What is Belching?
Belching or burping is when there’s excess gas in the stomach or the upper intestine that’s released from the mouth. The most common symptoms that indicate you have excess gas (besides belching) are passing gas, bloating, and discomfort in the abdomen. Nevertheless, gas symptoms vary depending on the individual.
What Causes Gas?
Gas enters your digestive tract by swallowing air and when bacteria in your large intestine break down specific undigested foods. Depending on how much air you swallowed, or what foods you’ve eaten, is the amount of gas that you’ll have in your digestive tract.
Swallowed air
You swallow air when eating or drinking, but even more is swallowed when you do the following:
- Smoke
- Suck on hard candy
- Chew gum
- Wear loose-fitting dentures
- Eat or drink to quickly
- Drink carbonated drinks
Any swallowed air that doesn’t leave through burping moves through your intestines and passes through your anus.
Bacteria in your large intestine
Your stomach and your small intestine don’t completely digest carbohydrates like sugars, starches, and fiber, in the foods you eat. Therefore, undigested carbs pass to the large intestine—which contains bacteria. These bacteria then break down undigested carbohydrates and create gas in the process.
Foods That Produce Gas
Foods that produce gas are as follows:
- Vegetables: Asparagus, mushrooms, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, and much more
- Fruits: Apples, peaches, and pears
- Dairy products: Cheese, ice cream, and yogurt
- Drinks: Carbonated drinks, anything with high fructose corn syrup, milk, fruit punch, etc.
- Whole grains: bran and whole wheat
Conditions That Cause More Gas
IBS, GERD, small intestinal bacteria overgrowth and having trouble digesting carbohydrates are all conditions that can cause you to have more gas than usual. If you find yourself having more gas than the norm, schedule an appointment with one of our Orlando gastroenterologists at the Digestive and Liver Center of Florida. Call (407)384-7388 today!