An expert has revealed that passing wind can actually help to pinpoint problems with your overall health.
As the festive season approaches, the urge to over-indulge in mince pies, turkey crowns and flaming Christmas puddings may be all too great.
However, if you have a sensitive stomach or acute intolerances, chowing down on an abundance of rich food comes with an increased chance of your gut playing up.
So, if you do find yourself with a funny tummy this Yuletide, then you’ll be pleased to know you can very easily determine what’s going on in there.
How? By smelling your toots, of course.
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Dr Philip Mayhead, a consultant gastroenterologist at Benenden Hospital, claims that there are five common types of farts.
As reported by The Sun, the first type of farts to watch out for are the foul-smelling one.
According to the practitioner, a gas that has an aroma of rotten eggs is usually the result of ‘sulphur-containing compounds’ being produced during digestion.
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"Sometimes, when your farts are really foul-smelling, it is the result of intestinal bacterial colonies producing gases like carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane,” he explained.
Dr Mayhead has also pointed out that popular Christmas dinner vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage are all classed as high-sulphur foods.
On the flip side, the second type of flatulence is the odourless kind.
This type of wind is often created due to a cocktail of nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide. They are also classed as the ‘most common’ type of fart.
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As per the expert, odourless toots can actually be a sign that you are swallowing air while you are eating or drinking.
Elsewhere, the expert warned: “If you experience frequent, excessive flatulence, it can feel like you need to open your bowels more frequently or have the urgency to go to the toilet.”
These bloating-related farts can be caused by eating hoards of gas-producing foods, but could also be a sign that you are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
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Dr Mayhead also claims that this third type of fart could also hint that you are lactose intolerant - meaning your body is unable to break down enzymes in dairy.
"For individuals with lactose intolerance, the festive season may bring an additional challenge, as indulging in treats like chocolate can lead to uncomfortable symptoms. Just be mindful,” he explained.
If you’re breaking wind that feels a little bit spicy, then you could be suffering from something known as ‘hot farts’.
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Discussing the uncomfortable feeling, the doc said: “This type of gas occurs as a result of eating foods that are high in capsaicin, such as chillies or spices.”
Those who eat a balanced and varied diet are more likely to have good gut health, and therefore will experience ‘normal farts’.
“In small quantities, this type of gas is perfectly normal and is just a natural byproduct of digestion,” the gastroenterologist said.
He also added that having a ‘lack of variety’ in your diet can lead to ‘low bacterial diversity’ and thus cause excessive flatulence.
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Dr Mayhead concluded that ‘farting was as natural as breathing’, but said that you should consult a medical professional if something seems off.
Topics: Health, Christmas, Food and Drink
Ella Scott