Belching or burping is a process of releasing gases from the stomach. Belching which is also referred as Ructus in medical terms is commonly found in adults as well as in some children too. Belching puts the person in an embarrassing position as it creates a typical sound and bad odor. Belching is not confined to any particular group of people; it is a common phenomenon irrespective of age or health condition. Even small infants belch or burp to release excess air that has gone inside the stomach while eating or drinking. The stomach gets relieved from excess air due to belching. Belching is a well co-originated action as it does not allow liquid or solid food to go into the lungs while belching. It just ensures that only gases are released.

Causes of Belching

Belching usually happens when some food or drink is taken very fast or in excess quantity than required. While eating fast the excess air enters into the stomach and the same comes out through belching. Drinking carbonated drinks or liquors such as beer and champagne causes belching as the air mixed with these drinks comes out while burping. Food items like milk and sugar starts the belching process while digesting.

Certain vegetables such as lentils, beans, cabbage, apricots, bananas, onions, prunes and sprouts produce gases in the stomach and these gases come out while belching. Belching also happens due to some disorders such as Gastro-esophageal reflux as lots of gases are created due to these diseases. Some people have a habit of belching to indicate that the eating is completed. Chewing gum and other chewing habits also leads to belching. Some times poorly fitted dentures also cause belching or burping. Irregular timing of food consumption is also one of the reasons for belching.

Home Remedies for Belching

There are various belching home remedies. Taking soups before the main course of meals can help in controlling belching. Soups prepare the ground for digestion process by eliminating liquids and salts and also help to generating gastric acid. Mint is an ideal home remedy for belching. Add some fresh mint leaves or few drops of natural mint essence in the drinking water. Mint works as a natural digestive agent and eases the digestive process inside the stomach and intestines.

Another effective belching remedy is herbal teas prepared with blackberry, mint, raspberry and chamomile can prevent belching as they ensure smooth digestion process. Drink a glass of water mixed with half teaspoon of baking soda to get instant relief from Belching.

Asafetida has been used in food items since ancient times as it is an ideal home remedy for belching. Asafetida can be added in any food item or add to buttermilk to release unwanted gases from the stomach. Chewing cloves after meals is an easy home remedy for blenching. Garlic acts as wonderful home remedy for belching. A few cloves or garlic can be eaten before taking regular meals to prevent belching. As many people do not like raw garlic due to its smell, garlic soup can be an ideal alternative.

Take a cup of water and soak fenugreek in it for two to three hours. Drink the water early morning in an empty stomach to get relieved from belching. Take a half teaspoon of baking soda and one table spoon of fresh lime juice; mix together in a cup of warm water along with a small amount of fresh ginger paste. Drink this mixture in the morning in empty stomach for 10 days. However, this is not good for people with hyperemia as this mixture has a good amount of sodium ions. Chewing one or two pods of cardamom after the meals can arrest the belching. This is one of the natural remedy for belching.

As home remedies work perfectly on belching, people do not prefer to opt for medications. Belching usually is treated only with home remedies as they are simple and literally inexpensive. This is one of the good belching treatment.

One of the important home remedies for belching is Lemon. Drink a cup of water mixed with two tea spoons of lemon juice and small quantity of apple cider vinegar before starting meals. It smoothens the digestive process and prevents acids and unwanted gases formation.