Ask a doctor - Scientifically speaking, what causes flatulence?

Q. Scientifically speaking, what causes flatulence?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Seconmedic Expert

Flatulence, or “passing gas” as it is usually referred to in everyday language, is most commonly caused by the breakdown of certain foods or liquids by bacteria present in our intestines. This process involves fermentation, which releases gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and hydrogen sulfide into the digestive system. These gases can then become trapped in pockets of air inside your intestines and eventually escape via flatulence.

High fiber diets are known for causing an increase of flatulence due to their fermentable compounds that result in more gas being produced within the body. Generally speaking, carbohydrates like legumes (beans), wheat bran and potatoes are notorious for causing a lot of flatus when digested compared to other foods like fats or proteins because they take longer to digest meaning that more gasses are produced over time.

However diet isn’t always the only culprit behind flatulence – there can be many different reasons why we produce it including malabsorption disorders (people with these cannot properly absorb nutrients from food resulting in excessive gas production); swallowing too much air during meals; poor digestion; medications like FiberCon or some antibiotics; lactose intolerance; constipation; and bacterial overgrowth within certain areas of the digestive tract.

No matter what causes your particular case of flatulence, there are some preventative measures you can take: exercise regularly; try avoiding foods that cause you indigestion and/or bloating such as beans, onions or dairy products if you have lactose intolerance; quit smoking if applicable since this also increases intestinal motility pressure which aids further digestion talks among other benefits); drink herbal teas made from ginger root powder or chamomile -which naturally act as carminatives- before bedtime so your stomach can be relaxed overnight; avoiding drinking carbonated beverages like soda since this could add up to additional air intake throughout your day etc… In conclusion scientific studies have proven that all humans pass gas no matter who we are! It may seem embarrassing but it is completely natural so don’t worry about it too much!