By Victor S. Sierpina
A topic rarely discussed in polite company is the production, distribution and dissemination of natural gas. This is the kind of gas produced by the fermentation and digestion of food in the human intestinal tract. In medical terms, it is referred to as flatus. Our gut bacteria and microbiome processes along with swallowed air results in about 1-2 liters of gas daily. This is largely odorless nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide.The gas is aroma-fied by sulfides, methane and tiny amounts of cadaverine, putrescine and butyric acid. This is the stinky stuff. Men and women both produce about equal amounts, though women tend to be more, shall we say, polite and secretive about expelling it. In my medical practice, “excess gas” is a common complaint. This is often attributable to benign factors such improper mix of gut bacteria, gas producing foods such as beans and legumes, foods from the cabbage family, and common offenders such as cucumbers, celery, apples, carrots, onions and garlic.While healthy, a high fiber diet can initially cause increased gas.Medical conditions such a gall bladder disease, anxiety from swallowing too much air during panic attacks, and small bowel bacterial overgrowth, and medications can be contributing factors.If excess gas persists, talk to your doctor. Though rarely a serious medical problem, it is worth mentioning. He or she may have already noticed it on entering the exam room. Flatus is also referred to politely as passing gas, breaking wind or as my 6-year-old granddaughter Serenity refers to it, “a bottom burp.” Of course, passing flatus is most commonly called a fart, which according to Wikipedia is one of the oldest words in the English language. While some consider the term as vulgar, it has noble roots. In the Middle English words ferten, feortan or farten are kin of the Old High German word ferzan.
The history of this bodily function is easily traceable throughout medical and literary history.
From Shakespeare’s A Comedy of Errors:
“A man may break a word with you, sir, and words are but wind Aye, and break it in your face, so he break it not behind.”
In Othello, the sly Shakespearean clown likens our lower part to a wind instrument and the expelled gas to music!
Indeed, as Othello’s fine ear and red nose noted, the tonalities of flatus can span a symphonic range from the piccolo through stringed instruments, and of course deep into the horn section. Some folks may play a tin horn — others sound off like a brassy trumpet or a deep tuba.
Social aspects of excess flatus can be significant and embarrassing. So named by generations of adolescents, the “silent-but-deadly” passage of gas can leave everyone in a crowd casting studious glances about to detect the offending source.This was well and hilariously described by a hidden and copiously farting dog under the dinner table in Shakespeare’s in “The Two Gentlemen of Verona.” The dog’s master pretended to be the true source of the stench to keep the offending dog from being whipped. Flatus may be underestimated as a defensive weapon. A strategically placed S-B-D can quickly clear a room or move rude travelers in the airport line back a few steps. A friend of mine recently used this technique to good effect during an encounter with some particularly loud, socially intrusive young ruffians in an airport line. His silent gaseous defense while waiting in front of them was effective as they all moved back and quieted down, muttering darkly in a foreign dialect. As they boarded the plane and passed his row, they cast miffed but respectful looks at him.But I digress from the medical aspects of flatus. There is more to know, much more.
Prevention is a worthwhile toot preventer. All of these can be helpful:
• Soaking beans overnight
• Chewing your food adequately and eating slowly, along with smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoiding carbonated beverages and chewing gum
• Using water to help you swallow while eating to prevent taking in too much air
• Managing anxiety which causes air gulping
• Detecting food allergies and intolerances
• Lactose intolerance is a common cause of gas, as are sugars, sorbitol, xylitol, and grains; abstaining for a time from these common offenders may be a useful experiment
• Probiotics can serve a useful role in keeping gut bacteria healthy and improving digestion
• Digestive enzymes
• Over the counter products such as simethicone, Pepto-Bismol, Beano, and in serious cases, charcoal tablets. Be aware that charcoal will turn the stool black and may interfere with absorption of medications
• Herbals such as peppermint, spearmint, ginger, anise, fennel, and dill
• Other kitchen herbs that can reduce gas include oregano, marjoram, thyme, basil, and parsley
• Chlorophyll tablets:
Natural gas must out in the end in order to prevent distention and abdominal discomfort. Where and how to do this is a matter of your own discretion, good taste and manners.
A good offense may prevent a strong defense such as that mounted by my friend. But try these strategies to help keep you from being inadvertently offensive as well as more comfortable.