Everybody farts. Every day. And it’s totally normal.

Still, blasting out benchwarmers isn’t something you wanna do around a crowd — or maybe around anyone.

So, why do we fart? How do you keep a case of the windies in check? And when does gas indicate a bigger problem? Let’s dive in.

Basically, breezers are your body’s way of releasing pent-up gut gas.

Every one of us swallows extra air when we eat, talk, or chew. Then, according to a 2006 research review, more gas is released when bacteria in your large intestine break down food — especially fiber and certain sugars. All this gas gets released in farts.

As for why they reek? Well, gases released from digesting foods just smell bad. Beans, cruciferous veggies, dairy, garlic, onions, asparagus, and prunes have an especially strong stench.

This is all par for the course, BTW. Without farts, you’d have serious cramping, bloating, or burping probs. The gas has gotta go somewhere.

Fun fact: Most folks fart anywhere from 5 to 15 times a day. So, even if it feels like you’re cutting a whole lot of cheese, there’s a good chance that’s OK.

Got a case of endless bottom burps? There are a few possible reasons why.

1. Airhead alert

Maybe you’re gulping too much air? Some common causes:

  • chewing gum
  • sucking on candies
  • drinking fizzy drinks
  • eating too fast
  • smoking

Even talking really fast — something you might do when you’re anxious or excited — could cause issues.

2. Yesterday’s lunch, aka your diet

High fiber foods are known to cause wind whistlers, but they’re not the only culprit.

If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food sensitivity, or a not-so-healthy gut, certain foods might give you a nasty case of air biscuits:

If you feel like a human whoopee cushion after eating wheat or dairy, talk to your doc about getting tested for gluten or lactose intolerance.

3. Other health probs

Excessive gas could be traced to underlying issues like constipation, an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut, IBS, and Crohn’s disease.

Farts feelin’ truly out of control? Are they paired with other unpleasant GI symptoms (more on those later)? Definitely mention these issues to your doctor.

Freedom from farts isn’t realistic (or healthy). But if you feel like your backdrafts are getting slap-happy, there are ways to rein them in.

  • Slow down when you eat. One study showed that you’ll take in less air *and* feel more satisfied with potentially fewer calories.
  • Ditch the candy, gum, cigs, or vapes. They all make you suck in loads of extra air, and what goes in must come out. 💨
  • Move your body. Gentle exercises and stretches can boost digestion — plus, staying active could help keep gas from building up for too long.
  • Nix the foods that make you gassy. Cheese always makes you rumbly? Cut back or cut it out altogether. If you don’t want to give up your favorite foods, try a digestive aid like lactase (for milk) or Beano (for beans and veg).
  • Cut out fizzy drinks. All those bubbles = extra air.
  • Drink H2O. Staying hydrated staves off constipation, a common cause of cheesers.
  • Consider probiotics. A 2010 research review showed that good bacteria might help your body break down food more efficiently, which could cut down on gas. These bacteria are considered safe and well-tolerated. On the other hand, probiotics sometimes cause bloating and flatulence. So, proceed with caution.
  • Sip peppermint tea. A 2006 research review showed that peppermint contains menthol, which can ease gas-causing gut spasms and other GI symptoms like bloating and cramping.

Back in 2015, there was a rumor that a single fart could burn up to 67 calories. 😱 At 5 to 15 farts a day, that would *definitely* lead to weight loss.

But there’s not even a tiny shred of evidence that letting one (or many) rip will torch fat or pounds.

Contact your doc if your farts occur alongside other worrisome GI symptoms like:

  • frequent constipation or diarrhea
  • significant bloating or belly pain
  • bloody poop
  • sudden, unexplained weight loss
  • frequent vomiting

All of these could be signs that you’ve got a more serious digestive problem that needs to be addressed ASAP.

And if your gas attacks are just keeping you from enjoying life? There’s help for that too. Your doc can pinpoint strategies — like dietary tweaks — for keeping your personal stink bombs in check.

It’s normal to fart many times every day. But there are plenty of lifestyle changes that could help if the noxious fumes are getting out of control.

If you’re experiencing other GI woes on top of excessive flatulence, talk to your doc to get the problem sorted out.