If you’re reading this, you’ve likely held in a fart at some point. While it’s common to have released our fair share over the years, there are definitely moments when it feels more appropriate to hold it in. However, experts warn that this may not be the best choice.
Dr. Ellen Stein explained to Live Science that no matter how hard you try to suppress it, “that gas has to pass eventually,” meaning it will come out one way or another.
Gas is a natural by-product of the digestive process, forming as our bodies break down food. The amount of gas produced can vary depending on what and how much we eat.
How to Hold Back the Clouds
It’s well-known that certain foods, like baked beans and sprouts, are major contributors to gas production, and farting is a natural way to release this gas.
However, it can sometimes be loud and unpleasant, making it inappropriate in certain situations. You might successfully execute a ‘silent but deadly’ release while keeping an innocent demeanor, but in more solemn settings, such as a funeral, it’s best to hold it in.
Dr. Stein pointed out that the only part of the process we can consciously control is the “external anal sphincter,” which we can tighten to prevent gas from being released.
A Pungent Snooze
While you can consciously hold in gas for a while, Dr. Stein notes that eventually, your body will find a way to release it. Most of the gas you resist during the day will be expelled when you’re either on the toilet or sleeping. Although you won’t be awake to witness or smell it, it’s still happening.
Toxic Blockage
When you hold in gas, it retreats back into the colon, waiting for another opportunity to be released, potentially even during your sleep. Prolonged efforts to suppress gas can lead to health issues. Dr. Stein warns that consistently denying your body the release of gas can damage your bowels over time. Frequent bloating may lead to the formation of small pouches called ‘diverticula,’ which can become infected. This condition can cause abdominal pain and complicate other colon-related functions, making bathroom visits more difficult.
Better Out Than In
Dr. Stein emphasizes that holding in gas can be harmful, and this is a warning that should not be ignored. While politeness matters, it’s also crucial to consider your own well-being and that of others by allowing the release of excess gas, which can help reduce the risk of complications like diverticulitis.