You may not be aware of it, but your body emits gas up to 25 times per day, including 3 to 5 times during sleep. But what’s so great about farts? why do we like the smell of our farts and find others so repulsive? Well, we’ve got you covered.
Farting is not bad at all
Maybe you’ve been in a car with a group of friends, and you’ve farts all over them, and they rush to open the windows while you think: “Not bad at all!”
This brings us to the all-too-common question: Why are we so gross when others fart, but we don’t mind or enjoy our own?
RELATED: Top 12 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Hold In Your Farts
Unfortunately, there aren’t any definitive studies on this topic in gastroenterology. But some theories might help explain why we find our fart smells pleasant or even attractive.
The more we are familiar with something, the more we like it
One possible answer is that we get used to our smell. That is, because we pass gas regularly (on average about half a liter daily), we get used to it,” says Breuning, an expert in mammalian brain chemistry and social behavior. “In the natural world, our survival depends on our capacity to detect other odors, so we tend to ignore our own.”
RELATED: How To Buy Green Leafy Vegetables From The Market
But all of this is moot if you can’t stand your smell. If that’s the case, it’s likely the food you eat that’s causing it, and it’s time for some dietary changes. “Gas is simply the product of the metabolism of bacteria or organisms,” says Lockwood, a registered dietitian. “It’s essentially a byproduct of digestion.”
Depending on the composition of your gut and intestinal flora, your odor can range from harsh to mild
One of the first things you can do is limit the amount of sulfate in your diet. Sulfate is a compound that your small intestine doesn’t easily break down, and it’s found in a variety of cruciferous plants, like cabbage and broccoli, as well as Brussels sprouts and nuts, according to Lockwood. Eating less sulfate in these foods can reduce the chances of you producing stinky gas.
RELATED: Using garlic for reducing cholesterol
If you really like the smell, by all means, continue to indulge—but maybe in a more secluded environment.
Why Do We Like The Smell of Our Own Farts FAQs
Why do we find the smell of our farts less offensive?
There are also familiarity and psychological factors at play. We’re used to our body odors, so they may not smell as bad to us.
Is it normal to like the smell of our farts?
Yes, it’s not uncommon for people to find that their body odors are less unpleasant because of familiarity and psychological factors.
Can the smell of our farts indicate anything about our health?
Some scientists believe that the odor changes in our farts may be a sign of digestive problems, but further studies are needed to prove this.
Why do some people find fart jokes funny?
Humor is a subjective phenomenon, and culture has a lot to do with it. Some cultures are more comfortable talking about bodily functions, and that’s why there’s humor around farting.
Is it true that certain foods can make farts smell worse?
Yes, high-sulfur foods like broccoli and cabbage do tend to produce more gas as they are digested, which can result in more intense farts.
Can we control the smell of our farts?
While we can’t completely control the smell of our stools, eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of fluids can help reduce unpleasant odors.
Is there any way to make farts smell better?
Some people use probiotics or dietary supplements to improve their digestive system, which can have an indirect effect on the smell of their farts, but results vary from person to person.