Eats, throws up and leaves

Roach discusses how much one can bolt down before the stomach burst. Overfilling a stomach to bursting point is a near-impossible feat, owing to a series of protective reflexes. When the stomach balloons past a certain point, whether to accommodate a holiday dinner or chugged beer or the efforts of Swedish medical personnel, stretch receptors in the stomach wall cue the brain. The brain, in turn, issues a statement that one is full and it is time to stop. It will also, around the same time, undertake transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation, or burp. The sphincter at the top of the stomach briefly relaxes, venting gas and restoring a measure of safety and relief.