Fart Too Often? Here's the Explanation and the Normal Limit

Illustration of blowing or knocking. (Freepik)

JAKARTA - Farts are often considered a shameful thing, even though they are actually a natural part of the digestive process. Almost everyone experiences it every day.

However, many still wonder, how long is a normal fart in a day? Does farting too long or too often indicate a health problem?

Experts say farts can be an important indicator for understanding the condition of your gut and digestive system.

In general, there is no definite benchmark for the duration of farting because it usually lasts very briefly, only a few seconds each time it occurs. What is more often used as a reference is its frequency in a day.

"Gas discharge from several times a day to about 20 times per day is still considered normal," said another nutritionist, Ava Safir, J.D., M.S., RDN, quoted from the Eating Well page.

This means that as long as the fart occurs within this limit and is not accompanied by other complaints, this condition is still considered normal. The duration of fart can be different in each person, depending on the following things:

- The amount of gas in the digestive tract

The more gas that is formed, the longer the process of its release.

- Type of food consumed

Foods such as nuts, certain vegetables, and high-fiber foods can produce more gas.

- The process of digestion

Slow digestion can cause gas to build up so that farting feels longer.

- Digestive muscle condition

The muscles of the rectum and pelvic floor affect how gas is released.

Although farting is normal, there are some conditions that need to be considered.

- Gas lasts longer than usual and often occurs

- Accompanied by pain or abdominal cramps

- The stomach feels very bloated or gas-like.

- Occurs simultaneously with diarrhea or constipation

These symptoms can indicate digestive disorders, such as food intolerance or an imbalance of gut bacteria.

Farting a little longer than usual is generally not dangerous, especially if it only happens occasionally. However, if it persists and is accompanied by other complaints, this should not be ignored.