Diet: low FODMAP and less gas
Quick summary
- Changing what you eat won't open the tight muscle, but it may mean less gas to get stuck.
- Easy changes: fewer fizzy drinks, eating more slowly, smaller meals, and fewer very gassy foods.
- One person on r/noburp said a strict low FODMAP diet helped them start burping on day 28 (opens in a new tab) (patient report). That's one story, not proof.
Can diet help R-CPD?
It can't fix the muscle, but it might make day to day life easier. A 2026 review says people who swallow less and don't drink carbonated beverages may have less frequent symptoms (opens in a new tab). Less gas going in means less to get trapped.
What are easy ways to make less gas?
These are NHS tips for bloating (NHS: Bloating (opens in a new tab)):
- Cut down on fizzy drinks, alcohol and caffeine.
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals.
- Chew with your mouth closed to avoid swallowing air.
- Go easy on gassy foods, like cabbage, beans or lentils (opens in a new tab).
- Don't eat big meals late at night, and try not to slouch when eating.
- Ask a pharmacist about medicines like simeticone (opens in a new tab), which can ease bloating.
What is the low FODMAP diet?
FODMAPs are types of sugar in some foods that the gut doesn't break down easily. When gut bacteria break them down, they make gas. The NHS says a dietitian may suggest a low FODMAP diet, which means avoiding foods that are not easily broken down by the gut (opens in a new tab), such as some fruit and vegetables, milk and wheat.
It's mainly used for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). It hasn't been tested for R-CPD.
How did one person use it?
One person on r/noburp said they strictly followed a low FODMAP diet for 30 days (opens in a new tab), with no cheating, and started burping on day 28 (patient report). We don't know if the diet caused it, or if it would work for others.
Should I do low FODMAP on my own?
It's best not to. The British Dietetic Association says to ask your doctor to refer you to a healthcare professional with expertise in dietary management (opens in a new tab), such as a dietitian. That way your diet stays healthy. The NHS has free videos by NHS dietitians (opens in a new tab) on the diet.
What do people with R-CPD say?
“on Day 28, a very small burp randomly made its way out. I'd very rarely had small burps like this come out before but it was usually when my system was under SO much pressure”
“It coincided with going on a Whole Foods plant based diet. However, at that time I was also having probiotics and apple cider vinegar drink in an empty stomach every morning.”
Patient reports. Short quotes, linked to the original post. We leave out usernames.
What does the evidence say?
- No study has tested diet for R-CPD.
- Swallowing less and avoiding fizzy drinks may mean fewer symptoms (opens in a new tab), says a 2026 review.
- The low FODMAP diet is used for IBS, with a dietitian (NHS (opens in a new tab)).
Frequently asked questions
What should I eat if I can't burp?
There's no special R-CPD diet. NHS tips for bloating include fewer fizzy drinks (opens in a new tab), smaller meals, eating slowly and fewer gassy foods like beans and cabbage.
Does the low FODMAP diet help R-CPD?
We don't know. One person on r/noburp said it helped them start burping on day 28 (opens in a new tab) (patient report). It hasn't been studied for R-CPD. Do it with a dietitian if you try it.
Can simeticone help with R-CPD?
Simeticone is a pharmacy medicine the NHS lists for easing bloating (opens in a new tab). It won't help you burp, but some people use it for the bloating. Ask a pharmacist.
Sources
- NHS: Bloating (opens in a new tab)
- NHS: Further help and support for IBS (opens in a new tab)
- British Dietetic Association: IBS and diet (opens in a new tab)
- Lehmann and Kahrilas 2026, narrative review (free full text) (opens in a new tab)
- r/noburp self-cure megapost (Internet Archive copy) (opens in a new tab) (patient reports)
Other things people try
- Shaker exercise (head lift)Lie flat and lift your head to look at your toes. The exercise people mention most.23 of 120 people mention it
- Relaxing into the burpNotice the gurgle, relax your throat and let it come up. Don't force it.78 of 120 people mention it
- Side neck sit upsLie on your side and lift your head towards the ceiling. Often done with the Shaker.12 of 120 people mention it
- Throat massage and pressureGentle massage around the voice box. Never hitting or squeezing your neck.21 of 120 people mention it
- Back, chest, yoga and postureGym work, yoga, physio for the back, and sitting up straight.23 of 120 people mention it
- Fizzy drinks and positionsLying on your left side, chin tucks, head turns, and practising with a fizzy drink.47 of 120 people mention it
- Swallowing airA few people gulp air to practise. It can make bloating worse, so read the warnings.25 of 120 people mention it
- Diet: less gasLow FODMAP, fewer fizzy drinks, eating slowly. Can ease symptoms while you try other things.7 of 120 people mention it
- HypnosisThe only non-Botox, non-surgery case in the medical papers so far.Backed by one published case
- Speech therapy and physio (BERP)A therapist teaches you positions to let a burp out. Tested in a small study.7 of 120 people mention it
Free email updates
Join the Burt Bulletin
Get R-CPD news from the UK, new guides, and updates to the specialist map. We send it now and then, never spam.
Nearly done!
We've sent you an email. Tap the link in it to finish joining.
Can't see it after a few minutes? Check your junk or spam folder.
Was this page helpful?
Burt says
Thank you! That really helps us.