We are all embarrassed to have gas in public. One is capable of making an exceptional effort as long as one does not miss one for fear of being singled out as the person responsible. No one wants to go through that humiliation.
However, this shame and stigmatization is completely social and cultural. There is no medical reason that tells us that we should contain the gases. Moreover, it turns out that it is quite the opposite. It is contraindicated by experts.
Gas, also known as farting or flatulence, is the release of intestinal gas. This gas can be generated for various reasons. Mainly, it is gas released by bacteria that digest food. But it is also due to the air that we swallow in our day to day life, either when we breathe, while we chew or through carbonated drinks. So as you can see it is something completely normal that we all have.
There are people who can accumulate more gases than others, and this can also have different causes. The main one is usually our diet. There are foods, especially some carbohydrates, that are more difficult to digest. When these incompletely digested foods reach the colon, bacteria present there consume them for energy, releasing hydrogen and carbon dioxide gases in the process. This is what happens with brussels sprouts and beans, which have gained a special fame in relation to flatulence.
On the other hand, excess gas can also be due to an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, because it is important to remember that gas is produced by bacteria, and more bacteria means more gas. This often occurs with conditions such as celiac disease, type 2 diabetes, liver disease, or inflammatory bowel disease.
But regardless of the reasons, what matters is that when gas accumulates, it has to go somewhere. Part can be absorbed by the body itself, but another part must be evacuated to the outside.
To put it simply and clearly, farts are the release of gas accumulated in our bodies. So it is not only something completely natural, but also necessary. Despite not being aware of it, the average person farts between 13 and 23 a day. If you release more than that, it may be due to your diet, or in some cases the growth of bacteria that we mentioned. If this is the case, it is recommended to see a doctor, not because gas is a problem, but because it can be a symptom of something more serious.
Why is it not good to hold in gas?
When we retain gases, they accumulate in the intestine. The intestine becomes inflamed and begins to exert pressure, which can cause pain in the abdomen, and sometimes even in the chest. In addition, this inflammation can lead to diverticula in the colon. Diverticula are small pouches that form in the intestine. They are not uncommon, especially after the age of 40, and they rarely cause problems, but sometimes they can become inflamed due to overgrowth of bacteria inside them or feces getting stuck in them. If this happens, diverticulitis can develop, which can bring us major complications. When inflamed, these bags can cause pain, bowel obstruction and constipation, the formation of abscesses or fistulas, and even peritonitis. The latter occurs when a diverticulum perforates, disseminating pus throughout the abdominal cavity. This represents a medical emergency and requires urgent surgery to clean the area and prevent the infection from spreading. Since if it is not operated on time one could really die from it.
And all of this being as easy to prevent as releasing gas from time to time!
A good way to prevent diverticulitis is to eat foods that are high in fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Fiber softens waste and helps speed its movement through the colon. Drinking plenty of water is also recommended, as fiber needs to absorb water in order to work.
And if what you want is to directly reduce the amount of gases produced, you can always avoid foods that encourage their production.
But the main message here is to try not to put up with flatulence so much. Remember that they are a means of escape for gases that can cause a problem if they accumulate in excess.
And if you have to release any gas, as a doctor’s advice, do it in the bathroom. For your own good and for the good of others.
References:
- Wilkinson JM, Cozine EW, Loftus CG. Gas, Bloating, and Belching: Approach to Evaluation and Management. Am Fam Physician. 2019 Mar 1;99(5):301-309. PMID: 30811160.
- Price KR, Lewis J, Wyatt GM, Fenwick GR. Flatulence–causes, relation to diet and remedies. Nahrung. 1988;32(6):609-26. doi: 10.1002/food.19880320626. PMID: 3068547.
- Jang SI, Kim JH, Youn YH, Park H, Lee SI, Conklin JL. Relationship between intestinal gas and the development of right colonic diverticula. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2010 Oct;16(4):418-23. doi: 10.5056/jnm.2010.16.4.418. Epub 2010 Oct 30. PMID: 21103424; PMCID: PMC2978395.
