negative emotions can interfere with digestion and contribute to burping. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, and engaging in activities you enjoy can help alleviate stress and promote better digestion.

7. Avoid overeating

Eating until your stomach is overly full can lead to indigestion and the accumulation of gas, resulting in burping. It’s important to give your stomach enough space to mix food with digestive juices effectively. Dr Kutteri advises to opt for smaller, more frequent meals and listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues to avoid overeating.

Also read: Sneezing, burping and farting: 12 natural urges you should never stop

While these strategies can be helpful in reducing burping, it is important to note that excessive or persistent burping could be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. If burping is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as abdominal pain, heartburn, or changes in bowel movements, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.