Passing gas, especially very smelly gas, can be an embarrassing problem. Fortunately, home remedies such as diet and lifestyle changes can often prevent bad-smelling gas.
In most cases, it is natural and healthy for a person to experience intestinal gas. It is not uncommon for farts to be either smelly or produce no odor at all. Health experts typically consider both to be normal.
However, certain foods or underlying health problems may cause a person to regularly pass smelly gas. As such, making certain lifestyle changes or receiving treatment for the underlying condition can help reduce or prevent bad-smelling flatulence.
What is a fart?
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A fart, often known as gas or flatulence, is the buildup of gases within the intestines. The causes of these gases include the air a person swallows while eating and from the process of digesting food. Flatulence is the passage of this intestinal gas, known as flatus, through the rectum
It is a normal part of how the body works and often not a health concern. Most people may fart from 5–15 times a day, while others may pass gas up to 25 times a day.
In some cases, farts are silent and pass without much notice. In other cases, they can be loud and smelly. A person may experience some bloating and pressure before releasing gas.
Causes of flatulence vary. There are many foods, medications, and other factors that can affect how much and how smelly gas is in the digestive tract.
Causes and other symptoms
Causes of smelly flatulence can range from harmless to potentially severe. Flatulence consists of multiple gases. Typically, the cause of most bad odors from farting is due to intestinal bacteria producing sulfur-containg compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide.
It may not always be easy to identify what is behind smelly flatulence due to the number of potential causes. Many reasons for smelly flatulence revolve around food or medication. However, some causes may indicate an underlying health condition.
The following are some of the more common causes of smelly flatulence:
– food intolerances
– high-fiber foods
– certain medications
– constipation
– bacteria or infections
– colon cancer
Intolerance to food
Food intolerance is a very common cause of bad odor flatulence.
Typical conditions that can cause smelly flatulence include lactose and gluten intolerances. In both of these conditions, the body’s inability to break down lactose or gluten causes smelly gas to build up and eventually be released.
Other people may have food intolerance due to a disease such as celiac disease. This is an autoimmune disease that causes injuries to the digestive tract. People with celiac disease have difficulty digesting gluten, which is found in wheat products. A person with celiac disease may also experience:
– weight loss
– bloating
– diarrhea
– fatigue
If a person suspects food allergies or intolerances, they should see a doctor to test for these conditions. This will help find the exact cause and allow the person to avoid foods that contain the offending ingredient.
Food high in fiber
High-fiber foods are difficult to digest. Although very good for people’s overall health and well-being, these slow-digesting foods break down or ferment in the digestive tract. The fermentation process produces odorous gas.
High-fiber foods often also typically contain more sulfur than other types. This can cause the makeup of a person’s fart to change to include more sulfur, which has a distinct odor and will cause the person to produce smellier gas.
Medications
Certain medications can cause someone to produce smelly gas. Examples of medications that can result in excessive or smelly wind include:
– non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
– some laxatives
– antifungal medicines
– statins
– antiobiotics
– opioids
Constipation
Constipation occurs when stool builds up in the colon or large intestine and cannot exit. This may be due to taking certain medications, poor diet, or other biological causes.
The buildup of stool in the colon often causes a buildup of smelly gases to occur alongside. This extra gas may cause bloating and discomfort. When finally released, the gas is often smelly.
Bacteria and infections
The digestive tract is responsible for breaking down foods into usable nutrients, which are absorbed into the blood. It also produces waste, which is passed through the colon. The digestive tract relies on several different components to do this, including its resident good bacteria.
At times, the levels of bacteria in the digestive tract may become imbalanced, potentially leading to an infection. The infection will often cause:
– smelly, excessive gas
– pain in the abdomen
– diarrhea
– fever
– nausea
– vomiting
– fatigue
When a person experience any of these symptoms, they should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Colon cancer
Though not as common, a person may experience excessive smelly gas due to the presence of cancer of the colon. Cancerous polyps or tumors can form blockages that cause gas to build up in the intestine.
One early warning sign is when changes in diet or medication do not stop foul-smelling gas from occurring. After 45 years of age, a person at average risk for colon cancer should test to check for colon cancer.
Treatment
In many cases, a person can try to treat flatulence at home. Often, changes in diet can be enough to reduce or get rid of smelly gas. These changes may require eating less of or avoiding several foods. The foods that need to be reduced or avoided will vary from person to person.
In other cases, an individual may find that medication has caused smelly flatulence. For over-the-counter medications, a person will likely find relief by stopping the product. For prescription medications, it is advisable to speak to a doctor about alternatives if smelly flatulence becomes a problem.
A person will also want to contact their doctor if:
– they experience additional symptoms, such as persistent stomachache, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
– they are losing weight without trying to
– there is blood present in their stool
– changes to medication do not bring relief
– alterations to diet do not bring improvement
In these cases, the gas may be due to an infection or underlying condition that needs treatment. A doctor can perform tests to find out exactly what is causing the gas and decide a treatment plan for the individual.
Prevention
For those whose gas occurs from food intake, prevention typically involves changing their diet. A person can try tracking food intake and times when they experience excessive, smelly flatulence. They can then eliminate or reduce the amount of the food or foods that cause excessive gas.
Some tips to avoid excessive gas include:
– eating smaller portions
– avoiding trigger foods
– avoiding naturally smelly foods
– eating slowly
– drinking more water
– avoiding carbonated drinks
There are times when the underlying cause may be more severe than the body’s reaction to certain foods or mild constipation. In these cases, stopping the gas will often happen by treating the underlying condition.
Should a person worry about flatulence?
Bad flatulence is not always a cause for concern. Most people will find that they can manage bad flatulence at home with changes to their diet.
Others may need to seek out medical advice and attention if their bad flatulence does not clear up after avoiding certain foods or medications. If other symptoms also occur, it may be a sign of infection, which may need medical intervention.
Most people will experience symptom relief once the underlying cause of their flatulence is worked out and treated.
Frequently asked questions
Some FAQs about smelly flatulence may include:
What does it mean if your farts smell really bad?
If a person is experiencing persistent foul-smelling flatulence, this could indicate food intolerances, gastrointestinal problems, or a side effect from certain medications.
What food causes smelly farts?
Foods that may cause smelly farts are those that people may be intolerant to, such as dairy or gluten products, or foods rich in fiber, such as navy beans, broccoli, avocado, and buckwheat.
Is releasing gas good for you?
Flatulence is normal, healthy, and a way for the body to release intestinal gas. As such, it is good for a person to pass gas, particularly if it is causing discomfort. While it is healthy to pass gas, excessive or smelly flatulence could indicate a potential digestive problem.
Why do period farts smell so bad?
A person may notice bad smelling flatulence during their period. This may be due to changes in gut bacteria during menstruation and consuming certain foods, such as dairy and starchy carbs, due to period cravings.
Can home remedies help prevent bad smelling gas?
It is not uncommon for a fart to smell. Home remedies for bad smelling gas include limiting trigger foods, staying hydrated, and adding certain foods to the diet.
Flatulence is a normal and healthy bodily function. Passing gas may make some people uncomfortable and bad smelling gas can lead to embarrassment.
Passing gas, farting, or flatulence refers to a buildup of gas in the digestive system that a person eliminates by passing wind through the anal passage. People fart multiple times a day, with some evidence suggesting that a person may fart from 5–15 times a day, while other evidence indicates that it may be up to 25 times.
It may not always be easy to identify what is behind smelly flatulence. However, implementing some simple strategies can help prevent or reduce foul-smelling flatulence.
Additionally, it may be advisable to consult a doctor. They may be able to identify possible causes and can provide recommendations to help people eliminate smelly gas. Many foods, medications, and health conditions can cause bad-smelling gas.
Overview
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Farting refers to the passing of rectal gas. It is a normal biological process that forms as a result of swallowing air and gas production from digesting food. A person farts to release excessive gas that builds up in the digestive tract. The gas that passes out the anus is known as the flatus.
Intestinal gas is a normal byproduct of digestion and may occur due to:
– Swallowing air: A person may swallow air as they eat, drink, chew gum, smoke, or if they have dental problems.
– Difficult to digest food: While gas production is normal with any food, it may be higher in foods that include fiber, lactose, or certain carbohydrates. When the enzymes in the small intestine cannot fully digest food, bacteria in the colon breaks them down, which can cause excessive gas.
– Intestinal bacteria: The bowel contains many bacteria that aid in digestion by fermenting some foods. This process produces excess gas. Additionally, in some cases, the bacteria present in the intestines may overgrow and result in an upset stomach. This can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, flatulence, and stomach pain.
The gas byproduct may exit the body through the mouth as a belch or through the anus as flatulence. Intestinal gas may or may not have a smell. Flatulence usually only has a bad smell if it contains gases with a strong odor, such as hydrogen sulfide.
Smelly gas after eating certain foods, particularly those that are difficult to digest, is normal. However, in other cases, excessive or smelly gas may indicate underlying health problems affecting the digestive system, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Home remedies for bad smelling gas
A person may be able to reduce strong-smelling flatulence by making some adjustments. Some strategies that may help prevent smelly gas include:
Adding certain foods to the diet
People may find it beneficial to include carminatives in their diet. This term refers to herbs or preparations that can prevent or reduce the formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract. Some examples of carminatives include:
– peppermint
– caraway
– coriander
– cumin
– fennel
– ginger
– rosemary
– basil
– anise
– cinnamon
Ginger has a long history as an herbal medicine for digestive issues. It helps with constipation and flatulence by enhancing muscle contraction in the digestive tract. These speeds up digestion which allows gases to move more quickly and smoothly.
Peppermint is another herb that people may use for gastrointestinal (GI) ailments. A 2018 review notes that peppermint oil has a good safety profile and might help treat GI disorders.
Other studies add that many herbs and essential oils contain carminative properties that may display effective anti-flatulence characteristics.
Avoiding certain types of foods
High fiber foods are difficult to digest. As a result, these slow-digesting foods take time to break down and undergo the fermentation process, which produces odorous gas.
Additionally, many of these foods typically contain sulfur, which is a common culprit behind smelly gas. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussel sprouts, and cauliflower may cause smelly farts.
Fermentable carbohydrates or FODMAPs may also cause digestive issues such as gas and stomach pain. These foods contain carbs that are difficult to absorb in the gut, which results in fermentation and gas buildup. FODMAPs include:
– lactose, which includes dairy products such as milk
– fructose, a sugar found in most fruits and vegetables
– fructans, found in many grains such as wheat and barley
– galactans, found in legumes and beans
– polyols, found in sugar alcohols and sweeteners
Similarly, food intolerances are a common cause of bad odor flatulence. This refers to foods that people have difficulties digesting. Foods commonly associated with food intolerance include milk, gluten, sulfites, food colorings and preservatives, and caffeine.
Hydration
Constipation can also cause smelly gas, along with bloating and abdominal discomfort. It happens when stool builds up in the colon, unable to exit, and bacteria continues creating gas.
Dehydration, diet, and certain medications can lead to constipation. Taking extra fluids can keep the stool soft and easy to pass.
Taking probiotics
A person can increase the good bacteria in their gut by consuming foods high in probiotics. This includes yogurts, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut. A 2017 study notes that probiotic intervention can reduce the number of pathogens in the gut that are associated with flatulence.
Medications and supplements
Activated charcoal may help to reduce intestinal gas.
A 2020 study found that activated charcoal is a safe and cost-effective method to reduce gastrointestinal gases. Other evidence adds that charcoal may be more effective when combined with simethicone. This drug breaks gas bubbles into smaller parts, making them easier to pass.
However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate charcoal the same way as prescription drugs. As such, it is best to consult with a doctor or a dietician before using it.
Additionally, people with food intolerances may be able to take medications to help them digest troublesome foods. For example, individuals with a lactose intolerance can take lactase tablets. These products contain the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for breaking down lactose.
Decreasing habits that increase air swallowing
Habits such as chewing gum, sucking on hard candy, and drinking carbonated beverages can also increase the amount of air a person takes in. This causes them to expel more gas eventually.
Changing eating habits
Eating too quickly and talking while eating can also increase the amount of air a person swallows. Chewing and eating slowly can help reduce air intake while eating, reducing gas formation. Eating small portions may also help the digestive tract work better and produce less gas during digestion.
Causes of bad smelling gas
Several factors can cause smelly farts, ranging from mild to potentially serious. Common causes may include:
– food intolerances
– constipation
– diet, including high-fiber foods and FODMAPs
– underlying digestive conditions, such as IBS
– certain medications and antibiotics
– infections and bacteria in the digestive tract, such as small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
– colon cancer
When to contact a doctor
Foul-smelling flatulence is not usually a cause of concern. For many, some lifestyle and diet adjustments at home can help manage it. However, a person should seek medical advice if the gas is persistent or accompanies other symptoms such as:
– stomach pain
– severe abdominal cramping
– heartburn
– nausea and vomiting
– constipation
– fever
– weight loss
– bloody, oily, or foul-smelling stools
– muscle pain or weakness
– bloating
Outlook
Bad-smelling farts are typically normal and the result of a person’s diet. An individual may be able to manage and reduce foul-smelling flatulence with some diet and lifestyle changes.
If smelly gas is a regular occurrence, a person should contact their doctor. They may be able to suggest appropriate strategies or identify possible causes. If the gas results from an underlying condition, most people will experience relief once they treat the underlying cause.
Summary
Flatulence is a natural process to eliminate excess gas from digesting food. Everyone will experience bad-smelling gas at some point. Certain types of food, health conditions, and habits can lead to foul-smelling farts.
Implementing strategies such as adding certain foods, avoiding troublesome ones, and changing eating habits can help to resolve smelly gas in many cases.
Persistent bad-smelling farts can be a sign of an underlying problem, especially when other stomach issues are present. It may be advisable for a person with severe and persisting flatulence to consult their doctor for a proper diagnosis to understand potential causes and suggestions to relieve symptoms.
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