We all have gas in our stomachs and pass it several times a day. But sometimes the smell is far worse than usual.
This is mainly due to bacteria in the intestines and the food we choose to eat.
Why we fart
Farts are called flatulence and occur because gas forms in the intestines.
Every day, the intestines produce between 500 and 2,000 milliliters of gas, which is released continuously.
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What intestinal gas consists of
Intestinal gas contains methane, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, among other substances. Most of it is odorless, but a small portion can have a very strong odor.
The one percent that smells
Ninety-nine percent of the gas we release is odorless. It is the remaining one percent that can be particularly foul-smelling.
Sulfur bacteria
Sulfur-producing bacteria in the intestines are responsible for the unpleasant odor. When they break down certain foods, foul-smelling gases are formed.
The importance of gut flora
How much a fart smells does not depend only on food. Some people have a gut flora that makes their gas smell stronger than that of others.
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Complex carbohydrates produce more gas
Foods containing complex carbohydrates, such as beans, whole grains, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, can cause extra gas because they are harder to digest.
Sulfur-rich foods worsen the smell
Foods high in sulfur, such as garlic, onions, cauliflower, and broccoli, can lead to more frequent and more foul-smelling farts.
Wine and beer also contain a significant amount of sulfur.
Artificial sweeteners can cause gas
Sweeteners such as sorbitol and mannitol, found in sugar-free products, chewing gum, and candy, can cause bloating and, in some cases, diarrhea.
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Carbonated drinks increase the amount of gas
Soft drinks and beer add extra air to the stomach and can therefore increase the amount of gas.
Room-temperature water may help
If you want to reduce gas, drinking water at room temperature may help.
Fruits and vegetables low in carbohydrates
Fruits with a low sugar content, such as apricots, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, grapefruit, peaches, strawberries, and watermelon, produce less gas.
The same applies to vegetables such as green beans, carrots, okra, tomatoes, and pak choi.
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Rice instead of potatoes
Rice produces less gas than potatoes and can therefore be an alternative if you want to avoid bloating.
Replace soda with water
Choosing water instead of soft drinks and adding lemon or lime instead of drinking juice can reduce the amount of gas in the stomach.
Teas that support digestion
Teas such as chamomile, fennel, peppermint, and turmeric can support digestion and reduce discomfort caused by gas.
Fun facts about farts
We fart more when we sleep than when we are awake. In addition, there is little difference between young and old, or between men and women, when it comes to the amount.
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Sources: Netdoktor.