Fart expert shares what different types mean – and when to seek medical help
Most of us let off a few farts on the daily, with it a natural bodily function.
However, an expert has revealed that different types of farts can mean different things. And one certain one in particular may be a cause of cancern.
Dr Philip Mayhead – consultant gastroenterologist at Benenden Hospital – has shared the five most common types of farts and what they say about your health, as reported by The Sun.
READ MORE: Woman earns £147k selling wind – but has 'heart attack' from farting too much
Check out more real life stories here
Check out what yours could indicate below – and make sure you have nothing to worry about.
1. Bad-smelling farts
That rotten-egg smell that's produced when you fart is actually due to 'sulphur-containing compounds produced during digestion', says Dr Mayhead. He said if you do a lot of stinky farts, maybe lay off the high-sulphur foods, such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts.
"Sometimes, when your farts are really foul-smelling, it is the result of intestinal bacterial colonies producing gases like carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane," he said.
2. Excessive flatulence or bloating-related farts
If you're farting quite a lot or find that you're bloating often, this could be a serious sign that you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or are lactose intolerant.
Dr Mayhead said: "If you experience frequent, excessive flatulence, it can feel like you need to open your bowels more frequently or have the urgency to go to the toilet.
"For individuals with lactose intolerance, the festive season may bring an additional challenge, as indulging in treats like chocolate can lead to uncomfortable symptoms. Just be mindful."
3. Odourless farts
If you find that you are doing farts that don't smell, this could be because you keep swallowing air while eating or drinking. These farts usually consist of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and small amounts of other gases, claims the doctor. Maybe slow down when you chew if you don't want to keep popping off.
4. 'Hot' farts
Dr Mayhead said that this type of gas occurs "as a result of eating foods that are high in capsaicin", such as chillies or spices. He recommended: "It might be best to avoid [ingredients] that bring the heat – literally."
5. Normal farts
The expert said that farting 'in small quantities' is perfectly normal and 'just a natural byproduct of digestion.
"When you eat, you swallow air, and your gut bacteria produce gases as they break down food – simple as that," he said.
Source: Read Full Article
