Health Benefits of Passing Gas & When To Be Concerned

It may be embarrassing to admit, but we've all experienced it. Passing gas, whether it's belching or flatulence, is an extremely common bodily function, yet its health benefits are rarely discussed.

In fact, normal amounts of gas could signal a healthy and balanced diet while too much may be a symptom of intestinal conditions you should discuss with your doctor.

What is "Gas" And Why Does It Happen?

The buildup of gas can happen in the stomach or intestines, leaving either through the mouth (a burp) or through the anus (flatulence).

Usually, this buildup happens during or after a meal when your body is breaking down and processing food. When gas builds up, you'll likely feel bloating, which can manifest as discomfort in your abdomen. Fortunately, once the gas is released, that bloated feeling typically subsides. You wonder why flatulence often smells bad. It's because when you pass gas through your anus, the gas contains sulfur.

Depending on the individual, there are many different causes of gas, but a few habits and diet decisions are the most common according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases:

• Swallowing Air: When you eat, chew gum or drink carbonated beverages, gas can travel into your stomach and even pass down into your intestines.
• Foods You Eat: Your stomach and small intestine don't always completely break down the foods you eat, often passing fibrous, sugary and starchy foods on to the large intestine. These can include things like asparagus, bread, beans and fruits. When the bacteria in your large intestine breaks these foods down, the process can create gas.
• Digestive Conditions: Certain diseases or conditions can cause you to have gas, including celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome and lactose intolerance when digesting many dairy products.

What Are The Benefits of Flatulence and Burping?

We've all been there in a crowded room, standing in line or waiting on the elevator when suddenly a buildup of abdominal pressure signals that your body needs to release gas. Although you may be inclined to hold it in, there are several benefits to passing gas.

1. Relieves Bloating: Keeping extra gas in your stomach or intestines can sustain that bloated feeling and even lead to cramping.
2. Sign of A Healthy Diet: As you may have noticed, many of the foods that cause gas are actually part of a healthy diet. That means that if you have gas, it's likely a sign that you have a high-fiber diet that's also rich in complex carbohydrates.
3. Signal Food Intolerances: If you have abnormally more gas than normal, it can signal that something you ate didn't agree with your digestive system. If this happens, take note of what you ate and discuss your symptoms with your primary care provider.

When To Contact Your Doctor

While gas is a common occurrence for everyone, there are some situations when you should discuss your symptoms with your primary care provider.

Talk to your doctor if:

• Your gas symptoms are bothering you. For instance, if you feel like you are burping or passing gas more often than normal (most individuals pass gas roughly 14-20 times per day).
• Your gas symptoms change suddenly. As with any bodily function, if there are sudden changes in how your body behaves, it's best to have those changes checked by your doctor.
• There are additional symptoms like abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea along with gas symptoms.

If you experience these symptoms, there may be subtle fixes like a tweak to your diet, or it could be a sign of something more serious for which you need treatment.