How do I stop farting so much every day?

How to Stop Farting So Much Every Day

Passing gas (“farting”) is a normal part of digestion. Most people fart 5–15 times daily. If you’re noticing more—and it’s affecting your comfort or confidence—there are simple steps you can take. Below is a clear, evidence-based guide to cutting down on excess gas without creating unnecessary worry.

Why Do We Fart?

Our intestines house trillions of bacteria that help break down food. During this process, gases like nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and sometimes methane are produced. When that gas needs to escape, you fart. Factors that influence how much you fart include:

• Foods you eat
• How fast you eat or drink
• Swallowed air (aerophagia)
• Gut bacteria balance
• Underlying digestive issues

When Is It “Too Much”?

Most sources, including the Mayo Clinic, consider more than 20 farts per day on the high side. You may have “excessive” gas if you also experience:

• Bloating or abdominal pain
• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
• Unintentionally odoriferous or painful gas
• Distress in daily life or social settings

If that sounds like you, read on for practical solutions.

1. Tweak Your Diet

Certain foods are notorious for causing excess gas by delivering fermentable carbohydrates to your colon. Try adjusting:

• Beans, lentils and peas – high in oligosaccharides. Soak and rinse dried versions, or introduce them gradually.
• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts) – rich in raffinose and sulfur. Light cooking can help.
• Whole grains (wheat, barley) – contain fructans. Swap half your serving for low-fructan grains like rice or oats.
• Dairy products – lactose in milk, cheese and ice cream can cause gas if you’re lactose intolerant. Try lactose-free options or lactase supplements.
• Sugar substitutes (sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol) – found in sugar-free gum and candy. Limit or avoid them.
• Carbonated drinks – bubbles add extra air to your gut. Opt for still water, herbal tea or diluted fruit juice.

2. Adjust Eating and Drinking Habits

How you eat is just as important as what you eat. To reduce swallowed air and promote smoother digestion:

• Eat slowly and chew thoroughly. Aim for at least 20–30 chews per bite.
• Avoid talking while you chew—this cuts down on air intake.
• Skip straws, carbonated beverages and chewing gum.
• Don’t smoke or vape, both of which increase swallowed air.
• Sip beverages between bites, not during them.

3. Support Healthy Gut Bacteria

A balanced microbiome can produce less gas overall. Consider:

• Probiotics – live bacteria in supplements or fermented foods (yogurt, kefir, kimchi). Studies show these can improve gas symptoms over weeks to months.
• Prebiotics – non-digestible fibers that feed good bacteria. Found in onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, bananas and oats. Introduce slowly to avoid a temporary gas spike.

4. Use Over-the-Counter Remedies

If diet and habits aren’t enough, these products may help:

• Beano (alpha-galactosidase) – breaks down complex carbs in beans and veggies. Take at mealtime.
• Lactase enzymes – for lactose intolerance; take before dairy foods.
• Simethicone (Gas-X, Mylanta Gas) – helps small gas bubbles combine into larger ones you can pass more easily.

5. Stay Active

Regular physical activity helps move gas through your digestive tract:

• Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days—walking, cycling or swimming.
• Try gentle yoga poses (wind-relieving pose, child’s pose) to encourage gas release.
• Avoid lying flat immediately after meals.

6. Manage Stress

Stress and anxiety can alter gut motility and increase air swallowing. Techniques that may help:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Mindful eating—focus on your meal without distractions

7. When Excess Gas Could Be a Sign of Something More

Occasionally, frequent or painful farting may point to a medical condition. Watch for:

• Severe, persistent abdominal pain
• Blood in stool or dark, tarry stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever or persistent nausea/vomiting
• Sudden change in bowel habits

If you notice any of these “red flag” symptoms, it’s important to get checked out. You can start with a free, online symptom check, using the doctor approved Ubie Symptom Checker.

8. Next Steps: Speak to a Doctor

Most cases of excess gas can be managed with diet, lifestyle tweaks and over-the-counter aids. However, if your symptoms are severe, persistent or accompanied by concerning signs, please speak to a doctor. They can evaluate your situation, run tests if needed, and recommend a personalized treatment plan.

Key Takeaways

• Farting 5–15 times daily is normal; more than 20 may be excessive.
• Identify and limit gas-producing foods: beans, cruciferous veggies, dairy, sugar alcohols.
• Eat slowly, chew well and avoid swallowing extra air.
• Support your microbiome with probiotics and prebiotics.
• Consider enzyme supplements (Beano, lactase) and simethicone for quick relief.
• Stay active and manage stress to improve digestion.
• Watch for serious symptoms—use the free, online symptom check, using the doctor approved Ubie Symptom Checker—and speak to a healthcare professional if anything worries you.

Everyone farts—it’s a natural bodily function. With the right approach, you can significantly reduce unwanted gas, feel more comfortable, and go about your day with confidence. In case of any life-threatening or serious concerns, always seek immediate medical attention.