The feeling of burps after drinking coffee is quite common for many of us. Burping is actually the body’s natural way of getting rid of excess air that may have been swallowed. Depending on how much coffee we had and how we take it, burping may happen often or occasionally. Coffee can be brewed in many different ways and some can lead to more burping than others. In addition, what you eat with your cup of coffee can also contribute to burping.
From a scientific point of view, burping is caused when stomach acids mix with carbonation in the beverage. This is why many carbonated drinks can make you burp more often and those who have problems with stomach acidity have more difficulty with the burp-effect of their coffee.
Other possible causes are bad food habits such as eating high-fat foods, drinking large amounts of coffee in a single sitting, flavors and sweeteners added to coffee, and certain medications. Even certain health conditions can cause gas to build up, leading to burping.
That said, some people experience burping after drinking coffee because of how strongly brewed the drink is. When coffee is brewed with boiling hot water for an extended period of time, the pressure of the liquid can create more air bubbles that cause the burping sensation. While some choose strong coffee because of its bolder and robust taste, those looking to reduce their burps should pick a milder brew if possible.
Swallowing too much air while drinking can also add to the level of burping as it increases pressure in the stomach. Reducing the pace of sipping can help with this, as well as avoiding carbonated beverages. If drinking your coffee with milk or cream, consider reducing the amount you use as well.
Caffeine and Acid Contents
Caffeine has the ability to cause a person to drink more liquid than they need. This can fill the stomach with a lot of air pockets which then rise up the throat when they burp. Excessive hand-to-mouth movements, like those from snacking on food or chewing gum, also contribute to the swallowing of excessive gas. Lowering the intake of caffeine can help in this regard.
In addition, the acidic content of coffee also comes into play. Roasted coffee beans contain special compounds like acetic acids and acetals that can cause stomach discomfort and burping in some people. Consequently, those who are sensitive to coffee acidity should opt for a low or medium roast without acidic components.
Herbal Remedies
Some people have had success with treatments such as herbal teas and kombucha. Chamomile, ginger and peppermint are three herbal teas that are known to reduce stomach gas and bloating. Kombucha can also help in maintaining balance of the gut’s natural healthy bacteria, reducing burping and other digestive distress.
Also consider increasing your intake of probiotics. Natural sources of probiotics include yogurt, kimchi, miso and kefir, which can help provide the body with good bacteria and provide additional, natural remedies for burping.
If your burps are due to anxiety, try deep breathing and yoga exercises. Techniques such as belly breathing, which is a way of breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth in a very relaxed, rhythmic manner, can help reduce stress and tension, promoting easier digestion and thus reducing burping.
Listen to Your Body
The reasons why we burp vary from person to person so it is best to listen to your body and observe how it reacts to different drinks and foods. If you’re still troubled by burping after making these diet and lifestyle changes, it is best to check in with your healthcare provider. Some burping conditions, like GERD, may require professional help.
Limiting Different Beverages
Apart from coffee, there are other beverages, like sodas and energy drinks, that contain carbonated bubbles. This can contribute to the formation of gas within the stomach, which leads to burping. By limiting these kinds of drinks, you can significantly reduce the amount of burps you experience after drinking coffee and other beverages.
In conclusion, burping after drinking coffee can be caused by many different factors, such as poor food habits, medications and an acidic content in coffee beans. It is important to pay attention to these factors, as well as to your own body, to get an idea of what is causing the burping. By lowering the intake of caffeine, limiting different beverages and considering herbal remedies, people can effectively reduce their burps after drinking coffee.
Develop a Routine
As smoking and drinking coffee are often associated with one another, there may be a symbiotic relationship between burping and nicotine intake. If this is the case, developing a routine that limits smoking and consequentially reduces the amount of burps you experience is worth considering.
Exercising before heading out for coffee can also give your body less opportunity to retain air, thus reducing the chance of burping. You should also consider walking after your drinks or snacks to assist in digestion and expel any air that may be trapped.
Tried and Tested Methods
There are also some tried and tested methods that people can use to reduce burping. Chewing food more slowly and consuming smaller meals may help in keeping the amount of gas in the stomach to a minimum. People may also find that drinking water more regularly and eating more fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables and oats can help keep burping at bay.
In addition, people who experience burps after drinking coffee can try using a straw to sip their drinks. This can reduce the amount of air swallowed and the amount of burps in turn. People can also choose to use filtered water instead of tap water, as tap water may contain more air particles that contribute to the burping phenomenon.
Changing Habits
People can also benefit from changing their habits and behavior. If a person is used to drinking more than one cup of coffee, they should consider replacing the second cup with a cup of tea, as tea takes its time to be metabolised and has a calming effect on the stomach. Eating more bananas and other potassium-rich foods can also provide relief from the burping sensation.
In the end, the best way to avoid burping after drinking coffee is to make sure that you drink the right amount of coffee, avoid adding too many Extras and stay aware of the causes that make you burp.
