We’ve all been there — in a quiet room, on a date, or in a meeting — and suddenly, you feel the pressure of a fart coming on. Instead of letting it out, you decide to hold it in, hoping it will just go away. But what exactly happens when you store that fart instead of letting it out, and is it really a good idea?
What Does It Mean to “Store” a Fart?
A fart (also called gas or flatulence) is your body’s way of getting rid of air trapped in your digestive system. When food breaks down in your stomach and intestines, gases like nitrogen, oxygen, methane, and carbon dioxide are produced. This gas needs to leave your body, and the easiest way is through the rectum — by farting.
When you feel the urge to fart but hold it in, you’re keeping this gas trapped in your intestines. In simple terms, you’re “storing” the fart.
What Happens When You Hold in a Fart?
- The Gas Builds Up: When you stop a fart from escaping, the gas doesn’t disappear. It builds up, causing discomfort, bloating, and sometimes even mild pain in your abdomen.
- It Can Travel Back: If you hold in a fart for too long, the gas can be reabsorbed into your bloodstream and eventually escape through your breath. Yes, that means holding in a fart could cause the gas to be released when you exhale!
- More Pressure and Pain: The longer you keep the gas trapped, the more pressure it creates. This can lead to cramps, bloating, and an overall feeling of unease.
- It Can Affect Your Digestion: Trapped gas can make it harder for food to move through your digestive system, slowing down digestion and potentially causing constipation.
Disadvantages of Not Letting a Fart Out
- Bloating: Keeping the gas inside makes you feel bloated. Your belly may feel tight, and your pants may even feel a bit snug!
- Discomfort and Cramps: As gas accumulates, it stretches your intestines, which can cause stomach cramps and discomfort.
- Embarrassing Noises: The more gas you store, the harder it tries to escape. This could result in embarrassing noises, like a loud stomach gurgle, which can be just as awkward as a fart itself.
- Bad Breath: Remember how gas can be reabsorbed and come out through your breath? This can lead to unpleasant-smelling breath.
- Potential Health Risks: While holding in a fart occasionally isn’t harmful, repeatedly doing so can cause more serious issues, like weakening the muscles that help you control gas and bowel movements. In rare cases, it may contribute to conditions like diverticulitis, where small pockets form in the intestines.
Why Farting is Natural and Healthy
Farting is a normal part of life. On average, people fart about 10-20 times a day. It’s your body’s way of getting rid of extra gas and keeping your digestive system healthy. Letting out a fart reduces pressure, relieves discomfort, and helps you feel better.
How to Manage Farting in Public
If you’re worried about farting around others, here are a few tips:
- Find a Private Spot: Step into a bathroom, an empty room, or a place with fewer people if you need to pass gas.
- Change Positions: Sometimes standing up or walking around helps release gas more quietly.
- Diet Awareness: Some foods like beans, carbonated drinks, and dairy can cause more gas. If this is a frequent issue, you might want to adjust your diet.
Conclusion
Holding in a fart may seem like the polite thing to do, but it can lead to discomfort, bloating, and even bad breath. Farting is a natural and healthy way for your body to release gas. So, whenever possible, let it out — your body will thank you!