As the festive season comes, the temptation to indulge in rich foods like mince pies, turkey crowns, and flaming Christmas puddings may be overwhelming, especially for those with sensitive stomachs or acute intolerances.
However, you'll be delighted to know that you are able to determine your health status by smelling your toots.
According to Dr. Philip Mayhead, a consultant gastroenterologist at Benenden Hospital, there are five typical types of farts.
The Sun reports that the first type of fart to be cautious of is one with a foul-smelling smell.
Rotten egg-smelling gas is frequently the result of sulfur-containing chemicals being formed during digestion.
"Sometimes 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 also mentioned that typical Christmas dinner veggies including Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage are all high in sulfur.
The second type of flatulence is the odorless kind.
This type of wind, often formed by a combination of nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide, is considered the most common type of fart.
Odorless toots may indicate air swallowing during eating or drinking, according to an expert.
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.”
Bloating-related farts may be caused by excessive consumption of gas-producing foods or indicate IBS.
Dr. Mayhead suggests that the third type of fart may indicate lactose intolerantness, where the body struggles to break down dairy enzymes.
"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 said.
The fourth type mentioned by Dr. Mayhead is known as ‘hot farts’.
You'll recognize this type of fart if you used to feel a little bit spicy when farting.
When asked about the unpleasant sensation, the doctor emphasized, "This type of gas occurs as a result of eating foods that are high in capsaicin, such as chilies or spices."
A balanced and varied diet is linked to good gut health, resulting in 'normal farts' for those who consume it.
“In small quantities, this type of gas is perfectly normal and is just a natural byproduct of digestion,” the gastroenterologist said.
Dr. Mayhead claimed that farting was a natural occurrence but advised seeking medical advice if any abnormalities were observed.
