Farting (Flatulence): What’s Normal, What’s Not, and When to See a Doctor
Learn what causes farting, when it’s normal, and when it might signal a health issue. Get tips on reducing flatulence and improving digestion.
(Flatulence): What’s Normal and When to Worry
Passing wind-also known as farting or flatulence-is a normal part of digestion. Everyone does it, and how often varies from person to person. But if you’ve noticed that you’re farting more than usual, the smell is particularly strong, or it’s starting to interfere with your daily life, there are some things you can try to improve the situation.
Why Do We Fart?
Flatulence happens when gas builds up in the digestive system. It can be caused by swallowing air, eating certain foods, or the body breaking down food in the gut. In most cases, it’s harmless. But if there’s a noticeable change or it’s persistent, it’s worth paying attention to.
✅ What You Can Do to Reduce Farting
If farting is bothering you, consider these helpful tips:
- Eat smaller meals more frequently - This can make digestion easier.
- Chew your food slowly with your mouth closed - It helps reduce the amount of air you swallow.
- Exercise regularly - This improves digestion and keeps your bowels moving.
- Try peppermint tea - Known for soothing the digestive tract and reducing gas.
Things You Might Want to Avoid
There are also a few habits and foods that can increase flatulence:
- Avoid chewing gum, smoking, or sucking on pen tops/hard sweets - These cause you to swallow more air.
- Don’t wear loose-fitting dentures - They can cause you to swallow air while eating or talking.
- Cut down on hard-to-digest foods - Some foods naturally cause more gas.
- Limit alcohol, especially beer, wine, and fruit juices - These can increase fermentation in your gut.
- Be mindful of trigger foods and drinks - Everyone’s digestive system is different, so pay attention to what affects you.
💊 Still Having Problems? What to Try Next
If changes in your diet and habits aren’t helping, consider speaking to a pharmacist. They might recommend:
- Charcoal tablets - Help absorb gas and reduce odor.
- Odor-absorbing underwear or pads - Can reduce embarrassment in social situations.
- Other over-the-counter remedies - Depending on your symptoms.
🩺 When to See a Doctor
You should make an appointment with your doctor if:
- Farting is affecting your quality of life and self-help hasn’t worked
- You have ongoing stomach aches or bloating
- You’re experiencing constipation or diarrhea that comes and goes
- You’ve noticed unexplained weight loss
- You’ve had blood in your stool for three weeks or more
- You recently travelled abroad and noticed a change in bowel habits or excessive gas
What Can Cause Excessive or Smelly Farts?
A number of things can lead to increased or foul-smelling gas:
- Swallowing too much air while eating or drinking
- Eating foods that are hard to digest, like beans, lentils, cruciferous vegetables
- Underlying conditions, such as:
o Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - If you experience recurring stomach pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits
o Celiac disease - A reaction to gluten that affects digestion
o Lactose intolerance - Trouble digesting dairy
o Side effects from medications - Including anti-inflammatories, laxatives, and statins
❗ Important Advice
Please don’t try to self-diagnose, and never stop or change your medications without consulting a healthcare professional. If you’re concerned about your symptoms, talk to a doctor.
Thanks for reading-and remember, farting is normal!
RESOURCES AND EXTRA-REFERENCES:
· Doctor O'Donovan-Youtube Channel
· Foods that can cause excess farting
· Cleveland-Clinic information
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