Everyone farts – it’s just part of human nature. Whether you’ve had too much fiber or eaten ice cream when you’re lactose intolerant, passing wind is just part of life. However, there is such a thing is normal, natural tooting and having a serious problem with flatulence. So how many times a day should you actually fart? Thankfully, a doctor was able to shed some light on the topic.
- Some foods make you gassier than others. You don’t need to be told, I’m sure, that certain foods, particularly those with lots of fiber in them, can cause you to fart more than others. For example, beans are one of the major culprits along with lentils and certain vegetables including Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage. However, depending on your body’s personal preferences, you may experience those symptoms more with lactose-containing foods or those with high levels of fructose.
- Starting to eat healthy really ramps things up. You probably feel pretty proud of yourself when you decide to cut out eating all the uber-processed crap and stick with “healthy” food, but that could be wreaking major havoc on your gut… at least for a while. “Flatulence is very common in my patients who kickstart a healthy lifestyle, and there are a multitude of factors that come into play that causes it,” Dr. Zac Turner revealed in an article for News.com.au.
- So how many times should you fart a day? While there’s no one right answer and it’s unlikely that you’re farting too often for it to be a serious concern or anything, there is a general average. “It’s perfectly normal to fart and the average person farts up to 10-18 times a day and could fill a party balloon with the gas,” he revealed. Good to know!
- Is there a way you can fart less? While many people don’t mind their own brand, so to speak (don’t lie!), you may not want to be passing wind too often. Maybe you’re dating someone new and it’s embarrassing or you work long hours with lots of colleagues and can’t really be stinking the place out. Dr. Turner does have a suggestion. “My secret ingredient to stop farts (which has been around for centuries and commonly used in the vegan community) is thing,” he explained. “It’s a spice found commonly in Indian cuisine that has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-flatulent properties. You can find it in health food stores and online. Adding a teaspoon to your healthy meals high in complex carbohydrates should limit the unsavory gas you’ve been expelling.”
