Let’s talk about something we all do — but rarely discuss: passing gas.
Flatulence, or farting, is a completely normal and necessary bodily function.
On average, a person passes gas 10 to 20 times a day — and that’s perfectly healthy.
But what happens when you’re in a meeting, on a crowded bus, or lying in bed next to someone sleeping — and you feel that familiar pressure building?
You clench. You shift. You hold it in.
But where does the gas go?
And could holding in a fart actually harm your body?
Let’s take a deep (and slightly humorous) dive into the science of what really happens when you suppress a fart — and whether it’s as harmless as you think.
Why Do We Pass Gas? The Role of Intestinal Gas
Gas in the digestive tract comes from two main sources:
- Swallowed air – When you eat, drink, chew gum, or talk while eating
- Bacterial fermentation – Gut bacteria break down undigested food (especially fiber and complex carbs), producing gas as a byproduct
This gas builds up in your intestines and needs to go somewhere.
The body’s natural solution? Release it through the anus — aka, farting.
✅ Key gases in flatulence:
- Nitrogen
- Oxygen
- Carbon dioxide
- Hydrogen
- Methane
- Hydrogen sulfide (the one that smells like rotten eggs)
Passing gas helps:
- Relieve intestinal pressure
- Reduce bloating and discomfort
- Maintain healthy digestion and motility
In short: Farting is healthy. Holding it in? Not so much.
What Happens When You Hold in a Fart?
When you consciously tighten your anal sphincter to hold in gas, you’re not making the gas disappear — you’re just delaying the inevitable.
Here’s what your body does instead:
1. Gas Builds Up — Causing Bloating & Discomfort
The trapped gas stays in your intestines, increasing pressure on the intestinal walls.
You may feel:
- A full, bloated sensation
- Mild cramping or pain in the lower abdomen
- Restlessness or a “gassy” feeling
This is your body’s way of saying: “Let me breathe!”
2. Some Gas Gets Reabsorbed into the Bloodstream
A small portion of the gas (especially odorless gases like nitrogen and hydrogen) can pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream.
From there, it travels to the lungs and is exhaled — which means you literally breathe out your farts (though without the smell).
This is why you might feel slightly gassy even after “releasing” gas via burps or breath.
3. Gas May Travel Upward — Leading to Burps or Heartburn
Instead of moving down, some gas can reverse course and travel up the digestive tract.
This can cause:
- Burping
- Acid reflux
- Esophageal discomfort
Ever held in a fart and suddenly started burping? This is why.
4. Risk of Colonic Distension (In Severe Cases)
If you habitually hold in gas over long periods, the constant pressure can lead to colonic distension — an abnormal widening of the large intestine.
Symptoms include:
- Severe bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Impaired bowel function
While rare, this condition is more common in people with chronic constipation or intestinal motility disorders.
Is Holding in Farts Dangerous?
Short-term holding?
👉 Not harmful.
Everyone does it occasionally — and your body can handle it.
Long-term or habitual suppression?
👉 Potentially problematic.
Regularly ignoring your body’s signals can lead to:
- Chronic bloating
- Slowed digestion
- Increased risk of constipation
- Worsened irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms
- Pelvic floor dysfunction (from constant clenching)
While you won’t “explode” from holding in a fart (despite the myth), listening to your body is key to digestive health.
Tips to Reduce Gas and Bloating
You don’t have to live with constant gas — but you also don’t have to suffer in silence.
Try these science-backed strategies:
✅ Eat slowly and chew thoroughly
This reduces the amount of air you swallow.
✅ Avoid gas-producing foods (if sensitive)
- Beans, lentils
- Cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower)
- Onions, garlic, and artificial sweeteners (sorbitol, xylitol)
✅ Stay hydrated
Water helps move food and gas through the digestive tract.
✅ Exercise regularly
Walking, yoga, or light movement encourages gas to move and be released naturally.
✅ Skip carbonated drinks and chewing gum
They introduce extra air into your system.
✅ Consider probiotics
Balanced gut bacteria can reduce excessive gas production.
When to Let It Out — And How to Do It Gracefully
Yes, there are times when letting one rip isn’t socially ideal.
But your health matters — and so does comfort.
Smart strategies:
- Excuse yourself to the bathroom when possible
- Release gas quietly while walking or shifting positions
- Use a cushion or seat cover to muffle sound (yes, they exist!)
- Remember: Everyone farts. You’re not alone.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Hold It In — Your Gut Will Thank You
Passing gas isn’t rude.
It’s biology.
Holding in a fart might save face in the moment — but it can lead to discomfort, bloating, and long-term digestive issues.
So next time you feel that familiar pressure…
Take a breath.
Excuse yourself if needed.
And let it go.
Because sometimes, the healthiest thing you can do is just let it rip.
Your body’s natural reflex. Your gut’s way of saying, “Thank you.”
