What Causes Excessive Farts?

One of the outcomes of gas moving through the digestive tract can be the development of farts, also known as flatulence.

Farts are generally a normal part of digestion; you'll typically have gas symptoms while you're eating or after you finish a meal. A person may pass gas through the anus up to 25 times daily, but it's possible for you to have more flatulence than usual.

If you're wondering, "Why am I farting so much?" carbonation, intolerance to certain foods, and even stress can increase flatulence. Read on to learn more, including when to see a healthcare provider.

1. Carbonation

Carbonated drinks like seltzer water, soda, and carbonated booze, such as beer and hard seltzer, could be culprits for increased gas. Carbonation can introduce more air into your gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

If you're not sure your carbonation habit is the cause, record your intake, including when gas is a problem. Bring it to a healthcare provider, who can help suss things out and recommend alternative beverages that don't lead to farting.

2. Food Intolerance

Farts accompanied by abdominal pain or discomfort after eating could be attributed to food intolerance. For example, you may have lactose intolerance, which means your body doesn't digest the sugar in dairy well.

Other than farts and abdominal pain, additional GI symptoms accompanying food intolerances can include abdominal distension, bloating, and diarrhea.

3. Stress

Excess stress can affect your farts. Stress can make you gulp and swallow more air without intending to do so.

You might also experience more farting due to the relationship between stress and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Stress can contribute to the development of IBS, but research has also found that people with IBS report having more stress.

You can practice de-stress techniques like mindful meditation and deep breathing, which can keep you from swallowing excess air.

Is Farting Good For You?

Farting throughout the day and night is a good thing, as it's a way to release trapped gas. If farts didn't happen, the gas buildup would lead to uncomfortable bloating.

Trapped gas may result in cramping pain. Gas that gets caught in your colon can feel painful too. Gas in the upper right part of the colon may feel similar to gallbladder pain; if it's in the upper left part, it can feel like heart pain.

Tips for Preventing Farts

One recommendation for preventing farts is swallowing less air. Chewing food thoroughly and slowly and limiting carbonated drinks, chewing gum, and gas-producing foods when possible can help.

Using supplements is another possible preventative option. Some supplements can reduce gas symptoms caused by food intolerances. However, remember to talk with a healthcare provider before using supplements to ensure they're safe for you.

You can also reduce the likelihood of gas by:

• Eating smaller meals
• Taking a post-meal, 10-to-15-minute walk
• Trying to relax while eating

When To Call a Healthcare Provider

It's generally normal to experience farting as part of the digestive process. However, consult with a healthcare provider if you have:

• A sudden change in symptoms
• Additional symptoms such as stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, or weight loss
• Anemia
• Bothersome gas-related symptoms
• Fever
• Lack of appetite
• Stools that are bloody, foul-smelling, or oily
  
• Vomiting

When these symptoms happen alongside gas, they may indicate health conditions such as digestive tract blockages, irritable bowel syndrome, or not being able to absorb nutrients.

A Quick Review

Farts are normal; they occur when gas escapes the digestive system. Some individuals may find themselves farting more often because of carbonated beverages, food intolerances, or stress. You should see a healthcare provider if you have other symptoms with farts, such as stomach pain or bloody stools.