Why Do We Burp? What’s Normal, What’s Not, and When to Look Deeper
- Marnie
- Oct 1
- 2 min read
Burping is one of those things everyone does—but many of my clients tell me they struggle with excessive burping, and it leaves them uncomfortable or embarrassed. Let’s break down what’s normal, what might be a red flag, and what could be driving those frequent burps.
What’s Normal?
Occasional burping is completely normal. It’s your body’s way of releasing swallowed air from the stomach.
On average, most people burp a handful of times a day, usually after meals, carbonated drinks, or eating quickly.
When It’s Too Much
If you’re burping frequently throughout the day, especially when you haven’t eaten or had anything fizzy, it could be your body signaling that something deeper is going on.Other concerning signs include:
Burping paired with bloating, gas, or indigestion
Burping that comes with nausea, reflux, or heartburn
Burping that feels constant and not tied to meals
Common Reasons for Excessive Burping
Swallowing Too Much Air - Eating too quickly, chewing gum, drinking through a straw, or talking while eating can all lead to more swallowed air.
Carbonated Beverages - Seltzer, soda, beer, or kombucha naturally release gas in the stomach.
Low Stomach Acid (Hypochlorhydria) - This is one I see often with my clients. When stomach acid is low, food isn’t digested properly, leading to fermentation, gas, and—you guessed it—burping.
Food Sensitivities & Gut Imbalances - Gluten, dairy, or other food sensitivities, as well as imbalances like SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), can drive fermentation and gas.
Reflux or GERD - When stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, burping can become excessive.
Gallbladder or Liver Stress - Because digestion starts with bile and enzymes, sluggishness in these areas can contribute to burping and indigestion.
Functional Testing: When to Look Deeper
If burping is persistent or paired with other digestive symptoms (bloating, diarrhea, constipation, reflux, nausea), testing can help uncover the root cause.
Through functional testing and careful symptom tracking, we can determine whether burping is connected to:
Gut microbiome imbalances
Low stomach acid or poor enzyme output
Bacterial overgrowth or hidden infections
Food sensitivities and inflammation
Digestive organ sluggishness (like the gallbladder or liver)
When we combine your health history with functional testing insights, we get clear answers that guide the right nutrition and lifestyle plan for your body.
What You Can Do
Slow down when eating—chew thoroughly and don’t rush meals.
Limit carbonated drinks if you notice they trigger symptoms.
Track your symptoms: Do certain foods or times of day make burping worse?
Support digestion with mindful eating, digestive bitters, or enzymes (if appropriate).
If burping is excessive or paired with other digestive issues, it may be time to uncover the “why” behind your symptoms.
Burping in itself isn’t “bad”—it’s a normal release of air. But when it becomes frequent or uncomfortable, it’s often a sign from your digestive system that something isn’t working as smoothly as it should. This is where functional nutrition can make all the difference: uncovering root causes instead of just masking symptoms.
👉 If burping and indigestion are affecting your daily life, let’s connect. I use functional testing and symptoms to uncover your answers and create a plan that helps you feel your best.
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