At one point or another, almost all of us have found ourselves in a public place, desperately holding in a fart, hoping that the pressure won’t become unbearable. The discomfort can range from distracting to extremely painful. But is there any harm in keeping it, or are you just avoiding a little embarrassment?

The good news is that, no, you won’t break anything if you try to hold it down. But what actually happens when you resist the urge to pass gas?

A Daily Routine: How Farting Works

The average human farts between five and 23 times a day. The gas that causes farting (and belching) is created naturally during digestion and when air is swallowed while eating or drinking. Some habits can speed up this process, such as using straws, eating hard-to-digest foods, or smoking.

When gas is formed in the body, it is necessary to expel it. And there are two exit points: the mouth and the bottom. Normally, when the body digests food, gas begins to form in the intestines. A person with regular bowel habits usually does not have any problem in releasing this gas.

“The problem arises when you can’t fart, as it indicates a blockage in the intestines. This can cause abdominal pain, vomiting and indigestion,” explains Dr Manoj Gupta, head of liver transplant and surgical gastroenterology at PSRI Hospital, Delhi. Could.” ,

Farting isn’t just a bizarre physical act – it provides relief from bloating and discomfort. It is also a sign that your digestive system and gut bacteria are working properly.

Dr. Gupta recommends being physically active and eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, fluids, vegetables, fruits, and milk products like yogurt to promote a healthy digestive system.

Smelly or strong: There are two types of farts

Most of the gas passed through the rectum is odorless, as it is composed of nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. However, the remaining gases – hydrogen and methane – are by-products of bacterial fermentation of undigested sugars in the colon.

There are two main types of farts: loud and smelly. Loud farts usually occur when one consumes a carbohydrate-rich diet, while smelly farts usually result from high-protein foods.

Those offensive odors come from gases like hydrogen sulfide (which smells like rotten eggs), methanethiol (which smells like rotten cabbage), and dimethyl sulfide (which smells like garlic).

Dr Ismail Khan, consultant minimal access and robotic surgeon at IGS Health, Delhi, explains, “Smelly farts also come from sulfur-rich foods like onions, garlic and eggs. Persistent bad odor may indicate lactose intolerance or other gut problems. “

The gas you have: where does it go?

When you stop a fart, the gas doesn’t just disappear. It travels from your intestines to the rectum and stays there, creating pressure when you tighten your anal sphincter muscles (the same muscles used when having a bowel movement). This may cause short-term symptoms such as swelling, pain and discomfort, or a sensation of bubbles or rumbling in the digestive tract.

Interestingly, research shows that some of this gas is reabsorbed by your bloodstream and eventually released when you exhale. However, most of it remains trapped until you release it through farts or burps – or both.

Better on the Inside: Healthy Choices

Dr. Gupta recommends stopping farts and suggests that if you feel the urge, it is best to go to the washroom or find an isolated place rather than suffering through the discomfort. Simply put, it’s better on the inside.

Some people pass gas more often than others, and this is completely normal, provided there is no pain or bloating. “Frequent farting is often caused by dietary fiber, carbonated drinks, or swallowing air while eating too quickly. It may also be linked to differences in gut bacteria. IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) or lactose intolerance. Conditions like intolerance can also cause increased gas production,” says Dr Khan.

When to seek medical advice

If you or a family member experiences excessive gas or is concerned about an unusual odor, it’s time to talk to a doctor.

Dr. Gupta suggests seeking medical attention if persistent bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool, or unexplained weight loss occur, as these may be signs of an underlying digestive problem.

The next time you feel the urge to fart, remember: It’s your body’s way of telling you that everything is working properly. Let it out – your gut will thank you!