FARTS – all too often it is a source of mirth and embarrassment.
But behind the aural and olfactory unpleasantness, the act of breaking wind is actually a sign of good gut and intestinal health!
According to a public service announcement by Public Health Malaysia on X, many people are not aware of the facts behind farting.
Fakta Mengejutkan Tentang Kentut & Kesihatan
Kentut sesuatu yang sering buat kita ketawa malu. Tapi sebenarnya, ia adalah bahasa rahsia usus yang sihat. Dan di sebalik bau dan bunyi, ada fakta yang ramai tak tahu.
Thread. pic.twitter.com/h7ch6lpwDW
— Public Health Malaysia (@health_malaysia) June 10, 2025
It goes on to state that farting between 20-25 times per day is normal. It is a sign of an active intestine with the relevant bacteria doing its job. Most farts are also odourless, consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and methane that do not smell.
The foul smell is the result of consuming foods high in sulphur such as eggs, red meat and onions. These items produce hydrogen sulphite which has an unpleasant odour.
The PSA (public service announcement) also states that one can break wind while asleep as the muscles are more relaxed. The intestine will keep on working although the body is at rest.
Silent farts usually smell worse by virtue of it being slow moving which traps more sulphuric gas. Odourless farts are usually the result of swallowed air from eating too fast, drinking with a straw or talking while dining.
Despite the perception that ladies don’t break wind as much, they actually let fly as regularly as the gents. This stereotype exits possibly because women are prone to holding it in or let off silent farts.
However, it points out that excessive farting could be a sign of health issues such as lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome or constipation.
Consuming fibre-heavy diet can also lead to more farting. The fibre is not completely digested in the small intestine, leading it to be processed by the bacteria in the large intestine which results in more gas.
Holding in farts for prolonged period could lead to feeling bloated, excessive belching and pressure inside the tummy.
The post also warns that stress and emotional pressure factors can affect bowel movements and production of gas.
It concluded that farting is indeed a normal function of a body’s physiology. Holding it in can not only be uncomfortable but also lead to health issues.
So now you know. Farting is good. Farting is normal.
However, that doesn’t mean you should let rip anywhere, anytime lest you want your dignity to take a beating. – June 12, 2025
