All about flatulence

It is a normal and frequent phenomenon that affects all people, regardless of age, sex or diet.

Flatulence is the medical term for gases produced in the digestive tract and expelled through the anus. However, it is often considered a social or hygiene problem, and can cause discomfort, pain or embarrassment.

All about flatulence

What causes flatulence?

Flatulence is mainly due to two factors: the swallowing of air and the fermentation of food in the intestine.

Swallowing of air occurs when we eat or drink, especially if we eat quickly, anxiously, talking, or chewing gum. The air that enters the stomach mixes with gastric juices and forms bubbles that then pass to the intestine and are eliminated through the anus. Some people swallow more air than others, which can increase gas production.

Food fermentation is the process by which bacteria that live in the colon break down food remains that have not been digested or absorbed in the small intestine. These bacteria produce gases such as methane, hydrogen and carbon dioxide, which accumulate in the intestine and are released through the anus. Some foods are more likely to cause gas than others, such as those containing starch, fiber, sugar, or protein. These include legumes, whole grains, cruciferous vegetables, fruits, dairy, eggs and meat.

Training process

Food that is not fully digested in the stomach and small intestine reaches the large intestine, where bacteria break down these food remains and produce gas. The gases expelled in flatulence consist mainly of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane and small amounts of other gases. The combination of gases and air forms flatulence.

Frequency, quantity and odor

The amount and frequency of flatulence varies depending on the person and their diet. It is considered normal to pass gas between 13 and 21 times a day. The bad odor associated with flatulence is due to the presence of sulfur compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide.

How can flatulence be prevented or relieved?

Flatulence is not a disease or a sign of a serious pathology, but it can be annoying or uncomfortable. To prevent or relieve flatulence you can follow some recommendations:

- Eat slowly and chew your food well.

- Avoid carbonated drinks, alcohol and tobacco.

- Reduce the consumption of foods that produce gases, such as those mentioned above.

- Increase the consumption of water and foods rich in probiotics, such as yogurt or kefir, which promote the balance of the intestinal flora.

- Do physical exercise regularly to stimulate intestinal transit and avoid constipation.

- Take infusions of medicinal plants with carminative properties, such as anise, fennel, mint or cumin, which help expel gases.

- Take digestive enzymes if you have difficulty digesting certain foods.

- Consult a doctor if flatulence is excessive, persistent or accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool or weight loss. In some cases, excessive flatulence can be a symptom of digestive problems, such as food intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome, or other gastrointestinal disorders.

Flatulence is a natural phenomenon that should not embarrass us or limit us. With healthy habits we can reduce its frequency and intensity, and improve our quality of life.