10 reasons passing wind is good for you

By , K24 Digital
On Thu, 16 Mar, 2023 09:35 | 4 mins read

As foul and embarrassing as it may be, regularly passing gas is a sign your body and digestive tract are working normally, and the number of times you break wind in a day depends on diet change and lifestyle, among other factors. At times, though, fart patterns may signal a problem worth discussing with a doctor. Kathini Mutemi compiles the health benefits of passing gas.

1. Points to a proper digestive system

It's surely embarrassing to pass gas while in the company of friends, family members or in the public, but farting is an integral part of digestion and a sign the system is working normally. The body produces gas as part of breaking down and processing food. You also swallow air when eating, chewing, or swallowing.

All of this gas and air builds up in your digestive system. Some of it is absorbed naturally, but the remaining gas needs to be released in some way — either as a fart or a burp. Therefore, passing gas is the by-product of a digestive system at work and has a host of health benefits. In fact, farting is healthy and good for your body.

2. Indicator of balanced diet

How often you fart, and its smell, say something about the diet your body is being served. A diet that includes lean proteins, vegetables, fruits and grains is considered balanced and healthy, but it produces gas. Certain types of carbohydrates can’t always be broken down in your digestive tract — instead, they’ll ferment a bit in the large intestines before being removed during a bowel movement. Fermentation produces gas. If you take only a diet of simple carbohydrates, you might not produce as much gas. However, that would be unhealthy for other reasons. So, if you aren’t farting as often as normal, check balance your diet.

3. Reduces abdominal pain and bloating

As you eat, chew, swallow and process food, gas collects in the digestive tract. If you produce a lot of gas, it can eventually cause pain and discomfort as well as bloating or a feeling of swelling and fullness. But farting eliminates that gas and any pain or pressure with it. Relieving gas as the urge arises can help reduce bloating and any symptoms along with it.

4. Improves colon health

From time to time, you may want to hold in gas to suppress flatulence for various reasons. Regardless of the reasons, the more you do it, the more you actually irritate the colon and the haemorrhoids. Releasing gas is always healthier than holding it in. Don’t be afraid to let those farts fly. Farting keeps your colon happy and lowers the risk of colon complications. Holding in gas can limit motility of bowels, leading to digestive discomfort, pain and even constipation, so letting the gas pass can keep you regular and comfortable. In the long run, regular constipation increases the risk for diverticulosis. So, why hold it in if it harms? Release it!

5. Alerts you of possible allergies

When you eat food to which you have an allergy or intolerance, the body will produce symptoms to let you know the digestive tract is upset. Some of these may include diarrhoea, nausea, bloating and gas. If you routinely experience excess gas after eating certain foods, the body may be trying to tell you the food is upsetting. Talk with a doctor about your symptoms and/or drop the food from your menu if isn’t so key.

6. Signifies a healthy gut

Those who understand the “fart language” appreciate that extra toots could be the price of a healthier gut microbiome. Good gut health and a thriving colony of bacteria produce more gas. That’s because the bacteria can eat and break down food in your stomach and intestines more easily. While that may produce excess gas, it’s a good sign — one that tells you all is well in your digestive tract. Fart more!

7. Sounds a health alarm

As much as farting is good, excess gas or extreme flatulence odours may be signs of a potential medical condition or issue. These symptoms could be your body’s way of letting you know something isn’t right. It might be a food intolerance. Rarely, it’s a sign of a more serious issue, such as colon cancer. Try to master your “fart language” to stay safe.

8. Helps prevent heart problems, stroke

Do you know it is okay if you fart 14 to 20 times a day? When we fart, we release some amount of hydrogen sulphide. Studies have shown that if you don’t fart, then this gas keeps on accumulating inside your body and in severe cases can also lead to cell damage and heart problems, and even stroke. So don’t be ashamed of farting as it’s your body’s way to indicate about your well-being.

9. That smell prevents stroke, heart disease

You may be shocked that the smell of farts could be of any benefit to your health. However, that’s the reality. Studies have shown that hydrogen sulphide — a compound we produce in small quantities in our gas — might actually save you from later illnesses. While farts smell like rotten eggs, they play a significant role in preventing strokes and heart diseases by staving off cell damage. A strange fact!

10. It’s an alarm for seeing the doctor

However, if you feel you’re breaking wind more than usual — or you experience pain or discomfort, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea when you do — plan to see the doctor for a review of the symptoms and run tests to try to understand what’s causing your increased flatulence. Frequent farting, extreme smells and unusual pains when farting could be pointers to other health conditions such as colon cancer and lactose intolerance.

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