BelchingClick here to see a list of other articles about the stomach Stomach Health Discussion Forum
What causes belching?Belching, of course, is also known as burping or eructation. Belching is actually a way for the body to do itself a favor by expelling unneeded stomach gas through the mouth. For instance, we all know how important it is for a baby to burp during feeding. It's a way of releasing stomach gas and therefore avoiding the discomfort of gas in the stomach. The air, or stomach gas, that's expelled during belching, occurs for a number of different reasons. The most common is swallowed air. The act of swallowing air is also known as aerophagia. Gas collects in the stomach when we swallow air while eating, chewing gum, sipping drinks, smoking etc. People under duress tend to breath faster, and they often draw that breath through their mouth. People with loose dentures also tend to swallow air when they eat. People frequently belch after they because air collects in the stomach before and during the meal. As food fills the stomach, it displaces the stomach gas that's already there in the form of a belch. Swallowing the air isn't the only way to create the stomach gas that results in belching. There are a number of different foods that tend to create gas and cause more belching and flatulence. To learn more, click on causes of stomach gas. Belching after a meal, especially a big meal, may be normal. It occurs as a result of air being swallowed while eating. In addition, a lot of swallowed air accumulates in stomach in between meals. The food once it reaches the stomach, displaces the air already present there. Sometimes people think belching indicates that they're having a problem with digestion. This is not usually the case. Belching is a normal and natural process the body uses to relieve or prevent discomfort from the buildup of stomach gas and other types of gas.
|
Created by DuPage Digital |
Learn About Your
Stomach