The very mention of farts (usually) elicits a laugh—or, if you have young children, a raucous giggle. But have you ever wondered what causes farts? Scratch that: Have you ever wondered why farts smell so bad? Well, if so, you’re not alone. A quick Google search yields thousands of results. From “what’s a fart” to “the truth about gas” there is something every question and query. But if you’re looking for more information about the odor of farts, you’re in the right place.
Here’s everything we know about farts, or flatulence, and why they smell so bad.
What is a fart?
As disgusting and embarrassing as it may be, farting is normal. The average human being farts five to 15 times a day. But what is a fart, exactly? To put it simply, a fart—or flatulence—is the “process of releasing gas through the anus of a person,” Dr. Amber O’Brien, MD, a doctor with the Mango Clinic, tells Parade.com. “It occurs as a result of the foods that you consume. Flatulence is a normal part of digestion that a person experiences multiple times in a day based on the foods he has eaten.”
What causes flatulence, or intestinal gas?
While several things can contribute to the smell of gas, there are two major factors that cause farts: air and digestion.
Related: Why Do I Always Feel Bloated? Here Are the Surprising Causes — & How to Get Rid of It
Swallowing air
“Swallowing air is a common cause of flatulence,” says physician Dr. Robert Berry, MD. “We swallow air throughout the day, usually during eating and drinking. This allows only a small amount of air to enter your digestive system. If you swallow more air than usual, it can cause excessive flatulence. You might swallow more air through habits such as smoking, chewing gum, eating too quickly, and drinking carbonated drinks.”
Dietary choices
Our dietary choices can also cause excessive flatulence. Some foods that cause excessive gas include:
- Cabbage
- Beans
- Broccoli
- Lentils
- Prunes
- Cauliflower
- Apples
Why do my farts smell so bad?
There are numerous reasons why your farts may smell bad. “While working to digest food, the body makes several byproducts, such as hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide,” Dr. O’Brien says. “When these gases are released from your body, they can cause odiferous farts.” Dietary decisions can play a role, i.e. particularly foul-smelling flatulence usually occurs when you eat fatty and unhealthy foods. And food allergies and/or sensitivities can make your gas smell.
Here are six common causes of smelly farts:
- High-fiber foods. One of the main causes of flatulence and (particularly) stinky gas is high-fiber foods. Why? Because items like broccoli and cabbage take longer to break down. This causes them to (essentially) ripen and rot over time. Some foods, like asparagus, also have a strong odor, and this odor does not go away when digested. It is simply repackaged and processed.
- Medication. Certain medications can make your farts more odiferous. Antibiotics, for example, kill off harmful pathogens. They also destroy some of the good bacteria in your gut, which may make your gas smell. However, this side effect is rare.
- Food intolerance. If a person has an allergy to a particular food, he (or she) may have abnormally smelly farts. The reason? Food intolerances are generally caused by the body’s inability to break down a certain food. When a food cannot be digested properly, it ferments.
- Constipation. When stool backs up in your intestinal tract, bacteria develops. This bacteria can cause foul-smelling gas.
- Bacterial build-ups. Speaking of bacteria, stinky farts can also indicate an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut — be it from constipation, medication, or another cause.
- Certain health concerns and/or conditions. Certain health conditions can also cause smelly farts, including hernias, dumping syndrome, colon cancer, and—in some cases—diabetes.
Related: What Is IBS?
What can I do to curtail the odor?
Gas, regardless of the cause, usually has an odor. But what can you do to curtail the smell? How can you make passing gas a more pleasant experience? The first thing you can do is change how you eat.
“You should chew your food slowly if you’re a quick eater,” Dr. O’Brien tells Parade. “Chewing food too quickly allows you to swallow air which results in more accumulation of the gases. If your body is making more gases, you’re more likely to pass smelly farts.” You should also be mindful of the foods you are ingesting and eat smaller portions.
Related: What Happens When You Burp?
“When you eat a controlled portion, your body is going to make fewer gases during digestion, making smelly gas less of a possibility,” Dr. O’Brien explains. Avoiding foods that have a high amount of sulfur and/or any which cause your body to react in a sensitive or intolerant manner is key. Carbonated and cruciferous foods are two common causes of smelly gas. And if you haven’t done so already, make sure you are drinking enough water.
“Water consumption is imperative, as it effectively helps to rid the body of waste materials through urination.” You should also exercise regularly and frequently. “There’s a strong connection between your brain and gut,” Dr. O’Brien continues. “Exercises like walking can calm your brain and improve bloating and flatulence. Eating probiotic foods, such as yogurt, can also help the good bacteria in your gut, which will improve your digestion and therefore, prevent foul gases.”
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Why Do My Farts Smell So Bad? 6 Reasons for Smelly Farts - Parade
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