Burping is completely normal. Usually the result of swallowing too much air, burping is just another way your body can expel excess gas. While excessive burping can be a sign of heartburn or acid reflux issues, burping after a meal is completely normal and can actually be a healthy release of built-up gases in your stomach. Belching is certainly the lesser of two evils when it comes to expelling gas from your system, but it can also be harmful to your health to hold them in.
Burping Relieves Stomach Discomfort
After eating or drinking carbonated beverages, burping can relieve stomach pain and discomfort by expelling the carbon dioxide from your system. If you feel bloated after you eat, a good burp can clear that right up by allowing you to release the excesses gases before they get a chance to cause stomach pain, indigestion, and flatulence.
Holding in Burps Can Trap Toxins In Your Body
According to Dr. Ben Kim, suppressing burps can harm your body in two major ways, “It can lead to endogenous toxins seeping through the walls of your small intestine, entering your bloodstream, and ultimately, contributing to toxic load on all of your cells,” and can lead to severe bloating that “can stretch the walls of your digestive tract.” So if you feel the need to burp, let it loose!
Burping Relieves Pressure Caused by Bloating
Bloating occurs when you swallow air while eating and have excess gas in your system. Burping after a meal is a way to combat bloating and stomach pain caused by bloating. If you feel the need to burp, your body is probably trying to tell you that there is pressure there that needs to be released.
Perrier Can Promote Burping
Carbonated mineral water, such as Perrier or Topo Chico can promote burping. If you’re ever feeling bloated and you know you need to burp, but you can’t bring yourself to do it, try a bottle or can of mineral water or sparkling water to see if it helps you get a burp or two out of your system and relieve some of that pressure.
Gum, Candy, Tobacco, and Alcohol Can Lead To Excessive Belching
Chewing gum, eating hard candy, smoking cigarettes, and dipping tobacco can all cause you to swallow extra air and saliva, which can lead to bloating that belching can relieve. Excessive belching can be expected when a person drinks a large amount of alcohol as well.
How Much Is Too Much?
Most burping is deemed normal and good for the body. However, there is such a thing as too much gas in the gastrointestinal system. If you’re burping becomes out of control or it’s accompanied by heartburn or physical pain, seek the help of a medical professional immediately. You may be lactose intolerant or experiencing constipation or bowel obstruction. Excessive burping could also be a sign of Crohn’s disease.
Burping may be considered rude in some cultures, but in others it is a sign of appreciation toward a hearty, satisfying meal. As far as your health is concerned, though, if you feel the need to burp, you should find a way to do so without offending your company. Excess gas building up in your gastrointestinal tract can lead to severe discomfort and bloating, allowing toxins to stay in your system. If you have to burp, just cover your mouth, get it over with, and say excuse me. If your company has a problem with it, you have the knowledge to explain why you should be excused.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
Sources: [Boldsky, Dr. Ben Kim, Livestrong, National Center for Biotechnology Information, WebMD, WebMD]
