Farts, toots, poots…whatever you call them, passing gas is one of the most natural things a human body can experience. An NYU study reports that 74 percent of Americans have digestive symptoms that include gas.
But most of the time, gas is a somewhat unexpected and unwanted guest. Yes, it’s embarrassing and annoying, bringing with it some comic relief, but its value in breaking the ice is outweighed by the unpleasant smells and shocked faces when it arrives.
How does this malefactor arrive on the scene? You may have eaten certain foods, quaffed your beverage too quickly or ingested food in a hurry, have excessive stress or anxiety, an infection, or some underlying medical condition that causes you to expel gas through any number of orifices.
When flatulence or burping becomes excessive, it might be time to speak to your doctor. Sure, it’s an uncomfortable topic, but it may reveal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal intestinal issues, celiac disease, lactose intolerance or other issues that may require serious medical intervention. Particularly if these conditions arrive and linger, it’s time to muster up the courage to address them with a medical professional.
With a few lifestyle changes, you may be surprised to find that you can move confidently through the world, secure in the knowledge that the trumpets that formerly sounded your arrival are now muted.