Foods That Cause Gas, Belching and Heartburn

Burping, passing gas and heartburn are unfortunate by-products of an unhealthy diet, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you’re suffering from excess gas, persistent heartburn or chronic burping, it may be a good idea to talk to your health professional, since these conditions could be symptoms of a more serious problem. But changing your diet is likely to help reduce the issue.

Belching

Belching, or burping, is the release of excess air in your stomach, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Excess air can build up when you eat too fast or consume liquids that contain carbon dioxide. If chronic belching is a problem for you, doctors at the Mayo Clinic recommend that you cut back on carbonated beverages such as beer and soft drinks. You may also want to avoid chewing gum or eating hard candy, since you tend to swallow more air when consuming these products, the Mayo Clinic says.

Flatulence

Flatulence, or passing gas, can be caused by eating foods that cannot be broken down by the digestion process, according to nexiumresearch.com 2. This includes foods that are high in fiber because they are more difficult to break down in your digestive tract. Foods that can increase gas include beans, whole-wheat breads, carbonated drinks and leafy green vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage. Beans can cause excess gas because they remain undigested when they get to your large intestine and the breakdown of the bean causes the formation of intestinal gas. Foods that are high in fat can also cause gas because they take more time to break down, allowing for the build-up of excess gas, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Heartburn

According to doctors at the American College of Gastroenterology, heartburn is caused when stomach acid leaks out of the stomach and into your esophagus, causing a burning sensation. Eating close to your bedtime can aggravate this condition, they say, but note that your diet can also play a part. The American College of Gastroenterology recommends people suffering from heartburn stay away from foods high in fat content such as fatty meats and processed foods. Caffeine, commonly found in soft drinks, coffee and tea, can aggravate heartburn, according to the college—which also recommends staying away from peppermint, chocolate and excess eating.