What your farts say about your health – GOOD SHAPE

Gas is a totally normal part of digestion. But, if they are very frequent, some characteristics such as smell, noise and even duration can help to reveal some questions about your health.

First, take the emotional factor into account Mental health and intestine are more interconnected than you can imagine: “In cases of stress, anxiety and depression, for example, there is a reduction in oxygenation and even blood flow to the organ, which leads to significant changes in its functioning and can result in signs such as an increase in gases,” explains proctologist at Hospital Edmundo Vasconcelos, Maristela Gomes.

But if the emotional is not a problem, be aware of these 6 types of farts:

1

SMELLLESS FARTS

Most gas is odorless and is usually caused by swallowed air. Things like drinking carbonated drinks and chewing gum can be contributing factors. What doesn’t come out in the form of a burp will go through your digestive tract and out the other side. While this is normal and not harmful to your health, you can reduce gas by eating slowly and chewing a lot.

two

FARTS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MEAL

Don’t worry: your guts aren’t rebelling against your food choice—doctors call this the gastrocolic reflex, and it’s your body’s way of literally moving mass of food through your digestive system. When food enters the stomach, it is common for the stomach to alert the colon so that it can make room for what is to come, releasing the trapped air.

3

SILENT AND STINKY FARTS

When the silent but smelly gas strikes, chances are you can thank sulfur-rich foods for the noxious gas fix (think cabbage, broccoli, kale, eggs, meat, garlic, or onions.) That’s not to say you should avoid foods high in sulfur – just be aware that this process exists.

Short-chain carbohydrates can also have this effect, as they are poorly absorbed by the body and quickly fermented. They are found in a variety of foods, including wheat, apples, milk and cashews.

4

HOT AND BURNING BREASTS

If you’re dealing with “burning” gas, the likely culprit is your love of spicy food. If it burns in the mouth, it can also burn the anus. This is due to certain receptors in our bodies that recognize capsaicin – the fiery compound found in chili peppers – as heat.

5

SERIAL FARTS

Clusters of odorless farts can be caused by eating plant foods like beans, lentils, asparagus, and green bananas, among others because of inulin, a soluble fiber found in these foods that is highly gas-producing.

Clusters of smelly farts, on the other hand, could be a sign that you have a food intolerance – the most common ones being lactose (dairy) and gluten (wheat).

6

FARTS VERY STINKY

When your gut bacteria get out of control, it can lead to some pretty smelly farts. Prebiotics and probiotics can help to neutralize the bad bacteria and, in turn, the bad smell. But, if in addition to being stinky, your gas is persistent and you are experiencing additional symptoms such as weight loss, bloating, nausea, fatigue or bleeding, consult your doctor, as this could signify malabsorption, which is found in conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease or bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine.