Let’s be honest — everybody farts. It’s a perfectly normal part of life that happens to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or diet. Yet, even though it’s something we all do, few people actually know what’s really going on when it happens.

From what causes the sound to why it smells (and why that’s actually healthy!), here are 12 surprising and funny facts about farting that you probably didn’t know.

1. The Average Person Farts 14 to 23 Times a Day

You might think only a few people are “gassy,” but the truth is — everyone passes gas multiple times a day. The average person farts between 14 and 23 times daily, releasing about half a liter of gas.

That’s right — even people who seem “classy” or “ladylike” do it too. It’s your digestive system’s natural way of releasing excess air and gases formed when you digest food.

2. Farts Are Made of 5 Main Gases

A fart isn’t just “air” — it’s a mix of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen, and oxygen. These gases are produced when bacteria in your intestines break down food.

Interestingly, only about 1% of your fart actually contains the smelly part — mainly hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur compounds. That tiny percentage is what gives farts their infamous odor!

3. The Smell Depends on What You Eat

Ever notice how some farts smell worse than others? That’s because diet plays a huge role in the odor. Foods high in sulfur — such as eggs, broccoli, cabbage, onions, and red meat — create stronger, smellier gas.

On the other hand, plant-based diets rich in fiber can also increase gas but with less odor, since they produce more carbon dioxide and less sulfur.

4. Holding in Farts Isn’t Dangerous — But It’s Uncomfortable

We’ve all been there — sitting in a meeting, on a date, or in a crowded elevator — trying desperately not to let one slip out. While holding in a fart won’t kill you, it can cause bloating, discomfort, and stomach cramps.

Eventually, that trapped gas will find a way out — either through a belch or later when you’re alone. So, it’s best to let it go when you can!

5. Women Fart Just as Much as Men

Despite popular jokes, women pass gas just as often as men — and sometimes their gas is even smellier!

A 1998 study found that while men and women produce similar amounts of intestinal gas, women’s gas tends to contain a higher concentration of sulfur, which makes it smell stronger. So, sorry ladies — you’re not off the hook!

6. The Sound Depends on Speed and Pressure

Why do some farts sound loud while others are silent? It all comes down to the speed of gas and the tightness of your anal sphincter muscles.

When gas is released quickly under pressure, it creates a loud “trumpet” sound. A slow, gentle release creates a soft (and sneaky) one. The shape of your buttocks can also affect how sound waves echo — yes, really!

7. You Fart More When You Eat Fast

When you eat or drink quickly, you swallow extra air — a process called aerophagia. This air travels down to your intestines, adding to the gas produced during digestion.

Carbonated drinks, chewing gum, or even talking while eating can make you swallow more air, meaning… you’ll fart more. So slow down, chew carefully, and enjoy your meal — your stomach (and friends) will thank you.

8. Farts Can Actually Be a Sign of Good Gut Health

Believe it or not, farting regularly is a sign that your digestive system is doing its job.

When gut bacteria break down food, they release gas — so farting means your gut microbiome is active and healthy. People who eat plenty of fiber (like beans, lentils, fruits, and whole grains) tend to fart more because their gut bacteria are thriving.

9. Certain Foods Are “Gas Factories”

Some foods are notorious for making you gassy. These include:

• Beans and lentils (contain oligosaccharides, a hard-to-digest sugar)
• Cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts (high in sulfur and fiber)
• Onions and garlic (contain fructans that ferment in the gut)
• Dairy products (for those who are lactose intolerant)
• Carbonated drinks (add extra air to your stomach)

The more these foods ferment in your intestines, the more gas you’ll produce — and the funnier (or louder) things get!

10. Your Farts Can Tell You About Your Health

Most farts are harmless, but changes in your gas patterns can reveal health issues.

If your gas is suddenly more frequent, more painful, or very foul-smelling, it could indicate:

• Lactose intolerance
• Gluten sensitivity or celiac disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Gut infections or bacterial imbalance

If you notice persistent bloating, abdominal pain, or foul odor, talk to your doctor. Your body could be telling you something important.

11. You Fart More at Night — Especially in Your Sleep

It’s true — your digestive system stays active even while you’re asleep.

At night, your intestines continue processing food, and when you’re relaxed, your sphincter muscles also loosen slightly. That means you’re more likely to fart during deep sleep, even if you never notice it.

Your partner might, though!

12. Farts Can Be Ignited (But Don’t Try It!)

It’s a well-known myth — and technically true — that farts can catch fire. Because they contain flammable gases like methane and hydrogen, a flame can ignite them.

However, this is extremely dangerous and not something to experiment with. The potential for burns or injuries is real. So yes, farts can “burn” — but better to laugh about it than test it!

Bonus Fact: Animals Fart Too!

Humans aren’t alone in this! Many animals fart — cows, elephants, dogs, and even whales.

In fact, cow farts produce methane gas, a major contributor to global greenhouse emissions. Scientists have even studied how to reduce it to help fight climate change. So yes, farts are a worldwide (and interspecies) phenomenon!

How to Reduce Excessive Gas (If It Bothers You)

If you’re farting more than usual, you can try a few simple lifestyle changes:

• Eat smaller meals slowly.
• Avoid swallowing air (no gum, no talking while eating).
• Cut back on carbonated drinks.
• Limit gas-forming foods like beans and cabbage.
• Exercise regularly to keep your digestion moving.

A balanced gut usually means balanced gas production.

Final Thoughts

Farting might be embarrassing, but it’s one of the most natural — and even healthy — bodily functions. Everyone does it, and it’s actually a sign that your digestive system is working as it should.

So next time you feel one coming, remember: it’s just your body’s way of saying your gut bacteria are alive and well.