How much farting is normal per day? Top nutrition coach reveals the 'healthy' number

Passing gas, or flatulence, is a completely natural process that everyone experiences. According to clinical nutritionist Ryan Fernando, understanding what is the 'normal' amount of farting and when it could signal an underlying issue, is the key to maintaining good digestive health.

By applying his guidance and evidence-backed nutritional principles, we can better understand what our body is trying to tell us and take a practical approach to support optimal digestion.

What is farting, and why does it happen

The passing of gas signals that our digestive system is functioning properly. Such a natural physiological process occurs when the body breaks down food, with air being swallowed during eating or drinking, producing various gases, including nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and methane.

The release of these gases is part of the normal physiological requirement daily and signals an active gut.

How much farting is normal

Most people will experience this anywhere between 10 to 20 times a day, according to Ryan Fernando. Within this range, the body expels gases, which are mostly odorless, including nitrogen and carbon dioxide, while only a small portion bears an aroma. If your daily count falls within this bracket, it is considered healthy and normal; it shows that your digestive system works well in processing meals.

But while all that might sound so normal, the frequency could indeed vary, depending on biology, the meal composition, and the everyday schedule.

On the other hand, going way beyond 20 episodes a day may indicate that all is not well.

What causes excess gas

Having more than 20 episodes of passing gas per day may indicate that something is wrong. Following are some of the possible reasons for excessive production of gas, according to Ryan Fernando:Foods: Beans, legumes, cruciferous vegetables, which include broccoli and cabbage, high-fiber foods, and carbonated drinks are common culprits.Digestive problems: Most of the issues, starting from constipation and IBS to gut imbalance, always result in increased gas.Habits: Eating too quickly or swallowing air while talking or drinking also leads to excessive gas.Lifestyle: High levels of stress and anxiety are well-known to affect digestion and at times lead to increased flatulence.Medications or sweeteners: Certain artificial sweeteners and some drugs promote the production of gas.

When is too much gas a problem?

While some variability in your daily gas output is normal, passing gas more than 20 times a day on a regular basis could be indicative of diet imbalances or problems with digestion. If there is excessive gas and it is accompanied by pain, bloating, or changes in bowel habits, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Natural ways to eliminate gas

Following are ways to control and eliminate excess gas naturally, as listed by Ryan Fernando:Eat more slowly, and chew your food well; this will help your body digest and keep air from being swallowed.Drink plenty of water: Hydration is important for efficient digestion, promoting easy motion of food through the gut.Carbonated drinks should be limited. These drinks introduce more air into your digestive system, increasing gas.Include both soluble and insoluble fiber: Eating a variety of different types of fibrous food at each meal encourages better gut motility, but increase intake gradually to avoid sharp increases in gas.Probiotics: Probiotics are friendly bacteria that improve gut flora and therefore may reduce gas.Exercise daily: Physical activity improves digestion and speeds up metabolism, hence giving less time for gas accumulation. Eat balanced meals: Emphasize those meals where the right proportion of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats will make digestion easy.

Is there such a thing as too little gas

While most people are concerned with passing too much gas, having too little can be an indication of an impending problem, such as slow gut movement or low enzyme activity in the digestive system. This could mean that our digestive system is not breaking down food as well as it should, which may affect how well the body is absorbing nutrients. However, if one experiences persistent, excessive, or painful gas, it would be a good idea to check with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying problems.