Buzz
Feeling bloated? Does your stomach feel heavy and uncomfortable, and you're eager to release the gas? Some individuals find burping to be a helpful method to ease the discomfort caused by bloating, especially when the gas accumulates in the stomach. Whether intentional or triggered by other means, burping can bring relief, and when paired with other remedies, it can aid in your recovery.
Steps
Apply Pressure
Drink carbonated beverages. Soda, beer, sparkling water, champagne, or any other carbonated drink. The carbonation creates bubbles that build up in your stomach, triggering burping to help relieve the discomfort. Give it a try!
- Don't sip normally; instead, drink in large gulps. This helps you swallow more air, increasing the chances of burping. Using a straw works similarly.
- For better results, try to drink the carbonated beverage quickly with a straw.
- Another trick is to drink from the opposite side of the cup. Hold the cup, bend over as if drinking from a faucet, place your lips on the far side of the cup, and slowly tilt it to let the liquid flow into your mouth. Sip slowly, swallow, then stand upright again.
Eat Foods Containing Air. Foods with air inside can have the same effect as carbonated beverages. Ever wondered why you burp after eating an apple? The reason is that apples contain air, and this air is released as you chew and begin to digest. That's why the game of bobbing for apples works. You could try using this method to help induce burping.
- Of course, apples aren't the only foods with air. You might also try other fruits like pears and peaches or baked soufflés.
- You can also try chewing gum or hard candy. Although these treats don't contain much air, the chewing action forces you to swallow air, leading to burping.
Release Gas by Changing Posture. If you're uncomfortable from bloating, changing your posture might help force the gas inside to move and be expelled. Try standing up while sitting, or sitting down while standing.
- Try some exercise to stimulate burping. Activities like walking, running, or doing aerobic exercises can help push the gas out of your stomach. For example, you can walk around and bounce on the balls of your feet.
- Another option is to lie on your stomach and bring your knees toward your chest. Extend your arms fully and arch your back. Repeat if necessary, keeping your neck and head level with your body.
- Lying down and then sitting up quickly is another possible method.
Take Antacid Medications. Some antacids produce additional gas, which may stimulate burping. On the other hand, certain antacids that contain simethicone help break down gas bubbles in the stomach, reducing the need for burping. Regardless of the type, taking antacids can help alleviate discomfort.
- Antacids can also help manage acid reflux or heartburn, common causes of discomfort and burping.
Stimulate the Gag Reflex. Stimulating the gag reflex should be used as a last resort, as it can be uncomfortable and may lead to vomiting. However, if other methods haven't worked, you might consider using this technique to relieve bloating by inducing burping.
- Most people are sensitive in the throat area. To trigger the gag reflex, use a clean finger or toothbrush to gently touch the soft palate deep in your mouth.
- The goal here is to burp, not to induce vomiting. Be gentle and only stimulate enough to release the gas in your stomach.
Stimulate Burping
Assume the Correct Posture. You can also learn specific techniques to induce burping, known as intentional burping. First, sit up straight to maximize your lung capacity.
- Relax your lungs, then exhale normally until the air in your lungs is at a moderate level—not too full, not too empty.
Push Air into Your Throat. Open your throat and jaw, then inhale through your mouth. Continue until you feel air bubbles entering your throat. After performing this step, use your tongue to block the opening of your mouth.
- To do this, touch your tongue to the roof of your mouth.
- You may need to practice pushing the air into your throat. Avoid inhaling too forcefully, as this may make you swallow air, which could worsen bloating. Try to keep the air in your throat.
- Let the air escape slowly by lowering your tongue and slightly parting your lips to let the air out.
Try Exhaling While Closing Your Throat. Some people find this technique easier for inducing burping. Close the airway at the base of your throat, but exhale as though you're breathing out. This action creates pressure in the stomach and pushes the gas up into the esophagus.
Swallow Air. If the above methods don’t work, you can repeat the initial steps, but this time swallow the air into your throat. First, exhale as much as possible to empty your lungs. Inhale deeply and hold it as long as possible. Exhale and inhale deeply again, then try to swallow the air.
- This action may not occur naturally. You can try the trick of drinking a glass of water while holding your breath. You should also pinch your nose to ensure you don’t exhale.
Burp the Air Out. Once you have swallowed enough air, you will feel the pressure building inside your stomach and esophagus. Open your mouth and burp.
- Tighten your abdominal muscles when you feel the burp coming. This action will maximize the force and volume of the burp.
- Practice intentional burping. Over time, this technique will become easier and less uncomfortable.
Treating Chronic Bloating
Pay attention to your diet. The digestion of food naturally produces gas, and some foods cause more gas than others. Beans, onions, cabbage, cruciferous vegetables, and whole grains are known for causing excess gas. You should avoid these foods or take digestive aids if you often experience bloating.
- Other foods that may cause gas include high-fiber fruits like apples, peaches, raisins, and apricots, as well as vegetables like garlic, cucumbers, Brussels sprouts, and beans. Foods that generally don't cause gas include meat, fish, eggs, poultry, and starches like rice.
- Eat probiotic yogurt. Yogurt with active cultures can aid digestion and reduce gas production. Digestive enzymes like Beano also work in a similar way.
- Eat smaller portions or bites, avoid sucking on hard candy, drinking through a straw, or chewing gum. These activities lead to swallowing air, which worsens bloating.
Drink plenty of water. Water and non-carbonated drinks can help reduce bloating and fullness. Many people find that warm water significantly alleviates symptoms.
- Drink slowly to avoid swallowing excess air. Additionally, make sure to avoid carbonated drinks as they may cause bloating.
Use herbal remedies. There are many home remedies known as 'gas relievers' that help with bloating. These herbs soothe the digestive tract lining and regulate digestive functions, which essentially helps expel gas.
- Try using certain gas-relieving herbs like peppermint tea, fennel, and ginger—these are believed to help with bloating.
- Other herbs and spices that help relieve bloating include allspice, cloves, juniper, bergamot orange, sage, thyme, basil, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These may reduce symptoms.
- You can purchase these herbs at health food stores or grocery stores.
Identify other potential causes. Occasionally experiencing bloating is normal. However, if the symptoms persist, there may be an underlying issue like stress, food intolerances, gastrointestinal disorders, or misalignment of your jaw.
- Pay attention to the relationship between your diet and bloating. For example, lactose intolerance (inability to digest dairy products) can lead to bloating, fullness, and stomach cramps.
- Consult your doctor if you regularly feel discomfort and can't pinpoint the cause.
