Simply eating or drinking is enough to cause gas, nutritionists say.
“As people eat or drink, they tend to swallow a bit of air. The body may release this air as a burp, or the air may make its way to the intestines, where it eventually leaves the body as a fart,” online platform Medical News Today notes; adding, “Farting is also a sign of natural activity in the digestive system.”
Many people fart rather too often, however, such that it sometimes becomes an embarrassment. Yet, experts say gas becomes excessive when you fart more than 25 times per day.
in general, excessive farting is usually caused by something you ate—or the way you ate—but could also be caused by a medical condition or certain drugs
Carbonated beverages, food intolerances, or stress can also make you fart on end, according to gastroenterologist Dr. Maureen Bekee, who advised that such people should see a healthcare provider if they have other symptoms with farts, such as stomach pain or bloody stools.
The experts note that, in general, excessive farting is usually caused by something you ate—or the way you ate—but could also be caused by a medical condition or certain drugs.
While they advise you to talk to your healthcare provider if you have excessive gas or if frequent farting is making you uncomfortable, they also suggest some of the following solutions.
Eat a high-fiber diet: According to Maria Adams, RD, MPH, a nutrition consultant in Marblehead, Massachusetts, consuming a diet that’s high in fiber and rich in whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and fruits can improve your digestive health.
Get both insoluble and soluble fiber: It’s important to consume both types of fiber, since they help your digestive system in different ways.
Limit foods that are high in fat: In general, fatty foods tend to slow down the digestive process, making you more prone to constipation, says Adams.
Incorporate probiotics into your diet: According to online publication Harvard Health, latest research shows that probiotic foods may offer benefits against a range of health conditions, including allergies, arthritis, asthma, cancer, depression, heart disease, and gastrointestinal (GI) problems.
Probiotics may even help with weight loss, as they are the same kind of healthy bacteria naturally present in your digestive tract.
Adams recommends that people eat good sources of probiotics, such as low-fat yogurt or kefir, on a daily basis.
Eat on schedule: According to the National Institutes of Health, setting an eating schedule consistently across days can help curb overeating which can lead to bloating or indigestion, which can ultimately lead to farting.
“In general, scheduling what and when you eat will help you maintain a balanced diet and create a more stable energy source, as your metabolism will be engaged at optimal levels all day long,” the experts at NIH say.
Adams adds that consuming your meals and snacks on a regular schedule can help keep your digestive system in top shape.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is good for your digestive health, as fiber pulls water into the colon to create softer, bulkier stools, allowing them to pass through more easily.
Skip bad habits: Smoking, excessive caffeine, and alcohol all affect gut activities and may lead to excessive farting. “Liquor, coffee, and cigarettes can interfere with the functioning of your digestive system,” a nutritionist Mautin Ibrahim states.
Exercise regularly: “Regular exercise helps keep foods moving through your digestive system, reducing constipation,” says gym instructor Vincent Okeke, who adds that “Exercise can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which is good for your digestive health.”
He urged people to make it a point to work regular exercise into their weekly schedule.
Manage stress: Too much stress or anxiety can cause your digestive system to go into overdrive, according to Online platform Healthline.
The platform notes that some people experience symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including excessive farting, when stressed.
Indeed, experts say that during anxious moments, the body’s cortisol levels spike, which influences stomach and gut movement.
“This is the reason why many people feel like going to the loo just before an exam or an important event,” says Dr. Bekee; adding that some other symptoms of anxiety include bloating, unwanted gas, ‘stomach butterflies’ and cramps
She advises anyone experiencing stress to engage in stress-reducing activities that they enjoy and practice them on a regular basis.
