In my practice as an IBS dietitian my patients sometimes ask me about gas. On Instagram @AndreaHardyRD, I talk all about farts and how to reduce gas when you have IBS!
We’re going there💨 DYK the world’s longest fart is …
2 minutes and 42 seconds 🙊🤣
My 6 year old nephew was pretty amused by this so I’m hoping you share our sense of humour!
However! I get asked ALL the time about gas. People are embarrassed by excess gas. I get it – it isn’t the funnest, but let’s normalize what actually happens in our bowels!
We produce about 1-2L of farts (or flatus if you want to get ‘scientific’) per day.
Those with IBS don’t always produce more gas than those without, but might retain more gas than someone with out IBS! Some research has also shown those with IBS have more gas pooling in certain areas – contributing to bloating and pain.
Luckily, there are some ways to reduce gas with IBS:
- 🥗Utilizing the low FODMAP diet and reducing intake of other fermentable foods
- 🍽️Eating slowly & chewing well to reduce air swallowing
- 💊OTC medications like simethicone, which breaks up air bubbles in the gut, allowing them to be absorbed into the blood stream, or enzymes like lactase for lactose maldigestion or alpha-galactosidase when you eat beans and certain nuts/seeds
- 🏃🏼♀️Going for a walk or practicing gentle movement to help that gas pass so you’re less uncomfortable!
Our dietitian Andrea Clarke @ignite.nutrition.inc created a special Yoga for Digestion series which you can access for free, to help relieve some of that gas!
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