In her book, Warts and All, Dr Margaret Stearn discusses flatulence and what causes it. While gas is not harmful in itself, it can cause pain and other problems in people who hold it in. In many cultures it is unacceptable to pass wind in public and this can cause embarrassment and discomfort.
How is Gas Formed in the Human Body
The gas that forms in the human gut is over 90% nitrogen with the balance being made up of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, methane and hydrogen sulphide. At any given time, there is about a mug-full of gas in a person’s gut. The amount passed in a day varies from 600 millilitres to two litres. On the whole, women pass gas that is more smelly but men pass larger volumes. The gas is produced in three main ways:
- Air is swallowed while eating, drinking and swallowing saliva.
- Carbon dioxide is produced by chemical processes within the gut.
- About 500 types of bacteria live in the human gut and some react with food to produce hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide.
Fart gas smells when it contains tiny amounts of sulphur-containing gases.
How Gas is Expelled from the Human Body
A small amount of intestinal gas is absorbed into the blood and exhaled through the lungs. Most of it, however, is passed through the mouth by burping or belching or through the anus by farting.
Certain types of food contain unabsorbable carbohydrates and these can increase gas production and bloating. They include:
- beans
- peas
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- dried fruit
- apples
- fruit juice
Onions and tomatoes relax the muscle at the lower end of the gullet which allows air to escape in the form of a burp.
How to Reduce the Build-up of Gas
It is impossible to eliminate flatulence but there are ways to cut back on the amount of gas produced:
- Avoid fizzy drinks and chewing gum.
- Eat slowly and chew food properly.
- Avoid gas-forming foods.
- Exercise often.
- Anti-flatulence drugs are available and can be helpful.
- If it is embarrassing or culturally unacceptable to pass gas in public, try and pass it outside or in a toilet. A lit match can help dispel any bad smells.
Flatulence and passing gas are a normal part of life and there are ways of minimising and controlling it for those who are embarrassed by it. These include avoiding fizzy drinks and gas-forming foods. It is important to pass gas as holding it in for too long can cause health problems.
Reference: Stearn, Margaret, Warts and All, Murdoch Books, 2007
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Debbie Roome - Debbie Roome is an award-winning freelance writer, journalist and novelist with over 25 years experience.
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