• Your Inquiry
  • Auto
  • Business
    • Finance
    • Law
  • Education
  • Health
  • Home
    • Real Estate
  • Shopping
  • Technology
  • Travel
Close
La Maison Tellier
La Maison Tellier
Close
  • Auto
  • Business
    • Finance
    • Law
  • Education
  • Health
  • Home
    • Real Estate
  • Shopping
  • Technology
  • Travel
The Science Behind Flatulence
Share:
Education October 21, 2019 Gale Lark

The Science Behind Flatulence

What is Flatulence?

Flatulence is a natural mechanism that results in the accumulation of gas in the digestive system. In medical literature, flatulence can be defined as the “flatus expelled through the anus”, or “farting” in more colloquial terms. Sure, it can be embarrassing or entertaining in a societal setting, but holding in gas leads to more problems than solutions. It can cause distress and discomfort for the individual; and if the individual holds in their gas for prolonged periods, it will result in an uncontrollable release of air.

Why does it Occur?

In human physiology, flatulence is caused due to bacteria fermenting food in the gastrointestinal tract. Once enough gas is built up, it is released either through the mouth (belching) or through the anus. The characteristic “sound” that usually accompanies a fart is the result of the embouchure of the buttocks and anus. A typical “flatus” is composed of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen and methane. A flatus containing higher levels of hydrogen and methane can be ignited as these gases are quite flammable. Most flatuses are odourless, but it can change with the diet of the individual. A sulphur-rich diet such as meat, eggs, onions and cheese can result in the body breaking down these compounds into hydrogen sulfide; giving the flatus a characteristic “rotten-egg” smell. Though it smells fetid, hydrogen sulfide is an integral compound as it functions as a gaseous signalling molecule. This means it performs a host of beneficial activities from maintaining the integrity of the cell structure, enabling cellular longevity, to protecting the kidneys.

Embarrassing but Natural

The number of times an individual passes gas varies based on their age, sex, diet, and underlying health conditions. An average adult human undergoes flatus at 14 times a day. If an individual claims not to undergo flatus, the chances are that they are lying, or are suffering from a severe medical condition.

As stated before, holding in gas is very bad for health, but in an artificially pressurized environment, such as an aeroplane cabin, the individual is left with little choice. Fundamental physics dictates that in a low-pressure environment, gases expand. This means, the higher the altitude, lower the pressure. Moreover, gases expand as a result of this. So depending on the choice of diet, gas builds up and expands, pushing against the walls of the bowels. This results in bloating or a sense of internal pressure. Unfortunately, there is nothing much to prevent this as it is basic physics. However, taking over-the-counter drugs such as Phazyme before a flight can reduce the effects of this condition.

Learn other fascinating concepts from digestion, human body and immunity to ecology, plantlife and types of leaves only at BYJU’S. Alternatively, subscribe to BYJU’S YouTube channel to get the latest updates on everything science.

Previous post Get Great Hardwood Flooring in Brisbane
Get Great Hardwood Flooring in Brisbane
Next post Are You Looking for a Great Golf Holiday Experience?
Are You Looking for a Great Golf Holiday Experience?

Related Posts

Outside Education Camps With Programs
Share:
Education

Outside Education Camps With Programs

August 14, 2018 Gale Lark
Summer time camps are special camps arranged that people enjoy the holiday or tour in almost any adventures. Summer time camps pops up with...
Special Education and the value of Collaboration
Share:
Education

Special Education and the value of Collaboration

September 20, 2018 Gale Lark
Collaboration means dealing with a person or several visitors to acquire a common goal. Its importance is most visible in education. Every single...

Recent Posts

    • Selecting probably the most Appropriate Law Education for the Career
      Selecting probably the most Appropriate Law Education for the Career
    • Civil Law and customary Law Background and Impact on Globalization
      Civil Law and customary Law Background and Impact on Globalization
    • Protecting Your Company With Commercial And Insurance Law Providers
      Protecting Your Company With Commercial And Insurance Law Providers
    • The Key Law Of Wealth Revealed
      The Key Law Of Wealth Revealed
    • Are Divine Laws and regulations Of World Absolute or Shifting?
      Are Divine Laws and regulations Of World Absolute or Shifting?
    • Why Hire Personal Injury Solicitors
      Why Hire Personal Injury Solicitors

    Recent Posts

    • What to ask yourself before buying pdf conversion tool?
    • Money That Is Won Is More Satisfactory Than The Money Which Is Earned!
    • How to land the best background search services online
    • GUIDE TO CASINO GAMES
    • Important questions to ask before choosing an online casino
    • Let Someone Else Take Care Of Your Dog For a Change.
    • Benefits of Managed IT Services
    • How do you profit from SEO from utilizing the right tools for rank tracking?
    • How Tobring more customersusing Instagram

    Archives

    • March 2021
    • February 2021
    • January 2021
    • December 2020
    • November 2020
    • October 2020
    • September 2020
    • August 2020
    • July 2020
    • June 2020
    • May 2020
    • April 2020
    • March 2020
    • February 2020
    • January 2020
    • November 2019
    • October 2019
    • August 2019
    • July 2019
    • June 2019
    • May 2019
    • April 2019
    • March 2019
    • February 2019
    • January 2019
    • November 2018
    • October 2018
    • September 2018
    • August 2018
    • July 2018
    • June 2018
    • May 2018
    • April 2018
    • March 2018
    • February 2018
    • January 2018
    Close
    April 2021
    M T W T F S S
     1234
    567891011
    12131415161718
    19202122232425
    2627282930  
    « Mar    
    Do not miss
    What are the types of health insurance in small businesses?
    What are the types of health insurance in small businesses?
    October 22, 2020
    Conditions which indicate that depression is taking over you!
    Conditions which indicate that depression is taking over you!
    October 17, 2020
    The 4 Priorities to Maintain Your Child’s Health
    The 4 Priorities to Maintain Your Child’s Health
    October 2, 2020
    7 Reasons Fishing Can Make You a Happier Person
    7 Reasons Fishing Can Make You a Happier Person
    October 2, 2020
    Peculiar Ways to Boost Your Overall Health and Wellness
    Peculiar Ways to Boost Your Overall Health and Wellness
    October 2, 2020
    Knowing if the Conflicts You and Your Partner May Face Are Healthy
    Knowing if the Conflicts You and Your Partner May Face Are Healthy
    October 2, 2020
    Therapeutic Treatments for Injuries in Sports
    Therapeutic Treatments for Injuries in Sports
    October 2, 2020
    The Healthy Advantages of Exercise
    May 12, 2020
    Products and Bads of Taking Calcium Supplements
    Products and Bads of Taking Calcium Supplements
    April 8, 2020
    Comprehensive Guide to Buying From Online Pharmacies
    Comprehensive Guide to Buying From Online Pharmacies
    January 5, 2020
    This has gotten very, very messy, but I'm afraid I won't find another job with as generous
    Copyright © 2019 La Maison Tellier . All Rights Reserved.