Is your fart smelly? This is why

Smelly vs. non-smelly gas

Smelly Farts

If you’ve noticed that your gas has a strong odour, it could point to underlying digestive issues or imbalances. According to Dr Jindal, “A particularly smelly fart may suggest problems like slow transit time, dysbiosis (an imbalance in your gut bacteria), or conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).” These conditions can disrupt the normal digestion process, leading to bacteria breaking down undigested food more slowly and producing smelly gases.

Constipation, another common digestive issue, can also contribute to odour as food sits longer in the digestive tract, providing bacteria more time to release gases. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is another condition that can produce foul-smelling gas due to the excess bacterial fermentation in the small intestine.

Non-smelly farts

Non-smelly farts are typically a result of carbohydrate or fibre intolerance, Dr Jindal explains. “Foods that contain certain sugars, like lactose in milk, fructose in fruits, or sugar alcohols in sugar-free products, can cause gas without a strong odour.” This type of gas is often a byproduct of your gut bacteria fermenting undigested carbs and fibres, which indicates that your microbiome is functioning but may have difficulty with certain foods.

You may be experiencing digestive issues, based on your fart (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Is passing too much gas a health concern?

While occasional gas is a normal part of digestion, consistently smelly or excessive gas may point to digestive issues. Dr Jindal notes, “If your gas is frequently foul-smelling, it may be due to poor digestion or an imbalanced gut microbiome, which can indicate gastrointestinal disorders like GERD or Crohn’s disease.” Similarly, frequent non-smelly gas can also signal issues, like difficulty digesting certain carbohydrates, enzyme deficiencies, or food intolerances.

Both types of gas, when coupled with other symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, or irregular bowel movements, may warrant a visit to a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Tips for improving digestion and gut health

If you’re dealing with smelly or frequent gas, there are several strategies to improve your digestion and promote a healthy gut, as advised by Dr Jindal:

Immediate Relief

• Digestive Aids: Taking digestive enzymes or bitters before meals can help stimulate stomach acid and enzyme production. A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water before meals may also aid digestion.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water, especially with electrolytes, supports digestion and can help prevent constipation.

For Constipation

• Increase Fiber Intake: Adding psyllium husk fiber to your diet can promote regular bowel movements, but remember to pair it with plenty of water to avoid worsening constipation.
• Physical Activity: Regular movement, such as a morning walk, helps stimulate digestion and can alleviate constipation.
• Probiotics: A quality probiotic supplement taken consistently for a few months can help balance your gut bacteria.

For Gut Imbalance

• Dietary Adjustments: Minimising processed foods, gluten, sugar, and dairy can reduce inflammation and support a balanced gut.
• Probiotics and Prebiotics: Including a probiotic supplement and eating prebiotic-rich foods, like bananas and onions, can enhance microbial diversity and support better digestion.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.