Stay curious!

Let’s be honest: farts are awkward. We avoid talking about them with our friends, our partners—and definitely our doctors. But here’s the deal: farting is totally normal. In fact, it’s a sign that your digestion is working exactly as it should. So if you’ve ever wondered why we fart, what makes them smell, and how many farts are too many—you’re in the right place. Let’s break the taboo and talk about gas. Because science says: farts are stinking normal.

Why do we fart?

Farts are often treated like something shameful, but they’re actually a natural byproduct of a very healthy body process: digestion. Everyone farts—yes, even your crush, your yoga teacher, and your grandma. So where do these gases come from?

1. The oesophagus (your food pipe)

As soon as we start eating, we swallow air—especially if we eat fast or talk while chewing. That air (oxygen and nitrogen) travels down into our digestive system. Gulping = more air = more potential farts.

2. The small intestine

When food leaves the stomach, it’s mixed with gastric acid. In the small intestine, this acid gets neutralised, and fats are broken down. These reactions release carbon dioxide (CO₂).

3. The large intestine

This is where most of the magic happens. Bacteria in your colon help break down leftover food particles—especially carbohydrates and proteins your body couldn’t digest. During this process, they release carbon dioxide, hydrogen (H₂), and methane (CH₄).

In total, your body produces up to 2.5 litres of gas a day! But don’t worry—you don’t actually fart all of that out. Most of the gas travels through your blood to your lungs and is exhaled (yep, you’re technically breathing out some of your farts).

Only about half a litre of gas makes its way to your butt, where it exits as a fart. And yes, that classic sound is just gas pushing through your bum cheeks. Oops.

What makes farts smell?

Most of the gases in a fart are actually odorless—like oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, CO₂, and methane. The stink only happens when your gut bacteria break down foods that are rich in sulphur. This creates hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), a gas that smells like rotten eggs.

Foods high in sulphur include:

• Meat
  
• Eggs
  
• Milk and dairy
  
• Beans
  
• Cabbage (like Brussels sprouts and kale)
  
• Onions
  

Want to geek out even more? Check out Compound Interest’s amazing infographic on the chemistry of body odours.

Image by Compounds Interest via chemie.de

Yes, scientists really studied this

Fun fact: the science of farting isn’t just theory—it’s been tested. In one study, participants ate beans (classic fart fuel), and their gas was collected and analysed using gas chromatography. But here’s the wild part: researchers didn’t stop there. They asked volunteers to smell the farts and rate them on a scale from 0 (odorless) to 8 (extremely stinky). All in the name of science!

How many farts are normal?

Some people fart only a few times a day, others let loose more often. On average, humans fart 5 to 15 times a day. 

What is flatulence?

When you pass wind more frequently than usual, it’s called flatulence. This often happens when you eat foods rich in dietary fibre, like:

• Legumes (beans, lentils)
  
• Wholemeal bread
  
• Vegetables like cabbage and onions
  
• Nuts
  

Flatulence is usually nothing to worry about. In fact, it’s super common when switching to a healthier, plant-rich diet. Your body simply needs time to adjust to the extra fibre.

Tip: If you’ve recently gone vegetarian or vegan and notice you’re farting more, try increasing fibre gradually.

What helps against excessive farting?

If your farts are getting a little too frequent, try these tips:

Adjust your eating habits

• Eat slowly and chew well
  
• Avoid talking too much while eating
  
• Eat smaller meals throughout the day
  

Move your body

Exercise and daily walks help keep your digestion moving. Even a simple stroll after meals can support healthy gut function.

Manage fibre-rich foods

If you’re sensitive to certain foods like beans, cabbage, or onions:

• Eat smaller portions, but regularly
  
• Soak and cook pulses well
  
• Avoid dairy if you’re lactose intolerant
  

Try digestive teas

Fennel, caraway, aniseed, and peppermint teas can all help soothe bloating and gas.

Relax 

Stress and anxiety can also affect digestion. Try mindfulness, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation to calm your gut.

Final thoughts: Let’s normalise farts

Farts aren’t gross. They’re not weird. They’re a completely normal and healthy part of being human. Talking about them should be no more embarrassing than talking about a headache or a sore toe. So next time someone says, “Did you just fart?”—you can smile and proudly say, “Yes, and that means my gut is working just fine.”

References

• NHS Inform – Flatulence
  
• NHS UK – Flatulence
  
• Suarez FL et al. (1998). Gut
  
• Leung, Po Sing. (2014). The Gastrointestinal System
  
• Suarez & Levitt. (2000). Current Gastroenterology Reports