Why Do I Always Pass Gas When Eating?

Passing gas is a very normal physiological phenomenon, and everyone has the need to do so, which is unavoidable. Some people pass gas silently, while others may do it with loud noises. Overall, passing gas is an unavoidable phenomenon. However, if one passes a loud fart in public, it can be embarrassing. Some people find that they pass gas whenever they eat. So, what is the reason for passing gas after eating? It is not necessarily caused by illness.

1. Consuming gas-producing foods: The bacteria present in the intestines prefer foods with high sugar content, such as white potatoes, regular potatoes, yams, and taro, which belong to the root and stem category of vegetables. Although they may not taste sweet, they contain a considerable amount of sugar, and the bacteria love them. Gas is produced during intestinal peristalsis.

2. Lactose intolerance: Some people are born with lactose intolerance. Whenever they consume dairy products, their bodies spend a significant amount of lactic acid enzymes to digest them. During the digestion process, more air is produced, and at this time, farting is used to expel the gas generated by digestion.

3. Inhaling too much air during eating: It is often advised to avoid eating against the wind to prevent swallowing air. Eating slowly, not reading or watching TV while eating, and sipping soup instead of gulping it down can help avoid swallowing too much air.

4. Constipation: When food is accumulated in the intestines for a long time, the intestines lose their activity, which not only leads to frequent farting but can also cause irritation and anxiety. Therefore, individuals with severe constipation should consult a doctor for timely treatment.

Under normal circumstances, adults pass gas between 5 and 20 times a day, but sometimes they may not even be aware of it. However, if someone constantly passes gas continuously, it is considered an excessive and pathological phenomenon that requires targeted treatment.

The reason why some people's farts smell foul while others' do not have a strong odor is mainly related to the types of food consumed. The unpleasant odor of farts mainly comes from compounds like indole, skatole, and hydrogen sulfide produced by the intestines. Eating too much protein- and sulfur-rich foods, such as red meat (pork, beef, lamb, etc.), can produce sulfides in the body, resulting in foul-smelling farts.