Burping: Belching 101
When you eat, food enters the mouth, is swallowed, then travels down the esophagus and into the stomach. Upon arrival, the digestive system uses bacteria, acid, enzymes, and chemicals to help pull nutrients from food that the body needs for nutrition and energy. Sometimes as you swallow, you might take in additional air. This can also happen when you have carbonated drinks, such as soda. This air is like a gas in the body and comes back out of the body through the esophagus and then…. BURP. The burp only occurs if the air or gas traveled all the way down the esophagus. Most times it doesn’t make it that far for everyone, but when it does the body wants to release this discomfort.
Air also likes to make its way into your mouth when you chew gum, eat too quickly, talk while eating, suck on hard candies, or smoke. Drinks like caffeine or alcohol that cause heartburn can also cause burping, as well as high sugar and fiber foods... Some of these include beans, lentils, cauliflower, bananas, raisins, broccoli, and whole wheat bread. Certain medications have side effects that cause burping, such as laxatives, acarbose (which is a type 2 diabetes medication), and pain medications like aspirin. One is more prone to burping if they have stomach ulcers, GERD (gastroesophogial reflux disease), lactose intolerance, or is unable to absorb fructose or sorbitol.
If belching becomes excessive, seeking treatment from a doctor may be necessary. Most times it is not serious. If you are having stomach discomfort and want to burp to help alleviate this, try laying on your side with your knees to your chest. Be aware when you are eating not to eat too quickly, not to chat too much while eating, and don’t drink beverages that trigger belching for you.
Burping in public is often times associated with bad manners. Sometimes the sound and smell can be very unattractive. It is a natural process, but a behavior that has a bad rap if trying to impress someone. The volume of your burp can be controlled, and you can excuse yourself or turn your head away from your company. It boils down to what you feel is socially acceptable, but always remember your surroundings, the time, and the place, because burping in front of your boss probably isn’t looked upon highly. Burping in private is the better alternative. Sometimes it just happens, so excuse yourself and move on. Keep the air for breathing, not for your stomach to release its gas.
Sources:
https://www.cghjournal.org/article/S1542-3565(12)01047-6/fulltext
