Excessive fartingcan feel embarrassing and uncomfortable, but it’s a natural part of how your body processes food. Most people pass gas about 14 times a day, which might surprise you. Anish Sheth, MD, gastroenterologist and Chief of Gastroenterology at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center, assures us that “if you’re awake for, let’s say, 16 hours, that’s roughly once an hour.” While increased flatulence can be normal, persistent or excessive gas may signal other underlying causes needing attention. This article takes a clear look at what causes gas, why it may spike after age 50, practical remedies, and when to consult a doctor.
What Causes Gas? 4 Big Triggers to Know
Gas results from the digestion and fermentation of food in your gastrointestinal system. Here are the four major triggers behind why you might be farting more than usual:
Dietary Choices: Foods rich in fiber like beans, lentils, and certain vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cabbage) contain complex carbohydrates and sugars that are harder to digest, leading to more gas production. Artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol can also contribute.
Swallowed Air: Eating or drinking rapidly, chewing gum, or smoking increases the amount of air swallowed, which later passes as gas.
Intestinal Bacteria: The gut hosts trillions of bacteria that ferment undigested food, releasing gases like hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide. Variations in gut flora can impact gas levels.
Digestive Disorders: Conditions like lactose intolerance, celiac disease, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can affect how your gut processes food, increasing gas and bloating.
Understanding these triggers can help you identify why gas builds up and reduce it through simple lifestyle tweaks.
As you age, your digestive system undergoes subtle changes that can lead to more frequent gas. The natural reduction in digestive enzyme production affects how efficiently your body breaks down certain foods. Additionally, slower gastrointestinal motility can prolong food transit times, giving bacteria more opportunity to ferment leftovers and create gas.
Another factor is the increased prevalence of digestive conditions with aging, such as diverticulosis or mild lactose intolerance, which may not have presented earlier in life. Medications commonly used by older adults, including antacids or fiber supplements, can also alter gut function and gas production.
It’s important to note that while farting may increase, persistent discomfort, pain, or drastic changes in bowel habits warrant a medical evaluation to rule out serious conditions.
2 Practical Remedies for Excessive Gas Everyone Can Try
Probiotic Supplements: Supporting Healthy Gut Flora
Probiotics are live microorganisms that help rebalance the bacterial environment in your intestines. Studies have shown that taking probiotics can reduce symptoms of gas and bloating, especially in people with IBS or functional digestive disorders. Strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can improve digestion and decrease the gas byproduct of fermentation.
Before starting probiotics, it’s wise to consult your healthcare provider, as benefits may vary depending on your individual gut flora and health status.
Gentle Exercise: Move to Reduce Gas
Physical activity encourages intestinal motility, helping gas move through the digestive tract more smoothly instead of building up. Even light exercises like walking or yoga can reduce bloating and discomfort. Regular movement supports digestion and can prevent constipation, a common contributor to excessive gas.
Incorporating a daily 20–30 minute walk or simple stretching routine can make a significant difference in managing gas naturally.
When Farting May Be a Sign of an Underlying Health Issue
While flatulence is often harmless, excessive or foul-smelling gas associated with other symptoms can indicate health problems requiring professional attention. Watch for:
Persistent abdominal pain or cramping
Sudden, severe changes in bowel habits
Unexplained weight loss
Blood in stools
Severe bloating or distension
These signs could point to food intolerances, infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or even gastrointestinal cancers. Early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes, so consult a healthcare provider if such symptoms persist alongside frequent gas.
Why Am I Farting So Much? The Bottom Line
Passing gas is a normal biological process, typically occurring about 14 times daily, driven by diet, swallowed air, gut bacteria, and digestive health. After age 50, changes in digestion may increase flatulence, but lifestyle adjustments like probiotic use and gentle exercise often provide relief.
If excessive gas is accompanied by pain, changes in bowel movements, or weight loss, it’s essential to seek medical guidance to exclude more serious conditions. By understanding the causes and remedies of frequent farting, you can take control of your digestive health and reduce discomfort confidently.
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