Flatulence: How To Prevent It
December 30, 2008
The most embarrassing of facts is flatulence. You have done it too. Then, so has everybody. No one can expect to exempt him or herself. It is a fact so why deny it. Therefore, let us accept the facts and at least say that it is natural and certainly not bad.
The chemistry of farts
One may ask what are these farts or flatus. If you look at our body as a mini factory, it will be easier for you to understand. What happens is that we eat food and it goes into the stomach, where it gets broken down into basic absorbable components. The absorption of food takes place in the small intestine.
Now the rest of the unabsorbed mass is sent to the large colon (bowel). It contains several enzymes whose food is this unabsorbed nutrient. There are some gas enzymes also. They break down the remaining undigested food and produce gas.
Now it has to go somewhere and it is time for someone to leave the room or move a chair.
The stink in the farts
Alright so let us answer the question that everyone has asked at some point in their lives. Why the smell? Well the reason is of the many odourless gases like carbon dioxide, nitrogen and methane; farts contain hydrogen sulphide also, which is the reason for the smell.
Vegetarians and non-vegetarians fart just as often. However, the former ones’ do not smell so much because meats produce more hydrogen suphide.
The causes of farts
There are a few reasons why some people fart more than others.
Carbs
Sugar and starch easily ferment and therefore, carbohydrates produce more gas. Therefore, beans can be the culprit to make you fart more because they contain more carbohydrates that are indigestible.
Indigestible foods
Some foods like milk are unnatural to the human body and hence considered indigestible. Such foods can make you fart.
Enzymes
If your intestine has more amounts of enzymes then you are sure to be more susceptible to farting than others. It varies from person to person.
Letting in air
Chewing gum stimulates the digestive system and it allows the person to swallow air more. Hence, it has to come out somewhere. As a result, you may burp or if it goes deeper, it leaves no other option.
Infections in the intestine
Intestinal infections can also be the reason. Eating bad foods can cause such infections.
How to prevent it?
Flatulence is preventable. Over the counter drugs like Bean O are helpful. Also avoid foods that are heavy on your system. Lessen your intake of carbohydrates. Chewing your food properly lessens the load on your digestive tracts and hence prevents flatulence.
Some foods like apples, apricots, beans, bran, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, dairy products, eggplant, nuts, onions, peaches, popcorn, raisins and tuna are flatulent foods. However, it may vary from person to person.
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