Common Reasons of Farting

It’s natural and absolutely normal to pass gas. This happens because there is some air in your gut, which needs to come out. This coming out of gas is observed as farting.

From Where Does Air Enter Our Gut

There are variable reasons for this. Some of the common ones are listed below-

Ingestion of air

Yes, we actually ingest, that is, eat some air throughout the day. This happens while we talk, breathe, eat our food. or drink something.

You may note that if we take any fluid directly from the bottle, without our lips touching the opening, amount of air entering our gut is increased. Drinking fluid slowly from a glass allows lesser air to get inside.

Similarly, taking food or drinks rapidly may give a chance for more air to get inside the gut. Consuming food stuff slowly is a better option.

If you are a heavy consumer of carbonated drinks, you know that it definitely gives you more farts.

Carbonated drinks have trapped carbon dioxide gas in them. This may be seen coming out and giving you that fizz, when you open the bottle. Plenty of this gas enters the gut while consuming the drink.

Fermentation of Sugars

It’s a very common observation that you tend to fart more after having sweets, candies, cakes or any other food having sugars. Though some sugars may be digested directly, many of them require fermentation in our gut for digestion.

This fermentation is carried out by certain bacteria that reside in our lower gut areas.

Fermentation is breaking up of the sugar particles into smalled ones, just like digestion. Fermentation releases gas. This gas is usually foul smelling, since the process is carried out in the lower gut areas.

Sick Gas

Sometimes, passing out of gas can become excessive or may be very smelly. This may cause you embarrassment in public.

It may also be associated to pain or cramps in your tummy. In such cases, the cause needs to be evaluated. There may be some infection or physiological disturbance in your tummy, that’s giving you the problem. Medical intervention may be needed.

Causes to Look At

Are you constipated?

Constipation may occur if you take less of edible fibers in your diet. Inadequate amounts of fluid intake may also precipitate the condition.

When  constipated, fecal matter stays trapped in the lower gut area. You may experience more of foul smelling farts during this phase.

Constipated is not a good state for the body. It is advisable to relieve it at the earliest and not make it a habit.

To prevent constipation, consume some amount of fresh fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Keep yourself well hydrated.

You’ll also observe that movements of the gut depends upon your level of physical activity. If you are leading a sedentary life, where you need to sit for long hours, gut motility is reduced and you have more chances of becoming constipated.

On the other hand, staying physically active may improve gut motility as well. There are less chances of being constipated.

Stressed Up?

If you are in a stressful phase of life, you are more likely to be constipated and pass out pass.

Our gut is closely connected to the brain via nerves and senses it’s condition closely. Any emotional disturbance or stress may affect gut motility and give you more farts.


If you are carrying a baby, you are more likely to fart.

As your baby grows up in the uterus, occupying more space in the lower body cavity, it pushes against the adjacent guts. Pressure over the guts affects the movement of digested food in it.

Pregnant women need to watch waht they eat. Consuming plenty of easily digestible meals, which have plenty of soft fibres, would help.

Gut Infections

Certain viral, bacterial or parasitic infections may present as a stage of excessive farting.

These infective conditions may also be associated with diarrhea, stomach pains, weakness or fever.

A visit to your doctor is advisable to take appropriate actions. Antibiotics may be needed in some cases.

Foods That Give Gas

Certain food may give you more gas. This happens because gas is released in the gut when they get digested, or break down into simpler form.

Common among them are-

  • Beans of all kinds
  • Cabbage, broccoli
  • Lactose, the natural sugar found in dairy products
  • Onions
  • Processed food