Which action is recommended to reduce belching while chewing?

• A. Keep mouth shut when chewing
• B. Sucking through straws
• C. Chewing gum
• D. Eating quickly

Answer: (A)

When belching during meals is the result of swallowing air (aerophagia), the simplest way to cut back is to minimize air entering the digestive tract. Keeping the mouth closed while chewing reduces the amount of air you swallow, so less air reaches the stomach and is expelled as a belch.

The other actions tend to introduce or encourage more air: sipping through a straw pulls air down with the liquid, chewing gum can lead to more frequent swallowing of air and saliva, and eating quickly often means gulping and swallowing air along with food.

So, the most effective habit to reduce belching while chewing is to keep your mouth closed during chewing.