Have you been burping all the time after you take drinks, including tea and coffee? While it is normal to burp after meals, constant or loud burps after drinking your favourite beverage can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. But why is this occurring, and can you prevent it without resigning from your caffeine habit?
Why Tea and Coffee Make You Burp More
1. Swallowing Excess Air (Aerophagia)
Some people sip hot beverages, such as tea and coffee, quickly, especially during rush hours. Each sip can make you swallow air along with the liquid. This trapped air builds up in your stomach and escapes as a burp. Drinking through straws or talking while sipping can make this worse.
2. Stimulation of Stomach Acid
Since tea and coffee are mildly acidic, these drinks can stimulate your stomach to secrete extra acid. If you suffer from acid reflux, this excess acid can burn the oesophagus and cause belching as your body attempts to ease the pressure.
3. Carbonation and Creamers
If you drink cold coffee or tea with added carbonation or foamy milk, these can trap more gas in your stomach. Many creamers and milk alternatives contain stabilisers or thickeners that may cause gas or bloating as well.
Also Read: Easy-To-Perform Exercises To Relieve Bloating And Burping
4. Caffeine’s Effect on Digestion
Did you know caffeine can also relax the lower Oesophageal sphincter (LES), which is the muscle that prevents stomach contents from rising back up. In a more relaxed LES, gas has an easier time escaping, and this results in frequent burping.
5. Sensitivity to Ingredients
Some individuals are sensitive to tannins (in tea) or lactose (in coffees made with milk). These sensitivities can lead to indigestion, bloating, and belching. Herbal teas such as peppermint, although calming, can also unwind the LES and initiate burps in individuals with reflux.
When Is Burping After Tea or Coffee a Concern?
Burping occasionally is normal; however, if you are burping excessively with symptoms, such as heartburn, bloating, nausea, or a sour taste in your mouth, it could point to acid reflux, gastritis, or lactose intolerance. In such cases, consult a doctor to rule out underlying conditions.
Easy Fixes to Curb the Burps
1. Sip Slowly and Avoid Straws
- Don't gulp your beverage; start sipping more slowly. This will help in minimising the intake of air.
- Avoid using straws. Instead, try sipping directly from the cup.
2. Switch Your Brew
- Consume low-acid coffee or cold brew, which is naturally less acidic.
- You can substitute green tea or white tea for black tea, as they are easier on the stomach.
- Refrain from consuming overly acidic or concentrated brews as these can irritate your gut.
3. Mind Your Add-ons
When you do use milk, switch to lactose-free types. Avoid whipped cream, artificial creamers, and overly sweet drinks, which can cause gas and bloating.
4. Avoid Drinking on an Empty Stomach
Though a morning cup of coffee or tea is a hug for most, consumption of such products in the morning can hyperstimulate the stomach acid. To combat this, drink your beverage accompanied by a light snack such as toast or fruit to buffer its impact.
5. Adjust Your Posture
Maintain your posture while consuming beverages. Try sitting upright while drinking and avoid lying down right after. This helps prevent acid and gas from escaping upwards.
Also Read: Doctor Explains Why You May Be Burping So Much Even Without Eating
6. Limit Peppermint and Carbonated Additions
Although peppermint tea is soothing for many, it can weaken the LES and aggravate reflux symptoms for some. In the same way, avoid coffee-mixed sodas and carbonated iced teas.
7. Cut Back on Quantity
If you’re having multiple cups a day, reduce your intake gradually. Smaller, spaced-out servings are easier on your stomach.
Bottomline
Burping after tea or coffee is usually harmless, but it's a signal that your digestive tract is responding to the temperature, acidity, and contents of the drink. Minor adjustments, such as switching the brew, taking smaller sips, and skipping some extras, may solve the problem entirely. If your symptoms continue or get worse, particularly with pain or acid reflux, consult a doctor.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]