Cutting the cheese, tooting, letting one rip, and breaking wind, are all embarrassing terms for flatulence. Excessive gas is a socially embarrassing bodily function that we often try to hide in large crowds, under the water in a swimming pool, or discreetly in a public restroom. In some cultures, passing gas is taboo and frowned upon, while in others, it is as accepted as commonplace. Even though in some places it is frowned upon to release gas, holding in gas can be unhealthy to the person. Holding it in can cause stomach aches, cramps, and a general feeling of unease. On the contrary, excessive gas often becomes an amusing event for young children, boys, and grown men. TV shows and adult cartoons occasionally depict grown men having “fart wars” to see who can make the loudest fart, or the smelliest fart, or a combination of both.
Excessive gas can be caused by a number of reasons. These include certain foods. Beans and other legumes are notorious for causing gas. Some fruits and vegetables, such as bananas and broccoli, are also known for foul smelling gaseous release. At other times, it is the health of the person. A person in poor health may release gas more often because of digestive problems. Other viral infections can add to excessive gas, such as a case of the stomach virus. Often, the types of food also correspond to how foul smelling the excessive gas can be. Meats and dairy products cause more foul smelling gas, while vegetables and fruit are a little bit easier on the nose. This helps explain why at the zoo, some animal cage areas smell worse than others. Fortunately, there are certain over the counter medications that can help break down the chemicals in the stomach that causes gas. Beano is one such medication, that if taken before consuming food known to cause excessive gas, helps aid in the breaking down of the chemicals in the stomach and intestines that cause gas. Another known measure to help cut down on excessive gas is the eating of dairy products that have live cultures, such as yogurt. These live cultures also help break down chemicals that cause gas in the stomach, as well as help regulate the person’s bowel movements.
Bodily functions, such as the occasional excessive gas, are generally deemed normal and nothing to be alarmed about. While embarrassing if released in public, it is not a health threat to those around the person releasing gas (those people may beg to differ). It is when there are other ailing health issues that coincide with excessive gas that the person should seek medical attention.