Everyone burps at some point or another and this is completely normal. That is because our body uses burping to help force out excess gas and air from our intestinal tract. Sometimes, however, someone will have constant burping which can indicate some sort of stomach problem that should be treated, for example, excessive burping can be caused by aerophagia. The best way to determine why you are burping constantly and how to treat the problem is to assess your overall health and eating habits.
Causes of Constant Burping
In most cases constant burping is due to poor dietary habits. It is possible however, that frequent burping is the result of a medical condition. Here are a few of the common reasons for burping or belching.
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Swallowing Air |
Swallowing air is called aerophagia and is an incredibly common reason people burp. If you have aerated drinks or eat quickly, you are more likely to swallow air. The same is true of drinking through a straw as well. |
| Digestive System Malfunction |
Your digestive system can malfunction for a variety of reasons including ingesting fatty foods, gastritis, stomach ulcers, hiatal hernias or acid reflux disease. If there is too much gas formed in your digestive system, your body gets temporary relief by expelling it through your mouth. However, this will also let more air in. |
| Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) |
IBS affects the large intestine and can cause diarrhea, cramping, burping, bloating and constipation. The only treatment for IBS is to follow a specific diet by eliminating certain foods. |
| Gastroparesis |
Gastroparesis occurs when food stays in your stomach for longer than normal because the stomach muscles are not sufficiently strong to push it onto the next digestive structure. Symptoms include excessive burping as well as nausea and vomiting. |
| Gastric Cancer |
Stomach cancers can lead to gastric problems including constant burping, vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain. The best treatment in this case is to treat the cancer. |
| Other Reasons |
Other possible causes including consuming acidic foods, chocolates or certain vegetables such as onions, sprouts, beans, cabbage, apricots and lentils. |
Home Remedies for Constant Burping
The best way to eliminate constant burping is to change your eating habits. You can also try some home remedies that are found right in your kitchen that can help cure your excessive burping.
1. Change Eating Habits
When eating, try to chew with your mouth closed as this prevents air from entering your stomach which in turn prevents the need to burp. You should also make it a point to eat slowly and always chew well before you swallow. Swallowing can be another cause of burping as most people will quickly swallow their food and additional air at the same time.
2. Try Natural Herbs
- Tea. You can start your day off by having a bit of tea. Try adding some mint to the tea and this antioxidant will prevent the gases from accumulating within your stomach. You can also try having some herbal tea after each meal to eliminate burps. A good idea is to drink some chamomile tea after eating or right before bed to help improve digestion by getting rid of trapped gas much quicker.
- Mint or Clove. Try having a glass of cold water and adding a few drops of essence of mint. If you have this every day for a period of two weeks, you should notice a significant decrease in your burping. Peppermint tea is another option to provide the same effects by reducing your bowel’s spasmodic movements. One more option is to chew on a clove leaf right after eating a meal. This will prevent indigestion and belching by suppressing the product of excess gas and soothing your digestive system.
- Ginger. Ginger is a home remedy for burping that is incredibly versatile as you can use it in a marinade, seasoning or simply take it as a supplement. To prevent your body from producing excessive gas, try taking a supplement after every meal. Another option is to brew and consume a cup of ginger tea every morning to reduce belching. Ginger tea is a great way to reduce the burping and soothe your digestive system at the same time.
- Cardamom. Cardamom is almost as versatile as ginger and it works by controlling your overactive stomach. This is crucial as excessive muscle spasms can be a common reason for burping. You can try adding a bit of cardamom to your food or find a supplement. You can also make it into a tea by boiling it in water for 10 minutes and drinking it while warm. By reducing your stomach’s muscle spasms, it can help stop burping.
- Asafetida. Asafetida is native to Iran and also known as stinking gum or devil’s dung. It can stop your body from producing excessive gas and therefore decreasing belching. Try adding a bit of it to warm water with a bit of salt and ginger powder. Asafetida can also be used to flavor cabbage and other gaseous foods. You should keep it in an airtight and dry container as it smells strong.
3. Think of Lemon
- Lemon and Baking Soda. Take a glass of water and mix in a ¼ spoonful of baking soda and a tablespoon lemon juice. If you drink this after meals it can help digestion and reduce burping.
- Lemon Juice and ACV. Another option is to drink a glass of water with a teaspoon each of lime juice and apple cider vinegar and this will produce the same effects.
4. Avoid Wrong Foods
Certain foods including sugars and milk can trigger burping. In addition specific fruits and vegetables can contribute. These have a starch that the stomach can’t easily digest but help treat bacteria located there and include sprouts, onions, prunes, apricots, bananas, cabbage, beans and lentils. Whole grains can also lead to gas and burping.
5. Take Digestive Enzymes
Enzymes help with digestion and by doing so will reduce your gas production as well as bloating and belching. You can consume a daily probiotic supplement which will reduce the bad bacteria found in your intestine as these bacteria can lead to excessive gas production. Some older people will have a lower production of digestive enzymes and an incorrect floral balance. Crucial digestive enzymes include protease, amylase, lipase, cellulose, lactase, maltase and sucrose.