Foul-smelling Flatulence

The term 'flatulence' describes the state of having excessive gas in the stomach and the intestines. Flatulence is a common ailment that affects people of all age groups. Excessive gas not only causes the abdomen to distend, it also gives rise to a variety of distressing symptoms. Though the presence of intestinal gas may cause one to burp or belch and one may hear rumbling noises from the stomach, it is the expulsion of foul-smelling gas from the anus that becomes a cause of social embarrassment. In this article, we would be looking into the factors that may cause one to pass gas with unpleasant odor.


The term 'flatus' refers to the mixtures of gases that are expelled through the anus. These gases are actually the by-products of the digestive process. Flatus usually contains nitrogen and carbon-dioxide in greater amounts but may sometimes contain traces of methane and hydrogen. The expulsion of these gases may or may not be accompanied by an unpleasant odor. However, if the ingested food is not broken down properly, intestinal bacteria may act on it. As the food decomposes, it may lead to the formation of flatus that may have a pungent odor.

Consumption of Food Items That Cause Gas
Consumption of food items that are difficult to digest could cause flatulence. Under such circumstances, one may pass gas with foul odor. The unpleasant odor could be attributed to skatole, indole and compounds that contain sulfur. These substances are the by-products of the digestion of meat. It is hydrogen sulfide that is responsible for intestinal gas with a characteristic odor that is similar to the smell of rotten eggs. Excessive consumption of food items that are rich in fiber, starch, cellulose or complex sugars that are not easily digested by our body is most likely to cause excessive production of gas. Food that is typically rich in polysaccharides can also cause bad smell in flatulence. Excessive consumption of cauliflower, eggs, meat, potatoes, corn, wheat, breads, beans, peas, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, lentils, onions, garlic and dairy products is most likely to cause flatulence. Consumption of dairy products can cause excessive production of gas, especially for those who suffer from lactose intolerance.

Bacterial Overgrowth in the Small Bowel
Small bowel bacterial overgrowth, as the name suggests, is a medical condition that is characterized by the overgrowth of bacteria in the intestine. Unlike the large intestine that contains a large number of bacteria or microbial flora, an increase in the numbers of bacteria in the small intestine can disrupt the microbial balance. This would adversely affect the process of digestion that takes place in the small bowel. Motility disorders often contribute to bacterial overgrowth. Peristalsis refers to the wave-like muscle contractions that help to propel the food from the upper part to the lower part of the digestive tract. Along with the food, the bacteria that are present in the small bowel are also swept to the colon with these contractions. If the bacteria are not swept towards the colon, they may start multiplying. These may act on the partly-digested food thereby disrupting the absorption of carbohydrates, fats and other nutrients. This would lead to excessive production of gas which in turn may lead to bloating, belching and expulsion of foul-smelling gas. Other medical conditions that could cause excessive intestinal gas include gastroparesis, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroenteritis, constipation, celiac disease and malabsorption.


Now that you have some idea about the causes of flatulence, let's move on to the remedies that can help you get rid of foul-smelling flatulence along with preventive steps.

⇨Poor dietary habits make one susceptible to digestive disorders. It is therefore essential to improve one's eating habits. The process of digestion starts with chewing of food in the mouth. Enzymatic activity starts in the mouth. Salivary amylase is one of the enzymes that breaks down starches present in the food to sugar. One must therefore chew the food properly. Chewing food quickly can cause one to swallow more air which in turn may cause gas. So, eat and drink slowly. Refrain from using a straw while having drinks. It would be best to cut down on your intake of carbonated beverages.

⇨If you are lactose-intolerant, it would be best to cut down on your intake of milk and dairy products. Identify the food items that you might be intolerant to. If consumption of any particular food triggers digestive problems such as bloating or gas, it would be best to exclude it from your diet or cut down on its intake.

⇨The best way to prevent flatulence is to refrain from excessive consumption of food items that cause gas. Cut down on intake of food items that are rich in starch and complex sugars. Though the consumption of a diet rich in fiber helps to improve digestion, it leads to formation of intestinal gas. The soluble dietary fiber is not broken down until it reaches the colon, where bacteria act on it. Intestinal gas is produced in the process. Do not increase the intake of such foods all at once. Increase the intake of food items that are rich in fiber gradually.

⇨Excessive use of antibiotics can lead to a decrease in the numbers of friendly bacteria thereby causing an imbalance in the microbial flora. This can lead to bacterial overgrowth which in turn may cause flatulence. The best way to restore the microbial balance is to include natural probiotics such as yogurt or buttermilk to your diet. One can also take probiotic supplements or digestive enzyme supplements to improve one's digestive health.

⇨One can also try certain home remedies. You could take caraway seeds after meals. You could also soak fresh ginger slices in fresh lime juice and chew on them after meals. Drinking fennel tea, chamomile tea or anise tea will also prove beneficial in treating flatulence. You could also chew peppermint after meals. It will not only prevent halitosis but will also soothe the abdominal muscles. Adding spices such as coriander, turmeric, cumin, fennel seeds, cardamom and caraway seeds to the recipes will also help. Do keep yourself hydrated at all times.

These were a few precautionary measures and remedies that can be followed by those who suffer from foul-smelling flatulence. Passing gas with foul odor not only puts one in awkward situations but is also an indicator of poor digestive health. The best way to prevent flatulence is to follow a healthy diet. Refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol. Making the right lifestyle choices will certainly prove beneficial.