What is Burping?
Burping, also known as belching, is the process of releasing air or gas from the stomach through the mouth. This air is usually swallowed while eating, drinking, or even talking, and can also be a result of a natural digestive process.
When we eat or drink, we swallow small amounts of air along with our food or beverage. This air collects in the stomach and can cause discomfort or bloating. The stomach then releases this air by opening the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) and allowing it to escape through the mouth, producing a burp.
Burping is a normal physiological process and helps in relieving the discomfort caused by excess air in the stomach. However, excessive or frequent burping can be a sign of an underlying digestive issue such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastroparesis, or peptic ulcer disease. In these cases, burping may be accompanied by other symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, and abdominal pain.
Abnormal burping can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Excessive gas production in the digestive tract
- Aerophagia, which is the unconscious swallowing of air
- Digestive disorders such as indigestion, chronic constipation, or irritable bowel syndrome
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux disease, occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn and burping.
While burping is usually not a cause for concern, if you experience excessive or persistent burping, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty swallowing, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
There are several home remedies for burping available to prevent or stop them. You can get a list of home remedies for burping by searching home remedies for burping, home remedies for excessive burping, home remedies for continuous burping, home remedies for burping and gas, natural remedies for burping, home remedies for bad burps, or home remedies to stop burping online or on LivLong website/app.
Home remedies for burping
While burping is a natural process that occurs when air and gas build up in the stomach, excessive burping can be uncomfortable and indicate underlying digestive issues. Therefore, addressing the root causes of burping is essential to alleviate excessive burping. The following home remedies for excessive burping can help manage digestive issues that may cause excessive burping.(2)(3)
1. Swallow less air
One of the home remedies for excessive burping is reducing the amount of air you swallow, which can help alleviate excessive burping. The following steps can be taken to limit the amount of air you swallow:
• Avoid sucking on hard candies and chewing gum
• Avoid drinking carbonated beverages and using a straw
• Limit talking while eating or drinking
• Eat while seated and take your time to eat slowly.
By following these steps, you can reduce the amount of air you swallow and help alleviate excessive burping.
2. Dietary changes
Home remedies for continuous burping include avoiding certain types of foods and beverages that can increase the likelihood of gas formation in the stomach. For instance, some vegetables like broccoli, kale, and cauliflower as well as fruits such as peaches, pears, and apples can be difficult to digest and may cause gas in the stomach. Additionally, consuming certain drinks like soft drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, and corn syrup can also contribute to gas production. Whole grains such as whole wheat and dairy products like milk, ice cream, and yoghurt can also be culprits. Moreover, products that contain sweeteners ending with -ol, such as xylitol, mannitol, sorbitol, erythritol, and maltitol, as well as candy and gum, may lead to gas formation and should be consumed in moderation.
3. Consume probiotic foods
Probiotic foods are beneficial for restoring the natural balance of gut bacteria and can help with gas formation and belching, which are often caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the digestive system. These foods can also treat various digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, and bloating. Greek yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, buttermilk, and sour pickles are some of the best probiotic foods that you can consume. It is advisable to seek medical advice before taking probiotic supplements.
Natural herbs that are used as home remedies for continuous burping are given below:
Ajwain
Ajwain, a popular spice in Indian cooking, offers various health benefits, particularly for gastrointestinal issues like gastric reflux and burping. One can gain these benefits by either directly chewing Ajwain seeds or preparing a decoction consisting of Ajwain, ginger, fennel, and cumin in boiling water, which can be consumed as a drink after cooling. This decoction helps alleviate digestive troubles and can be consumed as required.
Ginger
When it comes to preventing excessive gas, ginger is a useful and natural home remedy that works by relaxing gastrointestinal muscles, which reduces gas, bloating, and burping due to its carminative properties.
Additionally, ginger can promote digestion, alleviate abdominal pain, and soothe the stomach. To use ginger as a treatment, place a tablespoon of thinly sliced ginger into a small glass of warm water and soak for approximately 10 minutes. After straining, add lemon and honey juice and drink the mixture two to three times per day. Another option is to consume ginger supplements, but it is essential to consult with a doctor to determine the appropriate dose.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a natural remedy that can be used to prevent or stop burping due to its antispasmodic characteristic, which relaxes the digestive system and reduces gas formation inside the stomach. Peppermint also improves bile flow and overall digestion. To use peppermint as a treatment, place a spoon of dry peppermint in a small glass of warm water and let it soak for approximately 10 minutes. After straining, drink the tea two to three times per day. It is important to note that individuals with previous instances of gallstones should avoid using this herb.
Cardamom
Cardamom can be used to reduce the chance of gas formation by increasing the production of digestive juices in the stomach. Its carminative property aids digestion and can alleviate flatulence and bloating.
To use cardamom as a treatment, chew cardamom two to three times a day to reduce abdominal gas. Alternatively, add one teaspoon of cardamom (crushed) to one small glass of water, let it boil for 5 to 10 minutes, and then strain it. After adding some honey, drink the mixture after a meal.
Chamomile
Chamomile is an herb that can be used to reduce or prevent burping by allowing gas in the abdomen to be released through the digestive tract. Additionally, it can reduce intestinal cramping and aid in soothing the stomach.
According to 2011 research documented in Molecular Medicine, chamomile can help alleviate different gastrointestinal conditions including spasms, flatulence, upset stomach, and colic.
To use chamomile as a treatment put one chamomile tea bag in a small glass and pour little warm water into it. Allow it to soak for 5 to 10 minutes, remove the tea bag, and then consume the chamomile tea. Consume this tea two to three times per day.
Fennel
One of the home remedies for burping and gas is consuming fennel as it is a natural remedy for treating burping, bloating, and other digestive problems and is known for its carminative properties that soothe the digestive system and prevent gas formation.
To minimise burping and remove gas from your intestinal tract, chew on half to one teaspoon of dry fennel following a meal. Otherwise, you can add one spoonful of fennel to a small glass of warm water and allow it to soak for 10 minutes, strain it, and drink the tea twice a day.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a beneficial spice for the stomach and can help improve digestion and alleviate indigestion. Its ability to eliminate gas from the digestive tract is also helpful. One way to consume turmeric is by mixing a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a small glass of milk. Turmeric is commonly used in many dishes and curries, or it can be consumed by mixing it with warm water.
