How many times a day is it normal to fart?

The number

The NIH (NIDDK) says studies suggest people pass gas through the anus an average of 8 to 14 times a day. Some people pass gas more often, and experts consider up to 25 times a day normal.

The NHS puts it simply: farting is normal, everyone does it, and what’s normal is different for everyone.

For comparison, the NIH says people typically burp up to 30 times a day.

Where gas comes from

The NIH explains two main sources:

1. Swallowed air. Everyone swallows a little when eating and drinking. You swallow more if you chew gum, suck hard candy, drink fizzy drinks, eat or drink too fast, smoke or wear loose dentures.
2. Gut bacteria. Bacteria in your large intestine break down carbohydrates (sugars, starches and fiber) that your stomach and small intestine didn’t fully digest, and make gas as they go.

Foods that can make you fart more

From the NHS:

• cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts
• beans and lentils
• dried fruit like raisins or apricots
• onions
• foods or drinks with the sweetener sorbitol
• fizzy drinks and beer

Many of these are healthy, so don’t cut them all out. Notice which ones affect you most.

Why some farts smell worse

The NIH says the odor may be due to sulfur in the gas. The NHS lists foods that are hard to digest and swallowed air among causes of excessive or smelly farts.

Ways to reduce it

The NHS suggests:

• eat smaller meals, more often
• eat and drink slowly, with your mouth closed
• exercise regularly
• try peppermint tea
• don’t drink too much beer, wine or fruit juice
• don’t smoke or chew gum

A pharmacist may suggest medicines like simeticone, or special underwear and pads that absorb smells.

When gas is a sign of something else

The NHS lists conditions that can cause excessive or smelly wind, including constipation, IBS, coeliac disease and lactose intolerance. Some medicines can also cause it, including ibuprofen and other NSAIDs, some laxatives, antifungals and statins. Don’t stop a medicine without talking to your GP.

Tracking it

Mon 19:00  Dinner (photo): lentil curry, beer  tags: FODMAPs
Mon  Paper note: very windy evening
Tue 19:00  Dinner (photo): salmon, rice, water
Tue  Paper note: normal

PoopAI won’t count your farts (you’re welcome), but tagging meals and checking your weekly report can show whether gassy days line up with certain foods. Stealth HealthAI mode keeps the app discreet on your home screen.

When to see a GP

The NHS says see a GP if:

• farting is affecting your life and self-help and pharmacy treatments haven’t worked
• you have a stomach ache or bloating that won’t go away or keeps coming back
• you keep getting constipation or diarrhea
• you’ve lost weight without trying
• you’ve had blood in your poo

The NIH also says talk to a doctor if your gas symptoms change suddenly.

Questions to ask yourself

If you feel like you’re farting more than usual, a little tracking helps. Is it all day, or mostly after certain meals? Did you recently add more beans, lentils, onions or fiber? Are you drinking more fizzy drinks or chewing gum? Does it come with bloating, pain or a change in your poop? Keep a rough paper tally for a few days next to your meal log. Often a clear link to food shows up. If gas comes with weight loss, blood in your poo or pain that won’t settle, talk to a GP rather than just changing your diet.

Wrap-up

Somewhere between 8 and 25 times a day is normal. Gas is a sign your gut bacteria are busy. If it’s bothering you, slow down, check the usual suspects, and see a GP if anything else changes.