What post-Xmas farts reveal about your health – what’s normal & when to worry

AFTER a gluttonous few days, it’s likely that your gut is feeling the effects of Christmas feasting.

But a case of the trumps is never ideal – especially when you’re in a situation where you just need your guts to play ball.

Have you ever worried that you fart too much, or that they smell abnormally bad?

The foods you eat and your digestion play a huge role in how gassy you are, as well as the type of gas you’re emitting. 

After all, sometimes it’s just scent-free wind that slips out and other times you might need a gas mask as the smell is unbearable.

Occasional flatulence is totally normal.

But if your post-Christmas gut is leaving you squirming, here’s what your farts could tell you about your health…

1. Smelly farts

It’s never nice when you let out wind that actually repulses you with its smell. 

“Gas with a strong, unpleasant odour is usually a result of sulphur-containing compounds produced during digestion,” says Dr Philip Mayhead, consultant gastroenterologist at Benenden Hospital, Kent.

“Foods high in sulphur, like broccoli, cabbage, and eggs, can contribute to this type of flatulence.”

Sas Parsad, supplement expert and founder of The Gut Co, adds: “Some individuals may be more sensitive to sulphur compounds, making the odour more pronounced.”

Sometimes an underlying issue, including a food intolerance (gluten or lactose) and a condition called small bacterial overgrowth, also known as SIBO, can be the cause of smelly gas.

They can cause digestive symptoms including flatulence, as well as stomach pain, bloating and cramps.

SIBO is serious because it can cause malnutrition, while gluten intolerance must be managed with a careful diet.

Generally, low bacterial diversity in the gut, due to not eating a varied diet, can impact gas.

Dr Mayhead says: “The volume and composition of gas will depend heavily upon a person’s diet and on colonic flora.” 

Pre and probiotics can help bolster the gut bacteria and include sauerkraut and other pickles, yoghurt, sourdough, and a diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. 

This, in turn, can improve the smell of your farts. 

Dr Mayhead warns says regularly passing foul-smelling flatulence – when in combination with certain other symptoms – might warrant a trip to the doctor. 

He says: “The following are causes for concern: bloody stool, unexplained weight loss, severe abdominal pain or feeling a lump in the abdomen.”

2. Odourless gas

Odourless gas is usually nothing to worry about, although may be a sign you eat too fast.

Dr Mayhead says: “Gas that is odourless usually consists of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and small amounts of other gases. 

“It’s the most common type of flatulence and is often related to swallowing air while eating or drinking.”

In fact, odourless gas released in small amounts is simply a byproduct of digestion, according to Dr Mayhead. 

“When you eat, you swallow air, and your gut bacteria produce gases as they break down food.”

Lower your chances of gas by eating slowly and chewing your food several times. 

Still wolfing down your meals? Put your knife and fork down between mouthfuls; this will force you to slow down.

3. Gas that feels like you need to ‘go’ 

If you experience frequent, excessive flatulence it can be due to various factors, including swallowing air or eating certain gas-producing foods.

But it could signal digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or lactose intolerance. 

Dr Mayhead said these conditions “can be associated with opening your bowels more frequently or urgency to go to the toilet”, AKA, diarrhoea. 

Sas says: “Excessive or persistent gas and other symptoms like bloating, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain might indicate digestive issues like food intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or other gastrointestinal conditions.

“If you experience such symptoms regularly, it’s best for you to consult a healthcare professional.”

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4. Gas that feels hot 

Feeling the burn when you fart can be uncomfortable. 

Dr Mayhead says: “This type of flatulence occurs as a result of eating foods that are high in capsaicin in chillies, such as spicy or hot curries.”

Lessen the impact by reducing the spiciness of your meals.

5. Excessive gas

Every condition listed so far – IBS, SIBO, intolerances, as well as inflammatory bowel disease – may cause a person to fart more than average.

Some people just need to go more often than others as a result of their diet or gut makeup.

Sas says: “Some people may experience more pronounced gas and odour due to their gut microbiome.

“Gradually increasing your intake of fibre-rich foods can help your gut adjust over time, as can taking a probiotic to support the gut microbiome.”

According to the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG), people fart on average 15 times a day – but it’s normal to go up to 40 times a day.

6. Food faux pas

If you haven’t got any other stomach problems, such as bloating, pain, constipation or diarrhoea, consider the food you eat instead.

Eggs, fibre-filled greens like Brussels sprouts, steak, pulses like lentils and chickpeas and dairy can all be either a little harder on the bowels or contain sulphur compounds which smell bad when broken down.

“For individuals sensitive to sulphur-containing compounds or specific proteins in eggs, consumption can lead to increased gas production and a distinct rotten egg odour,” explains Sas. 

Sas says that cooking vegetables well can help break down the fibre in it.

And they can help with the digestion of red meats, too.