Gassy All the Time? Here’s Why You Might Be Farting So Much

Passing gas (aka farting) is a normal and natural part of digestion. But if your body’s internal horn section starts blasting out more solos than usual, it’s fair to wonder what’s behind the tooting.

We asked gastroenterologist Christine Lee, MD, what creates excess flatulence and how to quiet it.

What might make you extra gassy?

If you’re cooking up more air biscuits than usual, Dr. Lee says the following may be to blame.

Certain foods

Gas is a natural byproduct of digestion that takes place after you eat. The more difficulty your body has breaking down food in your belly, the more likely you’ll see airy results leak out later.

“Some foods naturally produce gas during the digestive phase,” explains Dr. Lee. “Gut bacteria break them down and release gas as part of the process.”

Hidden gas producers in your diet might include:

• Cruciferous vegetables: These veggies contain fiber and sulfur compounds that can lead to more gas and a stronger odor. Common culprits include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and similar vegetables.
• Some fruits: Certain fruits contain fructose or sugars, which can be harder for your body to process and lead to more poofs. Apples, pears, peaches and prunes are common triggers.
• Starchy foods: Certain carbohydrates in starchy foods aren’t fully digested before reaching the large intestine, where they ferment. Foods such as potatoes, corn, pasta and other grain-based products are frequent culprits.
• High-fiber foods: Fiber supports healthy digestion, but some types are broken down by gut bacteria in the colon, which can produce gas. Examples include beans, legumes (like lentils), whole grains, bran and oats.
• Processed foods with added fiber: Fiber-fortified foods can aid digestion, but large amounts may lead to excess gas, especially if your body isn’t used to them. Examples include fiber bars, protein bars and fortified cereals.
• Sugar-free foods and candies: Many sugar-free products contain sugar alcohols that some people have trouble digesting, which can create gas. Sorbitol, xylitol and mannitol are frequent offenders.
• Fatty or fried foods: These types of foods don’t usually create gas directly, but they can slow digestion and make bloating or gas feel worse.
• Protein supplements: Some protein powders and shakes can cause gas due to lactose, added fiber or other ingredients that are harder to digest. Whey-based products are a common cause.

But remember that everyone is different when it comes to food triggers. What makes you fart might not affect someone else. It all depends on your digestive system.

Carbonated drinks

Fizzy drinks contain dissolved carbon dioxide gas. When you drink them, that extra gas enters your digestive tract and can build up in your stomach. Some of it might come out as burping, but some can move south through your intestines, contributing to bloating and gas.

Drinks that may bring some bubbling down below include:

• Soda
• Sparkling water
• Beer
• Champagne

Food intolerances

Food intolerances or sensitivities can make it more difficult for your body to process certain foods, which has the potential to increase flatulence. Gassiness may occur with conditions such as:

• Lactose intolerance
• Gluten intolerance

Digestive system issues

Your tightly packed gastrointestinal tract covers a lot of ground. Laid end to end, it’s about 30 feet long. Problems anywhere along that winding road — from your esophagus to your colon — could lead to more farting.

Any of these digestive system issues could contribute to increased gas:

• Acid reflux (GERD)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Celiac disease
• Constipation
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
• Gastroparesis (slowed digestion)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• GI infections

Dietary changes

Did you just go vegan? Are you suddenly eating a lot of sugar-free foods? Are you cleansing, juicing or detoxing? Changing the way you eat can affect digestion and lead to more gas, notes Dr. Lee.

If you’re on a doctor-prescribed diet and notice you’re breaking wind more often, let your healthcare provider know. They may be able to adjust your eating plan to lessen the side effects.

Medications

Certain medications list bloating and excess gas as common side effects. If you suspect a medication is messing with your gut, speak to your prescribing doctor. Among the medicines known to cause tummy trouble are:

• Opioids or any neuropathic pain medications
• Antibiotics
• Some antidepressants
• Some diabetes medications (especially metformin)
• Muscle relaxants
• Anti-nausea medications
• Allergy medications
• Fiber supplements

Childbirth

Giving birth puts a lot of stress on your body — and digestive changes may pop up afterward. It’s not unusual to feel gassier than usual postpartum, especially if you’re dealing with:

• Constipation
• Pelvic floor changes
• Reduced activity
• Recovery from a C-section

Gassiness typically decreases as your body heals. Contact your healthcare provider if your gas is persistent, worsening or accompanied by significant pain or GI issues.

Sleep apnea

In some cases, the way you sleep can contribute to gas in your system.

“People with sleep apnea are often mouth breathers, and they swallow air when they’re snoring,” explains Dr. Lee. “In that case, you may wake up with bloating or gas pain because you’ve been swallowing air all night long.”

Colon cancer (rare)

Excessive gas by itself usually isn’t a sign of a tumor. But if it comes with red-flag symptoms like unexplained weight loss, anemia and rectal bleeding, it could point to colon cancer or another serious condition.

“Don’t ignore this series of symptoms,” says Dr. Lee. “Talk to your doctor to see what’s going on.”

How to limit symptoms

Dr. Lee recommends these tips to reduce gas and the resulting toots.

• Limit food triggers. As noted, certain types of food tend to kickstart flatulence. If you notice more gas after eating something on the list, try to cut back.
• Avoid dairy if you’re lactose intolerant. If products like milk, cheese or yogurt trigger gassiness, consider using a lactase enzyme product like Lactaid® or limiting dairy altogether.
• Prevent constipation. Constipation can make gas and bloating worse by slowing the movement of stool through your intestines. Drinking enough water, eating the right amount of fiber and staying active can help keep things moving.
• Review your medications. Talk to your doctor if you think medication may be playing a role in your increased gas. Adjustments may relieve the problem.
• Catch enough ZZZs. Getting enough sleep can support digestion and lower stress, which can both affect gas buildup. Sleep experts say adults should aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
• Stay active. Regular movement can help support digestion and reduce bloating. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Try to avoid sitting for long stretches, too.

When to see a doctor

Most people pass gas between 10 and 20 times a day. Check in with your doctor if you blow past those numbers without an obvious cause, particularly if the increase comes with:

• Persistent or severe abdominal pain
• Frequent bouts of diarrhea or constipation
• Bloody or tarry stools
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sudden and unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or weakness

“You know your body,” says Dr. Lee. “If you feel something isn’t right, get it checked out.”