You smelt it, you dealt it

Examining the intricacies of flatulence

Vuthana Suon Staff

Gas, fart, flatulence . . . . Whatever you call it, it is a normal (if annoying), everyday part of life. It makes no distinctions along the lines of class or status, and it certainly does not discriminate in choosing an appropriate moment to arrive on the scene. Let’s face it: we all pass wind.

Technically speaking, flatulence is a mixture of the gases that we breathe in (exogenous), and those formed as a result of our body’s breakdown of the food and drink we eat (endogenous). This endogenous gas is produced in the gastrointestinal tract by the work of our body’s innumerable bacteria, and is later expelled in that most embarrassing of ways.

What kinds of foods produce gas?

While it’s common knowledge that beans are a major cause of flatulence, this “magical fruit” is not the only major source of gas in individuals. Indeed, foods rich in a type of carbohydrate known as oligosaccharides, which the body has trouble digesting, are the culprits. Foods rich in oligosaccharides include vegetables like broccoli, potatoes and cabbage, with grains like rice and wheat also playing a major role in gas production.

Flatulence can also be a symptom of lactose intolerance, a condition resulting from the body’s inability to breakdown the lactose found in dairy products. The result is the formation of gas in the intestines.

Being that it’s a normal body function, there is, of course, nothing “wrong” with letting one fly as much as 20 times a day. In fact, much of this will occur in sleep, far from the ears and noses of others.

But lest we forget the tantamount issue with regards to flatulence: the smell. With a wide range of unique smells — from old socks to the classic “egger” — the odour of a fart can range from faint to pungent.

The less pleasant odours are due to gases such as hydrogen sulphide (the rotten egg smell) being expelled from the body at the same time as relatively innocuous gases like methane. So, flatulence generally does not come with much of a health risk, but it is unquestionably the embarrassment factor that adds to the social dangers of farting.

One brave, anonymous student chose to speak up about his trials and tribulations associated with flatulence:

“My gas can be pretty bad sometimes. My girlfriend always jokes about how bad my farts are, and sometimes I get a little self-conscious about it,” said the third-year science student.

What can be done to help?

First, watch what you eat. Pork and beans may be really tasty and filling initially, but your body (and significant other) will likely not be too happy later on when the full effects are felt (or smelt). If bad gas really does begin to pose more of a problem, products like Beano (which helps to break down the carbohydrates commonly associated with flatulence) and Lactaid (which aids in breaking down the lactose found in dairy) can also help.

In the end, though, don’t bother getting embarrassed about this most normal of human activities. Let it out. Embrace it. And remember: whoever smelt it, dealt it.