Holding in a fart can cause discomfort, bloating, and nausea, as gas naturally builds up during digestion. While the body has mechanisms to manage this gas, it eventually needs to be released. Consistently holding in gas can stress the bowels, leading to the formation of diverticula—small pockets in the colon that can become harmful if infected. Suppressing flatulence regularly can harm digestive health, similar to the risks of holding in bowel movements. It’s important to allow your body to release gas naturally to maintain gut health.
Imagine being on a first date or in a crucial meeting when the urge to pass gas hits. It’s a common situation many of us face, as the average person produces about 0.5 to 1.5 liters (0.1 to 0.4 gallons) of gas daily. While most of this gas is odorless, social norms often compel us to hold it in, leading to discomfort. But what exactly happens when we suppress this natural bodily function?
Flatulence is a normal byproduct of digestion. As food moves through the digestive tract, it’s broken down both mechanically and chemically—from the moment it’s chewed in the mouth to its journey through the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. In the intestines, beneficial bacteria help break down food, producing gases like hydrogen, methane, and even hydrogen sulfide (which is responsible for the infamous rotten-egg smell). Some gases, like oxygen and carbon dioxide, are also introduced into the digestive system when we swallow food.
When gas builds up in the digestive system, the body’s natural response is to release it through flatulence. This process culminates at the anal sphincter, which acts as the “control center” for releasing gas. The external anal sphincter is the only part of the digestive process we can consciously control, allowing us to decide whether to release the gas or hold it in.
If you choose to hold in a fart, the gas is trapped and recedes back into the colon. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like bloating and nausea as the gas continues to build up. However, the body is still trying to push the gas out, meaning that farts you hold in during the day are likely to be released later, often during bathroom breaks or even while you sleep when your body is more relaxed.
Dr. Ellen Stein, a gastroenterologist at RWJ Barnabas Health in New Jersey and spokesperson for the American Gastroenterological Association, explains that while the body has mechanisms to handle gas buildup, it ultimately needs to be released. Chronically holding in gas can lead to more serious health issues. Over time, the stress of consistent bloating can cause small pockets, known as diverticula, to form in the colon. These pockets can become inflamed or infected, leading to a condition called diverticulitis, which can be painful and may require medical treatment.
Dr. Stein emphasizes that, much like the dangers of consistently holding in bowel movements, consistently suppressing flatulence can harm your digestive health. While it might be socially awkward to pass gas in public, finding an appropriate time and place to release it is crucial for maintaining overall gut health.
In summary, while it’s natural to want to avoid passing gas in certain situations, consistently holding in farts can lead to discomfort and potential health risks. It’s important to listen to your body and allow it to release gas naturally to avoid complications down the line.
