It’s the embarrassing act no one claims when it happens and can clear a room. Farts are a natural human act even when they happen at the most inconvenient moments. But what makes us fart? Facts about farts help you with an explanation to why we release gas from this part of our bodies.
While we all experience flatulence, is it often normal for them to stink or experience excessive farts?
What Makes Us Fart?
Is farting normal for our bodies? Gas comes from both swallowed air and food bacteria breaks down. The bacteria releases stinky bi-product while turning our food into energy for our bodies. When we eat or drink, we also swallow air, which travels through the intestine, picks up the smelly hydrogen sulfide, and is expelled as gas.
Our farts are made up of the following:
- 59% nitrogen
- 21% hydrogen
- 9% carbon dioxide
- 7% methane
- 4% oxygen
Most people pass gas between 10 and 18 times a day. 75% of your farts are created in your lower intestine. Bacteria live inside you, and when food passes without breaking down, your flora and fauna in your large intestine do it for you.
Facts about Farts You Won’t Be Embarrassed to Claim
The facts about farts are much more interesting than the act itself. There are some fascinating things when our body wants to release some wind.
The new stink-bug
While there is already a stinkbug, did you know termites fart more than any other animal? Due to their high fiber wood diet, they pass gas more than cows and are estimated responsible for 11% of the global methane emissions on the Earth. Maybe they might need to reconsider their names.
Fart talks
Farts don’t just help your body pass gas, it also serves as a form of communication. Herrings communicate with each other through farts. If you ever lose your voice, you can always rely on still being able to communicate through our flatulence.
The effects of lactose intolerance
If you’re lactose intolerant, it means you lack the enzyme that breaks down lactose into sugar molecules for your blood. Without that enzyme, the dairy passes through your small intestine into the large intestine without breaking down. As your bacterias digest the dairy for you, they create hydrogen sulfide, which gives you the smelly, less than desirable gas you experience.
You fart what you eat
Some foods do produce more gas than others (like beans) because there are more indigestible carbs and fiber. A healthy diet of fiber and nutrient dense foods like fruits and vegetables may cause more flatulence, but that’s not a bad thing. These foods and flatulence cause healthy bacteria to grow in your gut, preventing infections and protecting your intestinal lining.
Here are other foods causing your farts:
- Lentils
- Dairy products
- Bread
- Cashews
- Cereals with oats and wheat
- Artichokes, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, brussel sprouts, and cabbage
Avoid embarrassing gas by staying clear of these foods or follow a healthier colon health diet.
Why do farts matter?
Farts are actually healthy for your body, as it is a good sign your body is getting the fiber it needs and your gut bacterial population is in pretty good shape. Your stinky farts are also good indicators if you are suffering from colorectal issues or if certain foods cause you flatulence.
Think Your Farts Are More Serious Than Just Gas?
The doctors at Nevada Surgery and Cancer Care have an extensive experience in helping with any of your colorectal conditions. We use state-of-the-art procedures to help you with your issues and get you back to health. Schedule a consultation with us today!