Intestinal gas and flatulence are normal phenomena in the human body, as these are part of detoxification. An average of 10 to 20 farts per day is considered normal.
However, why can’t some people stop having loud or particularly pungent flatulence? Is foul gas a warning sign of potential intestinal problems?
Dr. Wu Hung-Chien from Taiwan’s E Sheng Chinese Medicine Clinic has recommended solutions involving tea and acupressure techniques for eliminating embarrassingly loud or stinky flatulence.
Why do people fart? When we eat foods with carbohydrates and proteins, our intestinal flora interacts with them to produce a variety of gases, such as nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, methane, and oxygen. As the intestine contracts and relaxes in peristalsis, these gases are pushed toward the rectum and eventually expelled through the anus, which is known as flatulence
What Causes Excessive Flatulence?
Though passing gas a dozen times daily is normal, some people fart more. Here are six reasons why:1. Talking while eating.
2. Breathing through your mouth. Items 1 and 2 are both due to the opening and closing of the mouth, allowing the body to take in too much gas.
3. Drinking too many carbonated beverages.
4. Eating foods that cause more gas. For example, if you eat too many sweet potatoes, you will have sweet potato gas. Eating too many carbohydrates, such as cereals, vegetables, onions, and garlic, will cause the intestines to produce more gas when breaking down sugar.
5. Lactose intolerance. For these people, the small intestine cannot digest lactose completely. The unbroken lactose enters the large intestine, which interacts with the colon’s bacteria to produce gas. Experts estimate that about 68 percent of the world’s population has lactose malabsorption. The older you are, the more likely you are to develop lactose intolerance. This is one of the reasons why the elderly are more prone to burping, bloating, and gas.
6. Insufficient stomach acid can lead to poor digestion. When food is not adequately broken down in the stomach, it travels to the small and large intestines and interacts with intestinal bacteria, resulting in an overproduction of gas.
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TCM’s Take on Offensive Flatulence
What is traditional Chinese medicine’s (TCM) perspective on flatulence?Wu said that flatulence is part of the body’s qi (vital energy) and blood circulation. Failure to expel gas results in qi stagnation, blocking the gas within the body. On the other hand, excessive gas, regardless of odor, signifies an underlying health condition. TCM classifies such conditions into two types.
Weak and Cold Intestinal-Stomach Qi
TCM categorizes a type of continuous flatulence without a strong odor as a symptom of a weak and cold intestinal-stomach qi. A cold body constitution can cause this type of gas. It is also possible that one has eaten too many cold things, such as iced drinks, vegetables, and fruits that are cold in nature.Hot and Dry Body Constitution
The other type of gas is foul and accompanies a hot and dry body constitution. This may be attributed to a hereditary dry-heat body constitution or eating excessive fried, baked, and spicy foods, referred to as “rich sorghum and thick flavor” in Chinese medicine. In TCM, “sorghum” denotes refined starch, while “thick flavor” refers to refined protein or fatty foods.Loud and smelly flatulence can be caused by an undigested protein that ferments in the intestine, producing gases like hydrogen sulfide and ammonia. This is especially true when the gastrointestinal digestive function is poor, allowing bacteria to act on the protein. Additionally, an unhealthy intestinal tract can also contribute to this issue. Therefore, to prevent embarrassing gas, it’s essential to prioritize gastrointestinal health. By improving digestive function and promoting a healthy intestinal tract, you can avoid the problem of offensive flatulence.
Beware of Tumors in the Intestine
Wu said that flatulence can be an indicator of underlying physical ailments. For example, when the gastrointestinal tract is infected, ulcerated, inflamed, or harboring a tumor, it may release an unpleasant odor during flatulence, particularly if its emissions carry a pungent, suffocating scent. Therefore, if you have been experiencing prolonged and foul gas, seek immediate medical attention and do not easily dismiss it.Some may wonder why individuals suffering from inflammation, ulcers, or tumors in their intestines don’t experience pain. Wu said certain areas of the internal organs lack pain receptors, and some individuals have high tolerance levels, which can cause them to overlook warning signs of disease.
Make Improvements in Your Daily Life
Improving the health of the gastrointestinal tract can be done in several ways. Chinese herbs are often used to warm the stomach and intestines for those with a cold body constitution with frequent loud flatulence. An Zhong San (fennel and galanga formula) is a commonly used herbal remedy. Additionally, one can incorporate ginger slices or shredded ginger into their daily cooking to create a warming effect in the stomach, tackling the problem of excessive gas.Individuals with a dry-heat body constitution can use Chinese herbs such as Qing Wei San (Coptis and rehmannia formula) to reduce heat. In addition, incorporating brightly colored fruits and vegetables into their daily diet can provide nutritional support. These foods are rich in antioxidants that help eliminate harmful free radicals and inflammatory substances from the intestines.
Wu mentioned that the five elements theory of TCM includes a phrase that states, “The wood element in the liver controls the earth element in the spleen.” This implies that the function of the digestive tract is affected by that of the liver, which is affected by emotions. In other words, the normal functioning of the intestines and stomach is highly influenced by emotions. It is common for individuals to experience stomach pain during exams, a typical example of the “the wood element in the liver controls the earth element in the spleen.”
Wu said applying pressure to ear acupoints is a simple yet effective method to alleviate stress. Whenever you feel anxious or overwhelmed, you can take a deep breath while gently touching your ears to promote stress relief. This technique works because the ears are densely packed with nerves that interact with the vagus nerve, which, when stimulated, can heal the stomach and intestines, reducing intestinal spasms.
Tea to Reduce Excessive Gas
For the weak and cold body constitution with incessant gas, Wu recommends a tea drink:Herbs: 15 grams (0.53 ounces) of tangerine peel, 3 grams (0.10 ounces) of biota leaves, 3 grams (0.10 ounces) of bighead atractylodes rhizome, 3 grams (0.10 ounces) of fresh ginger, 3 grams (0.10 ounces) of costus root
Why it works: Tangerine peel and biota leaves have the effect of regulating qi, while bighead atractylodes rhizome, fresh ginger, and costus root have the effect of warming the stomach. These herbs all contain volatile oils that aid in bowel movement.
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For those who have a dry-heat body constitution, Wu recommends the following tea:
Herbs: 6 grams (0.21 ounces) of dandelion, 15 grams (0.53 ounces) of tangerine peel, 3 grams (0.10 ounces) of biota leaves, 3 grams (0.10 ounces) of bighead atractylodes rhizome, 3 grams (0.10 ounces) of costus root
Why it works: Dandelion can clear the heat of the intestines and stomach and treat inflammation and thickened phlegm. Tangerine peel and biota leaves have the effect of regulating qi, while bighead atractylodes rhizome, and costus root have the effect of warming the stomach and clearing the dry heat of the body.
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2 Techniques to Promote Bowel Movement
Wu recommends two massage techniques to promote bowel movement and improve digestion.Clockwise Massage Method
The navel’s right, upper, and left sides are the ascending, transverse, and descending colon. From the center of the navel, gradually massage clockwise from small circles to large circles. You can add a little massage oil for a smoother massage. Continue massaging until your belly feels warm.Massage the Stomach Meridian Acupoints
The stomach meridian passes through the front edge of the calf muscle. This area contains several crucial acupuncture points, including Leg Three Miles (ST36), Upper Great Hollow (ST37), Ribbon Opening (ST38), Lower Great Hollow (ST39), and Bountiful Bulge (ST40).Massaging this area with essential oils from top to bottom can help stimulate peristalsis and aid digestion, expelling gas. Another effective method is patting or massaging the calves.
To enhance gastrointestinal function, soak your feet and calves in warm water. Soaking your feet and calves entirely in water at 104 to 107.6 F for 15 minutes daily can strengthen your digestive system.
*Some herbs mentioned in this article may be unfamiliar, but they are generally available in Asian supermarkets.
Note: Because different people have different physiques, it is recommended to consult your doctor or TCM experts.
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