Digestive Problems: Many things go viral on social media that have nothing to do with reality. Let us tell you the truth about one such viral post about belching.

Does burping indicate intestinal health?

Warm Water Burp Test Truth: An Instagram video going viral on social media has confused people. The video claims that belching after drinking hot water means toxins are trapped in the body. Meanwhile, if belching doesn't occur, it's said that all body organs are functioning perfectly. However, doctors are calling this claim completely false and against medical science. Let's explain it in detail. 

What is the real meaning of belching?

Burping, medically known as belching, is a normal bodily function. It occurs when excess air or gas accumulated in the digestive tract is released. In most cases, it is caused by the inadvertent swallowing of air. Eating quickly, drinking cold drinks or soda, chewing gum, smoking, or talking while eating all lead to air swallowing, a condition called aerophagia. Anxiety or stress can also cause a person to repeatedly swallow air. This air accumulates in the stomach or food pipe and is released as burps.

roll of gas produced from the stomach

In some cases, gas is produced during digestion in the stomach, a phenomenon known as gastric belching. This can occur when undigested carbohydrates are fermented by bacteria in the intestines, or in cases of acid reflux and infections like H. pylori. Doctors clearly state that belching is not directly linked to the elimination of toxins from the body, liver, or kidney failure.

What does science say?

Research published in medical journals like Neurogastroenterology & Motility suggests that most cases of excessive burping are associated with supragastric belching. This is where air comes up from the food pipe, not the stomach. It's linked to habits and behavior, not organ dysfunction. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, belching is normal and harmless unless it's accompanied by symptoms like abdominal pain, sudden weight loss, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing.

What did the expert say?

Dr. Ashish Sachan, Senior Consultant of Gastroenterology at Karuna Hospital in Dilshad Garden, explains, "These tests are not done by belching after drinking warm water, nor do they assess the health of the liver or kidneys. What is being called a 'belching test' on social media is actually a misinterpretation of a medical breath test. According to him, these tests are done on the advice of a doctor."