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Passing gas might cause some embarrassment, but it’s a completely natural function of the human body as it digests food. On average, a person releases gas around 14 times daily, which may come as a surprise. According to Dr. Anish Sheth, a gastroenterologist and the Chief of Gastroenterology at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center, this frequency equates to roughly once an hour during waking hours. While occasional increases in flatulence are normal, ongoing or excessive gas could indicate other health concerns that merit attention. This article explores the causes of gas, reasons for its increase post-50, practical solutions, and when it might be time to see a doctor.
What Causes Gas? 4 Big Triggers to Know
Gas forms when food is digested and fermented in the gastrointestinal tract. Here are four primary reasons you might notice an uptick in gas production:
Dietary Habits: Foods high in fiber, such as beans, lentils, and certain vegetables like broccoli and cabbage, contain complex carbohydrates and sugars that are tough to break down, resulting in more gas. Additionally, artificial sweeteners like sorbitol can contribute to this issue.
Air Intake: Eating or drinking too quickly, chewing gum, or smoking can lead to swallowing more air, which eventually exits the body as gas.
Gut Bacteria: The gut is home to trillions of bacteria that ferment leftover food, producing gases such as hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide. Differences in the gut’s bacterial makeup can affect how much gas is produced.
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.
