Last Updated on July 21, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post alleges that a burp while eating indicates the stomach is half-full. It advises people to stop eating after the burp, claiming that further consumption impairs proper food digestion. We fact checked and found the claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
As per a Facebook video from the Satvik Movement, burp indicates that the stomach is half-full and you should stop eating at that point. The video continues saying that eating food after burp will not digest. Consequently, they recommend refraining from eating after this burp occurs.
We have attached a screenshot of the post below:
Fact Check
What is a burp?
As per the National Cancer institute, burping is the release of air or gas from the stomach or esophagus through the mouth. Burp occurs when air collects in the stomach or esophagus due to factors like rapid eating, drinking carbonated beverages or eating chewing gums. Other factors include smoking, anxiety, certain medications, and gastrointestinal issues such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis, stomach ulcers, or infections. These activities introduce extra air into your digestive system, causing the need to burp.
What is the science behind burping?
There are two types of burp: gastric burp and supragastric burp. A Gastric burp refers to the normal act of burping or belching that originates from the stomach. It occurs when air or gas accumulates in the stomach. The body then expels the air by pushing the gas upward through the esophagus and out of the mouth.
Whereas supragastric burp is a specific type of belch or burp that originates from the upper esophagus or throat rather than the stomach. During this burp, air is swallowed and rapidly expelled from the esophagus, creating a burp-like sound. In this case, individuals have developed the ability to suck air into their esophagus intentionally and release it as a burp without involving the stomach.
How can a person recognize the sensation of fullness while eating?
The sensation of fullness in the stomach is typically associated with satiety, which is the feeling of being satisfied or no longer hungry after eating. This feeling of fullness is influenced by several factors, including the volume and composition of the meal, the rate of digestion, and the release of hormones that signal satiety to the brain.
While burping can sometimes accompany the feeling of fullness, it is not a reliable or exclusive indicator of stomach fullness. Other factors such as bloating, discomfort, or the absence of hunger may provide better indications of satiety and a full stomach. It is important to pay attention to these additional signals from your body to gauge your level of fullness accurately.
Ayurvedic expert, Dr. Annusuiya Gohil said “Food should not make us feel heavy. We should eat only enough to satisfy hunger, filling half the stomach with solid food, a quarter with liquids, and leaving a quarter empty for tridosh to function properly and aid digestion. To know if we’ve left enough space for tridosh, a simple way is to gauge hunger by asking if you could eat one more chapati—if the answer is no, it’s time to end the meal.”
Is burping a sign of half–filled stomach?
Not exactly. Burping alone is not a definitive sign that the stomach is half full or even full. Burping is a natural process that helps expel excess air or gas to regulate the digestive system. Occasional burping is generally not a cause for concern.
We asked Dr Pallav Prajapati, an Ayurvedic expert, whether we should eat half stomach for better digestion. To this, he replied, “There is no way to know whether the stomach is half full while eating. Ayurveda doesn’t say that burping means your stomach is exactly half full. It just recommends not eating too much, as it can upset your digestion. When your digestion doesn’t work well, it can cause problems like excessive burping and reflex of food into your mouth. So, it’s essential to eat in a balanced way for better health.”
General Physician, Dr Atul Kr Vashishtha says, “In simple terms, burping doesn’t mean your stomach is full. Also, a burp does not mean that already eaten food will not get digest well. It’s just that your body is releasing extra gas or air from your stomach through your mouth. Burping can happen after eating or drinking, especially if you’ve had fizzy drinks or ate too fast. It might make you feel better if you’re bloated, but it doesn’t stop your stomach from digesting food. Unless you have specific digestive problems, your body will continue to digest food as usual.
Dr Pratyusha Nerella, Senior Consultant Physician and Diabetes & Lifestyle Medicine Specialist informs, “Burping, also known as belching, is a natural bodily function that helps release excess gas from the stomach. Common causes of burping include eating too quickly, consuming large portions, eating spicy and oily foods, having food intolerances, and drinking carbonated beverages. While these causes are generally harmless, burping can also be associated with conditions such as GERD, IBS, Gastroparesis, gallbladder diseases, and peptic ulcers. If burping is accompanied by persistent abdominal pain, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, changes in bowel movements, or weight loss, it is advisable to seek medical attention for further evaluation and expert opinion.”
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