Last Updated on April 21, 2021
Did you know that the average person farts at least 15 times a day? For some people, this fart count can go up to as much as 40 – and let’s be fair, that’s a lot of farting. While farting in public can be an embarrassing experience, holding in your farts is not recommended. But why? Can holding in a fart kill you? Well, not exactly, but it can lead to some health problems and generalized discomfort, which is not as unpleasant as dying, but it’s still pretty unpleasant.
So, what happens when you hold in a fart? Keep reading to find out!
1. Your body might reabsorb the gas
The first reason why holding in farts is a bad idea is that your body might reabsorb it. We know it sounds bizarre, but it kind of makes sense if you think about it. A fart is a gas that your body needs to get rid of. If you hold in a fart, the gas will be put into circulation again since your body will have no choice but to reabsorb it. As a result, it can end up escaping as a burp, for example.
2. You might experience pain and heartburn
How do you hold in your farts? The usual process would be to contract your muscles to prevent the gas from escaping, right? Well, this process can be quite harmful to you, as it will result in accumulated pressure inside your body. As a result, you might experience heartburn, pain, and even indigestion. Doing this regularly can also cause your digestive tract to become swollen, which can also be quite painful and lead to subjacent health issues.
3. It is bad for your colon health
The whole process of farting is good for your colon since it helps eliminate any built-up pressure in your body. However, holding in your farts can have the opposite effect and become a threat to your colon health. Not releasing your gas can lead to an irritated colon, and in more serious situations, it can even trigger hemorrhoids.
4. You will feel bloated all the time
Fart-related bloating is a debatable subject, and the results are inconclusive. While distension and bloating are actual complaints of people who suffer from gas retention, there is evidence that holding in your farts might make you feel bloated, even if you are not. However, the fact that you FEEL bloated doesn’t exactly mean that the level of pressure in your intestines is dangerous.
