Farting why

The longer food sits in your system, the more gas-producing bacteria build up , causing abdominal discomfort. You also produce more gas as you age due to slowing down of your metabolism and slowing down of the movement of food through the colon. Yes, even the intestinal tract naturally slows down over time.

Excess gas buildup is also likely more of a problem if you have medical conditions such as diabetes , scleroderma, thyroid dysfunction, small bowel bacterial overgrowth, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis, or if you have a sedentary lifestyle, Dr.

Lee says. Ultimately, Dr. One Swedish study found up to 25 percent of women had problems holding in their flatulence for up to five months after giving birth, especially after long labors. Sadly, Ganjhu says that if you've recently given birth and find yourself gassy, you'll have to wait things out. Weight Loss.

United States. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Some of the gas is absorbed into the bloodstream and breathed out by the lungs. The remainder is pushed along the bowel. High fibre foods — fibre is essential to the health of the digestive system, but it can create excessive gas. The small intestine can't break down certain compounds, which means extra work for the gas-producing intestinal bacteria, and accompanying flatus. High-fibre diets should be introduced slowly to allow the bowel sufficient time to adjust.

Lactose intolerance — the body's inability to digest the particular sugars found in cows milk will produce excessive amounts of intestinal gas. This is because the bacteria of the gut digest the sugars by fermentation, a gas-creating process. Intolerance of short-chain carbohydrates other than lactose — certain people may be susceptible to gas production from fermentation of other carbohydrates such as fructose, present in many foods including honey, corn syrup and some fruits.

Common complaints with flatulence Some of the more unpleasant or embarrassing problems with flatulence include: Loud flatus — this is caused by the muscles of the bowel forcing air through the tight ring of muscle at the anus. Suggestions include passing the air with less power, and reducing the amount of intestinal gas by making dietary adjustments.

Smelly flatus — the gas produced by bacterial fermentation can smell, depending on the food eaten. Suggestions include limiting common culprits such as garlic, onions, spicy foods and beer.

Excessive flatus — this is caused by swallowing air, eating high-fibre foods, lactose intolerance or some digestive disorders. Suggestions include reducing the amount of intestinal gas by making dietary adjustments and seeking medical advice. Foods to limit to reduce flatulence A healthy diet requires plenty of variety. Foods that tend to produce large amounts of flatus also contain essential nutrients and shouldn't be eliminated.

Limiting their consumption is a better option. Examples of foods that commonly cause flatulence include: dairy products — such as milk, if lactose intolerance is present dried fruit — raisins and prunes fruit — apple, apricot, peach and pear foods high in insoluble fibre — particularly seeds and husks legumes — beans, peas, chickpeas, soybeans and nuts vegetables — carrot, eggplant, onion, Brussels sprouts and cabbage.

These conditions include:. Individuals who think they may have one of these conditions should see a doctor for a confirmed diagnosis. Some diets can help people with gastrointestinal conditions reduce their symptoms. By following a low-FODMAP diet, a person will consume fewer foods that are fermentable, or that contain oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. Studies have found that 50—86 percent of people with IBS who followed this diet had a reduction in symptoms.

Although farting is not typically a conversation starter, there is plenty to learn about it. Facts about flatulence include:. Although farting is as natural as eating or breathing, it can still cause embarrassment. Even people whose level of intestinal gas is well within the normal range may try to limit how much gas they pass.

However, these products are not usually suitable for long-term use. For a more natural approach, a person can eat smaller meals more frequently and drink peppermint tea to relieve bloating and flatulence. Learn about different factors that can cause flatulence to produce a bad odor. We also look at tips for treating and preventing smelly farts.