How Farting Could Actually Make You Live Longer

1. It's a great way to handle our digestive tract's many, many weaknesses

The cause of the gas can also be due to the fact that, according to Dr. Lawrence Kim, human bodies are ill-equipped for digesting certain foods properly. That's right! For being the only species on the planet that has built the civilization, humanity's still incapable of properly breaking down just so much yum-yums. Lentils, beans, broccoli, cauliflower, whole-grain foods like cereals and certain breads, sugars found in artificial sweeteners … we honestly might as well not eat those at all. When we do, our
body works hard — and noisily — to both discharge what it can't break down, and remind you to not feed it that garbage ever again.

2. That stench might help you live longer

 While it certainly seems weird, did you know that there are actually health benefits to smelling farts, including your own? See, the average human being releases gas 10-20 times throughout the day (or 10-20 per hour after a burrito run). Preliminary research from the University of Exeter suggests that the compound, hydrogen sulfide, which is produced in minute amounts within human farts, may have an impact on preventing mitochondrial damage. While toxic to the system in large quantities, getting a good whiff every now and again might actually benefit you in the long run! Guess whoever smelt it not only dealt it, but gets to deal for many, many more years to come.

3. Letting it go versus holding it in

There's a common suggestion that holding in one's farts can have detrimental effects on our digestive track, so you should just risk a few That Faces™ and just let it out. However, according to Dr. Lisa Ganjhu of NYU's Langone Medical Center, research suggests that, while this may result in a very uncomfortable time for you and your guts, there is no long-term negative effect involved. The only thing you risk by holding it in is inflating your digestive tract like a balloon animal, only without the cool shapes or the happy ending. You'd be better served just taking the plunge and relieving yourself, social no-no or not.





Just let go.


4. Conclusion: let it out and feel awesome for it!  

 

So, while releasing a fart can certainly be embarrassing, most of the embarrassment comes from society's perception of farts: loud, smelly, and sloppy. However, scientifically, this gaseous phenomenon is no different than breathing, and should be just as wholly encouraged. Next time you feel anxious about whether or not to cut the cheese, remember that humans make terrible balloons, and that the first one who smelled it will probably outlast all of the people in the room.
Take a deep breath and let it go