Why does intestinal gas smell bad? This is what it could be saying about your health

Intestinal gas is a buildup of air and other vapors in the digestive system that occurs naturally during digestion and swallowing. If it's odorless, the body isn't sending alarm signals; if not, it's important to learn to listen to your body and understand what's happening in your digestive system. Why do they smell bad, according to experts?

According to the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases , the average person produces between half a liter and two liters of intestinal gas per day, which is expelled through belching or flatulence. While this production is completely normal, the problem arises when these gases have an unpleasant odor, which can affect a person's daily quality of life.

This occurs due to the presence of compounds such as hydrogen sulfide, which is generated when intestinal bacteria break down sulfur-containing proteins. Additionally, certain foods rich in this element, such as broccoli, cauliflower, eggs, and meat, can impair digestion . Other factors also contribute to this problem, such as poor nutrient absorption and lactose intolerance.

On the other hand, methanethiol also influences this process, as it is a key compound in the unpleasant odor of gas produced by the incomplete digestion of proteins. Likewise, bacterial infections such as those caused by Helicobacter pylori can alter both the production and odor of intestinal gas.

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Are there any recommendations to avoid smelly gases?

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are some measures you can take to avoid experiencing these problems frequently:

1. Eat slowly and chew your food well to reduce the amount of air you swallow.

2. Reduce or avoid foods with fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs), such as legumes, wheat, barley, fructose, lactose, and polyols, which are difficult to digest and cause fermentation and smelly gas.

3. Do not chew gum, avoid hard candy, carbonated drinks, and drink without a straw to avoid swallowing excess air.

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4. Drink digestive infusions such as mint, anise, fennel, chamomile, or cumin, which help relieve gas formation.

5. Incorporate probiotics or yogurt to improve intestinal flora and facilitate digestion.

6. Cook food thoroughly, peel fruits and eat legumes without skin to facilitate digestion and reduce fermentation.

7. Perform regular physical activity and walk after meals to promote intestinal transit and the natural expulsion of gas.

8. Consult your doctor if foul-smelling gas is accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, or changes in bowel movements, to rule out intolerances or digestive disorders.