Belching after a meal is not just bad manners but also an acute embarrassment. Though it is a normal act of the body to expel gas accumulated in the stomach, belching or burping is often seen as a warning signal of stomach disorders.

Belching is generally triggered in one of two ways. First, too much gas is produced in the stomach by eating such foot items as bran, raw fruits, vegetables or by drinking gaseous liquids beer, soda etc. The second major cause is a person swallowing air during the meals due to a habit of eating fast.

Air can enter your stomach either while gulping food and drinking rapidly or due to anxiety. The swallowed air in the stomach causes abdominal discomfort. This makes the stomach work to expel the gas. Even though belching itself is not a disease, it can be the symptom of certain underlying medical conditions like acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

In case, you are a habitual belcher, it is a good idea to seek medical advice. For the others, we present six simple ways to reduce that embarrassing burp:

1) Eat slowly. Slow eating or drinking habits will help eliminate the chance of swallowing air. Trapped in air-bubbles could cause burping

2) Avoid drinking fluids using a straw

3) Carbonated drinks and beer release carbon dioxide gas. Therefore it is best to avoid these beverages if you are a regular belcher

4) Chewing gum. The chewing action causes you to swallow more often and increases the chances of swallowing air

5) Smoking can cause belching and other intestinal flatulence

6)Certain medical conditions affecting the bowels like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) could lead to increased belching. So treat the underlying malady in case you are suffering from any of these ailments.