These factors produce gas in the digestive tract, and passing g.as is how the bo.dy expels the excess g.as through the anus.
However, you can’t always comfortably release gas, especially in public or formal situations. So, what happens if you try to hold in a fa.rt, meaning you don’t let the gas escape? Where does that g.as go, and can it harm your bo.dy? Let’s explore this in detail.
1. What Is Intestinal Gas? Why Does the Body Need to Pass G.as?
The gas in the digestive tract mainly consists of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, methane, and sulfur-containing gases responsible for odor.
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You swallow air when eating or drinking.
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Gut bacteria break down leftover food, especially fibers that are hard to digest, creating gas.
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When g.as builds up too much in the intestines, causing bloating and discomfort, the bo.dy reflexively expels it through the anus - this is flatulence.