Is holding in a fart wrong? And what can you do to avoid flatulence?

According to experts, everyone passes gas 15 to 20 times a day

Releasing gas, like belching, is absolutely normal and part of the digestive process. Despite this, many people feel ashamed when they do it in public.

This is said by British nutritionist Emily Leeming, who conducts research on the microbiome and writes a column in the newspaper Daily emaila healthy person tends to fart 15 to 20 times a day.

However, in some cases, excess gas can be the result of an inadequate diet or health problems, such as a food intolerance.

Where do the gases come from?

The gases we produce in the intestine are essentially made up of carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane. They are the result of the breakdown of compounds, such as fibre, by the bacteria that populate our intestines.

Emily says we all produce, on average, 500 to 2,000 ml of gas a day, and most of this comes out without us realizing it. Most of these farts are released about an hour after a meal, as well as at night, when the anal sphincter is relaxed.

The specialist also guarantees that 99% of the gases we emit do not have a bad smell, so in theory you would not need to “hold” them continuously. This is not harmful to health, according to her, but can cause pain, as these gases put pressure on the intestinal wall.

Why are gases so smelly sometimes?

Some types of bacteria produce smellier gases, according to the expert.

But what you eat also plays a big role in this smell. The biggest villains are sulfur-rich foods, like red meat. Other types of meat, as well as fish, eggs, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts also contain this compound.

Beans can cause flatulence even in those who are not used to consuming them, but over time the problem improves. It teaches you to start with small amounts and increase little by little.

Tips to avoid flatulence

The expert says that no one should avoid consuming vegetables and fiber due to flatulence, as these foods are beneficial for health. Additionally, a fiber-free diet can also cause even worse-smelling gas.

Reducing the consumption of red meat can be useful for those with the problem. Another important recommendation is that, along with foods rich in fiber, it is essential to consume plenty of water.

If you experience flatulence after consuming milk and dairy products, this could be a sign of lactose intolerance. In this case you can give preference to products without this type of sugar, or with less, such as kefir and hard cheeses.

Flatulence can also be a problem for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, which includes other symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea. In this case it is necessary to contact a specialist for assistance.

In general, for those who suffer from gas, mint herbal teas or capsules containing the essential oil of this plant may be useful (in this case it is best to consult a healthcare professional to find out if there are contraindications).

Avoiding carbonated drinks like soda and beer is another good idea, as is sugar-free chewing gum: Not only does it make you swallow more air, but it contains xylitol, a sweetener that can cause flatulence in some people.

Finally, a 30-minute walk after meals can go a long way toward dispersing excess gas and bloating, as well as bringing a host of other benefits.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.