Tips to stop farting or passing gas include eating slowly, avoiding gum, and limiting the intake of fizzy drinks. However, excessive flatulence may be a sign of an underlying condition that needs medical attention.
Flatulence is a natural part of the digestion cycle. It is essential that the body releases the gas it produces. If not, it can build up and become very uncomfortable.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders (NIDDK) states that according to research, people pass gas through the anus around
While some people pass gas more than others, it is a regular part of how the body works. However, for those who feel they have excessive gas, there are several steps to reduce flatulence.
This article looks at 10 possible remedies for excessive flatulence and when a person might consider contacting a doctor.
The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) notes that when a person swallows food, water, or saliva, they also swallow small amounts of air. This air then collects in the digestive system. Gas also builds up as the body digests food.
A person cannot completely avoid swallowing air, but certain habits can cause excess air to enter the body. Eating too quickly is one of them.
To help avoid excess gas, a person can aim to eat smaller meals more often. They can also aim to chew food slowly, with their mouth closed.
Some foods are known to increase gas production.
Carbohydrates that contain fructose, lactose, insoluble fiber, and starch ferment in the large intestine. Gas releases as they ferment. Some fruits and vegetables can also cause gas.
However, cutting these foods out entirely is not recommended, as they can be an essential part of a balanced diet. A person may wish to limit or reduce the amount of the
- some fruits, such as apples, peaches, pears, and fruit juices
- cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and collard greens
- legumes, such as beans, peas, and lentils
- dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and ice cream
- whole wheat products
- drinks that contain high-fructose corn syrup
- products containing sweeteners such as sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, maltitol, and erythritol
If a person is experiencing excessive flatulence, they can try eating foods that are easy to digest, such as:
- rice
- bananas
- citrus fruits
- potatoes
Learn more about foods and drinks that can cause gas.
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- flatulence
- belching
- feelings of fullness
- stomach pain or discomfort
Drinking enough water can help to prevent constipation. The NHS states that constipation is one cause of excessive flatulence.
If stool remains in the colon for extended periods of time, it will continue to ferment inside the body. This produces extra gas that can smell particularly foul.
Treatment for constipation varies. However, drinking lots of water and increasing fiber intake can help to reduce the risk of it occurring.
The NHS also suggests that a person may benefit from drinking peppermint tea to reduce excessive gas.
Some people may be sensitive to different foods and may have allergies that bring about a reaction in the body. These can lead to gas and other unpleasant symptoms, such as bloating, nausea, and diarrhea.
A person with excessive gas may find the elimination diet to be beneficial. An elimination diet is where a person would cut out all known gas-causing foods before introducing them back in, one at a time, to find out which ones cause the symptoms.
People may chew gum to keep their breath fresh and to help avoid snacking. However, those that do may find they have more gas than others.
Chewing gum
Carbonated beverages contain air bubbles, and a person who drinks a lot of carbonated beverages may find they burp and pass gas more than others.
When someone reduces or removes these types of drinks from their diet, it
People who smoke or use e-cigarettes swallow more air than those who do not. The more frequently a person smokes, the more air they swallow.
Avoiding smoking can help reduce the amount of air people swallow, resulting in less flatulence, among other health benefits.
Probiotics are supplements that contain the healthy bacteria already found in a person’s digestive tract. These good bacteria help break down food and can even work to break down the hydrogen gas produced during digestion.
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It is important to note that probiotics may increase flatulence when a person first takes them.
Learn more about the side effects of probiotics.
Older 2016 research suggests that enzyme supplements can aid the breakdown of proteins and complex carbohydrates. This means they could help with numerous digestive diseases and their symptoms.
If complex carbohydrates can be broken down in the small intestine, a person will produce less gas. However, if they do not break down in the small intestine and move to the large intestine, the gas-producing bacteria work to break them down. This means more gas will develop that will need to be released.
Lactase enzyme supplements may help people whose excess gas is caused by lactose intolerance. Lactase is the enzyme that helps people digest dairy products, so can make people less gassy after eating meals that include dairy.
A person may find the following tips useful in reducing excessive flatulence:
Do
- eat little and often, and avoid huge meals
- take time to chew food and take sips rather than large gulps of drinks
- take part in regular exercise, which will help to improve digestion
- eat a healthful, balanced diet
- drink peppermint tea
Do not
- smoke
- chew gum, suck pen tops, or hard sweets
- wear dentures that do not fit properly
- eat any trigger foods that are hard to digest, or foods known to cause gas
Gas is produced when the body digests food. It also builds up in the digestive tract when a person swallows air.
Excessive or smelly gas can occasionally be a sign of a medical problem such as:
- constipation
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- indigestion
- celiac disease
- food intolerances or allergies
These conditions require medical treatment.
Excess gas is not usually anything to be concerned about. Making a few lifestyle changes can often help improve symptoms.
However, in some instances, excess flatulence could indicate something more serious. A person should make an appointment with their doctor if excess gas is accompanied by:
- stomach aches or pain
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhea
- unexpected weight loss
- blood in stool
- continual instances of constipation or diarrhea
- high temperature or feeling hot and shivery
If flatulence affects a person’s life badly, and dietary and lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications have not worked, they should contact a doctor for further advice.
If a person is embarrassed about excessive wind or farts that smell, they can speak to a pharmacist. A pharmacist may recommend specific medication or remedies to help.
The following are answers to commonly asked questions about flatulence.
How do I stop excessive farting?
People can try eating slowly and avoiding gum and carbonated drinks. Try to eat slowly, exercise regularly, and stay hydrated.
How do you get rid of gas in your stomach?
Exercising, chewing food well, and drinking peppermint tea can help relieve gas in the stomach.
Why am I farting so much?
Excessive farting can be caused by constipation, indigestion, IBS, and food intolerances or allergies.
A person may find that they are passing gas more than they usually do for various reasons. To help reduce excess gas, a person can avoid or limit certain foods, remain hydrated, and take part in regular exercise. They may also find it helpful to stop chewing gum, smoking, and fizzy drinks.
In some cases, excessive flatulence can be a sign of a medical condition that requires treatment. A person should contact a doctor if excessive gas accompanies other symptoms, such as blood in the stool, stomach aches, or continual instances of diarrhea or constipation.