How To Manage Aerophagia

During the course of any given day, everyone will accidentally swallow air. Whether done while eating, talking, or laughing, it just happens. However, for some individuals, so much air is swallowed that it leads to issues like stomach cramps, gas, belching, and bloating. Known as aerophagia, this condition is caused by a number of catalysts. Some individuals may eat too quickly. Others may have a habit of talking while eating. It can also be caused by gum chewing, mouth breathing, carbonated drinks, and vigorous exercise. In some cases, an underlying medical condition like sleep apnea is to blame. Whatever the cause, it's important to understand what aerophagia is and how to manage its effects.

Practice Conscious Slow Breathing

Most individuals have heard about the benefits of paying attention to their breathing before. Yogis make a very conscious effort to focus on slow, deep breaths. Heavy weightlifters follow the Valsalva method of breathing to enable them to make progressions.

Most individuals typically don't think too much about their breathing technique. After all, individuals take more than 600 million breaths in their lifetime. However, when individuals practice conscious slow breathing, they'll be less likely to swallow pockets of air. Slow breathing provides a calming effect, and it can lead to a number of positive side effects, though it does take some getting used to. Several times a day, individuals dealing with aerophagia should take a few minutes in a quiet area to focus on their breathing. As they breathe in, they should focus on filling the lungs up from the bottom to the top, keep their eyes closed, and allow the inhale and exhale cycle to last as long as ten to fifteen seconds. The more often individuals practice this method, the faster they'll become adapted to this method of breathing.

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