Why Do I Fart So Much?
If You've Googled "Why Do I Fart So Much?," This Post Is For You
I've never shared this with anyone, but I might as well go for the bang and tell the entire Internet. I once had an extremely embarrassing, mentally scarring issue with gas. I was basically farting all day long.
I was constantly bloated, flip-flopped between constipation and diarrhea, and the smell of my farts made me think that something was dead inside of me trying to come out. It went on for about a year until, through my own trial and error (doctors were zero help!), I found what was making me have so much gas and digestive issues, and was able to put an end to it.
If this sounds painfully familiar, here are some reasons you may be constantly farting.
You're Eating These Trigger Foods
High-fiber foods like beans, cabbage, broccoli, apples, and pears, as well as onions, garlic, fried foods, and processed foods, are known to cause gas. But gluten, dairy products, and in my case, sugar, could also be the culprit. The only way to know for sure is to eliminate these foods from your diet one at a time. Take notes in a food diary, and hopefully one will jump out at you as being the gaseous villain.
You're Not Regular
If you're not pooping regularly, which usually means every day, being blocked up can cause bloating and gas. Eating fiber-rich foods could be the answer, although as mentioned above, those foods could also cause flatulence, so aim for 25 grams a day. If you're not used to eating fiber, slowly introduce it into your diet.
Eat one big salad as a meal each day to get in your veggies, add avocado or flaxmeal to your breakfast smoothie, and snack on fresh fruit and veggies instead of crackers. Exercising every day can also prevent constipation, so make that a part of your daily routine; even going for a quick walk can help get things moving.
You're Drinking the Wrong Beverages — and Not Enough Water
Sugary juices, diet drinks, bubbly beverages, and alcohol should be cut out if you're experiencing gas — trade them all for water. Your issues could magically disappear by making this one lifestyle change! You don't have to go overboard and drink a gallon of water a day, but aim for 60 to 80 ounces at least. I found this helped with digestion tremendously, and I was even able to eat foods like chocolate or French fries that would otherwise cause me issues. Keep a reusable water bottle with you at all times. Add fruit slices to it to make it more exciting.
Your Gut Flora Is Out of Whack
Your lower intestinal tract is home to microbes that help you digest food, fight harmful bacteria, and regulate your immune system. If you have an imbalance, you may suffer from diarrhea, stomach pains, and gas. You don't want to eliminate all the bacterium in your gut. You want to limit the bad guys and encouraging the good guys to grow, and an easy way to do that is by taking a daily probiotic.
You're Overeating
Maybe it's not the types of foods or drinks you're consuming, but the amounts! If you're consistently overeating at meals, or eating all day long, your digestive system is working overtime, so no wonder it's giving you issues. Try eating until you're satisfied, not stuffed, and waiting a few hours between meals and snacks so your body has time to digest. Practicing intermittent fasting is also a great tool in your belt — that coupled with limiting my sugar intake was the key to beating my bloat for good.
You're Really Stressed Out
Your mental health absolutely plays a role in your physical health. If you're nervous about something, upset, worried, or unhappy, it can lead to digestive issues. Practice self-care, and spend time every day doing what makes you feel energized, refreshed, inspired, and happy. Maybe that means practicing yoga in your underwear every morning. Maybe that means seeing a therapist twice a week. Maybe that means talking to your boss about the stress levels of your job. Find ways to bring ease and happiness into your life and it'll make you feel better physically, too.
There's a Deeper Medical Issue
If you've tried all these things, there may be a deeper issue that needs medical attention. Getting evaluated for food allergies, celiac disease, lactose intolerance, IBS, or other conditions could give you the information you need to make lifestyle changes to improve your digestion.