Belching is a normal body function. However, excessive belching can point to problems in your diet. You may consume foods and beverages that produce excess gas or that slow down your digestion. In addition, the way you consume your food can affect how much gas you produce. Make some changes to your diet to alleviate excess gas and belching. If you experience extreme discomfort, speak with your doctor about additional dietary changes you can make.
Foods That Cause Belching
Fatty foods like deep-fried meat and fried snack foods are some of the main culprits that lead to excessive belching. Foods with large amounts of saturated and trans fat clog your digestive system. The food sits in your digestive tract longer, causing bloating, intestinal gas and belching. If you have celiac disease, foods containing gluten can spark an allergic reaction that make you belch. Other foods that potentially produce gas include legumes, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, leafy greens, apples and pears.
Beverages That Cause Belching
Drinking while eating can aid the digestive process, softening food so that it breaks down better and passes more quickly through your digestive tract. However, some beverages contain ingredients that bloat your stomach and make you belch excessively. Avoid carbonated beverages such as soda, mineral water and beer. Drink plain water or water with a squeeze of lime instead. Do not use a straw, because you suck air into your stomach while you drink.
Consumption Style
The way you eat your food also affects how much gas you produce. Chew every bite more thoroughly so you do preemptive work for your digestive system and ensure that your food passes more quickly through your intestinal tract. Avoid gulping beverages, talking fast or using beverages to wash down food, all of which introduce more air into your stomach and produce excessive belching. Do not suck on candies or chew gum, both of which cause an intake of more air.
Dietary Options
Add certain foods to your diet to improve your digestion and reduce your intestinal gas. One of the best foods to eat is yogurt containing probiotics. Consume whole, unsweetened foods high in dietary fiber to improve your digestion and regulate your bowel movements. Healthy choices include carrots, whole grains, nuts and berries.
