The smell of farts can reveal a lot about a person’s health
We rarely discuss this topic openly, but the way a person’s intestines work can tell a lot about the state of the body. A large-scale project studying intestinal gases was recently launched, during which researchers discovered that all people can be divided into three types based on their digestion level. It turned out that the frequency and even the smell of gas are precise indicators of how our microbiome handles our everyday diet.
How Many Times a Day Does a Person Fart
To understand digestive norms, American researchers launched the Human Flatus Atlas project. They created special smart underwear that tracks hydrogen emissions from bacteria in real time. This allows doctors not to rely on patients’ self-reports but to obtain objective data about how the gut microbiome functions. It turned out that a healthy person can pass gas an average of about 32 times per day, but these numbers vary greatly depending on the individual.
Why People Fart
Every time we eat, we feed not only ourselves but also trillions of bacteria living in the large intestine. The gut microbiome can be compared to a compost pit on a high-tech farm. When undigested food remnants, especially complex carbohydrates and fiber, reach this section, bacteria begin to process them.
During this processing, bacteria release byproducts in the form of hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide. If the microorganisms like the food, they work more actively, and the volume of gas produced increases. This is why a sudden change in diet or the addition of unfamiliar foods forces the intestines to work in overdrive until the bacterial composition adjusts to the new menu.
Three Types of People by Gas Production Level
Based on the collected data, the study authors identified three main categories of people:
- “Normal people” — those who consider their intestinal function average. Scientists note that most people don’t actually know their norm, and the goal of the project is to determine what exactly should be considered standard;
- “Hydrogen hyperproducers” — people with a very active microbiome who pass gas up to 50 times per day;
- “Zen digesters” — a unique group of people. Despite a fiber-rich diet, their digestive system works so calmly that they produce almost no excess gas.
What the Smell of Intestinal Gas Reveals
In addition to frequency, specialists urge people to pay attention to the nature of the gases released. The way this happens directly indicates the food breakdown processes in the intestines. Here are five main signals our body sends:
- Loud but odorless. These most often occur due to swallowing excess air. This happens if you eat too quickly, talk during meals, or drink a lot of carbonated beverages;
- Rotten egg smell. This is the result of sulfur compound production in the intestines. It usually happens after consuming white meat, onions, garlic, or cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage;
- Sweet smell. This may indicate the presence of dimethyl sulfide. It is often associated with an abundance of sugar and yeast in the diet, as well as specific foods like asparagus and certain cheeses;
- Silent but pungent. The familiar “silent” gases may mean that the body has difficulty breaking down certain proteins. This is often a sign of food intolerance, such as a reaction to lactose or gluten;
- Burning sensation. If gas causes a burning feeling, it may be related to the passage of stomach acid or digestive enzymes. This is usually a reaction to spicy food, an upset stomach, or a sharp increase in the amount of fiber in the diet.
Foods high in sulfur, such as garlic and cabbage, directly affect the smell of intestinal gas
Monitoring your digestion means noticing the signals your microbiome sends in time. Understanding how the body reacts to lactose, gluten, or excess protein helps adjust your diet before mild discomfort turns into chronic gastrointestinal problems. Next time you notice changes in your intestinal function, pay attention — for the sake of science and your own health.
