This article will explain the reasons, symptoms, causes, and diseases related to frequent farting. While farting is a natural occurrence, frequent farting or a strong odor could be a sign that your body is sending you a warning about your health. This article will explain various facts about farting that should not be taken lightly.

Farting and Gut Health

Gas is naturally produced as the food we consume is broken down by bacteria in our intestines, leading to farting. However, if too much gas is produced, or if the odor is strong, it could be a serious health hazard. Therefore, if you experience a strong odor when farting, you should seek a solution quickly.
 
Farts contain carcinogens and can contain up to 400 different components. There is a big difference between food fermenting normally in our intestines and food rotting.
 
When food rots in the intestines, many carcinogens, toxins, and bacteria enter the body, making our blood thick. This can rapidly worsen our health, so it is essential to change our lifestyle habits to solve this problem.
 
Normal individuals fart an average of 10 to 20 minutes per day. However, more important than the volume of farts is the odor. If the odor is strong, you need to be careful because it can be harmful to your body. Fart odor is often associated with dietary habits rather than irritable bowel syndrome, or problems with the stomach or intestines.

Causes of Fart Odor

1. Animal Fat and Protein

The first cause of strong fart odor is animal fat and protein-rich foods. Foods that are higher in protein and fat than carbohydrates produce more fart odor.
 
When foods containing high amounts of fat or protein are consumed, a lot of gas containing fatty acids, hydrogen sulfide, and sulfur is produced, making the fart odor stronger. Animal protein, such as eggs, can also produce hydrogen sulfide, which has a strong odor.

2. Overeating

The second cause is overeating. Overeating leads to poor nutrient absorption. The less digested food is, the easier it is for it to rot in the colon. Especially when the rectum, which is close to the anus, is full of stool, it can produce a strong fart odor.

3. Constipation

The third cause is constipation. Constipation is also a cause of strong fart odor. Constipation means that stool stays in the intestines for a longer period. This means that carcinogens also stay in our body for a longer period, proportionally to how long they remain. It also means that the chances of harmful bacteria rotting and releasing toxins into our body are higher.

4. Colon Cancer and Polyps

While not common, colon cancer or polyps can also cause constipation. It is often accompanied by sticky mucus-like substances, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In this case, an enema is the fastest solution. Alternatively, try eating only fruits for a day or two, known as a fruit diet.
 
Otherwise, you should eat a diet rich in soft soluble fiber, such as seaweed, soft vegetables, or burdock root, which contains a lot of sticky mucin, to relieve constipation. If you are in a hurry, you can take a couple of spoonfuls of flaxseed oil or olive oil after meals.

Reasons for Frequent Farting

1. Lactose

Animal fat, protein, and lactose found in dairy products are the culprits. John Cha, a gastroenterologist at Austin Gastroenterology, explains that if the lactose in dairy products is not fully broken down in the body, intestinal bacteria take over the final stages of the digestion process, leading to gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
 
Most people lose their ability to break down lactose as they age, leading to lactose intolerance. Even if you do not have lactose intolerance, it is best to be cautious with milk and dairy products.

2. FODMAP Foods

Second, you need to be careful about consuming a lot of FODMAP foods. FODMAP foods are basically short-chain carbohydrates that are not well absorbed and ferment quickly in the body. Simply put, they are carbohydrates that are not well hydrated.
 
These foods produce a lot of gas in the intestines. Milk, dried fruits, bread, carbonated beverages, and artificial sweeteners are examples of foods that contain high amounts of FODMAP.

3. Air Intake Eating Habits

Some people slurp their soup, while others chew gum frequently. These people tend to take in a lot of air, which can lead to increased farting. However, farts that exceed the normal range may indicate a specific medical condition.

How to Resolve Farting

The solution is very basic. If you have to fart, let it out. Holding in farts can cause intestinal gas to build up, which can impair intestinal motility. Research suggests that this can lead to constipation.
 
Reducing the consumption of foods like meat and fast food is the best way to reduce farts. Also, foods high in insoluble fiber can increase farting.
 
Therefore, people who increase their vegetarian intake should eat seaweed or soft vegetables rich in soft soluble fiber. Those who eat fruit first often experience gas, and it is better to eat fruit separately before meals.
 
It is better to eat it 30 minutes before meals or alone, and only one type of fruit. You also need to avoid dairy products, liquid fructose, and change your habit of eating too quickly. These are the lifestyle changes needed to eliminate the causes. Spicy foods like onions, garlic, and scallions can also cause gas.

If you find yourself farting too often and the odor is too strong, it could be related to digestive disorders, and even colon cancer or polyps. It is recommended that you carefully check your own health status.