Cedric W., 63, admits he has a problem and it is driving his wife, Angela, 60, crazy! Cedric passes gas constantly, and has even made a game out of it particularly, when they are lying in bed at night. Angela, however, used to find her husband’s flatulence funny but now, not so much. “On at least three days out of the week, I sleep in one of our guest bedrooms because my husband blows me out of our bedroom! He laughs when I get fed up and run out of the room,” says the New Jersey-based dental hygienist. “I love my husband, but enough is enough!”
As we age, we get gassier! According to the National Institutes of Health, believe it or not, most people produce about 1 to 4 pints of gas a day and pass it, on average, about 10 to 20 times a day. Passing gas is totally normal, and necessary, so, go ahead and let er’ rip!
What is flatulence?
There are two causes of gas buildup in the digestive system. Firstly, when we eat, drink or swallow saliva, we also swallow tiny amounts of air. This swallowed air accumulates in the gut.
Secondly, when we digest food, bacteria create gas, mainly hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide. When food decomposes in the digestive system, it can also produce sulfur, which can produce an odor on expulsion.
As the gas builds up, the body may need to eliminate it through the mouth, by belching, or passing wind through the anus. Flatulence often occurs without the person being aware of it.
Passing gas is good for you!
Farting is a normal bodily function because it is the release of internal gas. It is harmless and necessary for normal metabolic functions. Passing gas is an inconvenience, sometimes, and an annoyance to others if they have an odor. Releasing these gases are also a sign that your ‘gut bugs’ are well fed, working smoothly and that your diet is on point. High fiber diets tend to cause gas but feed good bacteria that make up your immune system, and protects you from such illnesses as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
And speaking of cancer and passing gas, there’s some early evidence suggesting that farts offer protection against diseases like cancer because of the specific gases they contain. Farts contain hydrogen sulfide, a gas produced by specific natural bodily processes, and needed as part of cellular functions. Inhaling hydrogen sulfide (yes, from your very own farts) in small doses might help protect cells’ mitochondria and stop cellular damage at some level.
Do you have excessive gas?
Even up to 20 times a day is considered normal for passing gas; more than this is excessive. Some chronic conditions can contribute to excessive flatulence such as ulcerative colitis, gallstones, diverticulitis or even some types of cancer can lead to a blockage in the intestines. In addition, several other underlying causes can lead to passing gas more than what is considered normal:
Constipation
Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection of the digestive system or food poisoning
Antibiotics
Laxatives
Hernia
Some prescription meds (like a few hypertension drugs)
If you’re experiencing excessive gas, it is released involuntarily, continually smelling foul, or giving you have sharp cramps/pain in the abdomen, consult a gastroenterologist (digestive system disorders doctor), who will delve further into the matter.
Foods that can cause flatulence
Beans (notorious for causing gas)
Broccoli
Cabbage
Brussels sprouts
Artichokes
Asparagus
Apples
Peaches
Pears
Whole grains
Carbonated drinks (like beer)
Fruit drinks
Foods with sorbitol (an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free foods)
Dairy (if you are lactose intolerant)
What can you do to reduce flatulence?
If there is no serious underlying medical cause for your flatulence, and you want to curb those farts, try these tips:
Eat smaller meals: Rather than three large ones, try eating four to six mini ones
Eat slowly: Chew food thoroughly before it makes its way down digestively
Steer clear of gum and smoking: Chewing gum and smoking makes you swallow more air
Look for beans that are fermented before cooking: These types of beans contain less soluble fiber and more nutritional content
Exercise: Moving, staying active help reduce gas and bloating
Charcoal pads: Placed inside clothing, these pads absorb released gas and reduce the impact of foul-smelling gas.
Try probiotics: Check out yogurts and drinks that are categorized as probiotics to reduce symptoms; cultured veggies like sauerkraut or kimchi are also proven helpful
Spices, herbs, teas: Can help combat digestive issues and facilitate nutrient breakdown, including ginger, turmeric, fennel/anise, cumin, caraway, licorice and curry
OTC flatulence treatments
There are a few OTC aids that can help reduce flatulence. Charcoal tablets can absorb some of the gas in your gut, but they might interfere with a few prescription meds, so check with your doctor before trying. Beano is another highly touted OTC product for gas issues, and could be helpful particularly, after consuming beans.