Benefits of Farting

Hold the press. Explosive new research shows that farting could play a role in regulating your brain, behaviour and mood. Those of us brave enough to admit that farting is HILARIOUS quite funny, already know that the laughter potential of a bottom burp is very high, and of course laughing makes us happy, so maybe this all sounds like a bit of a no-brainer? But in actual fact scientists have discovered that the gases we release are doing much more than tickling our sense of humour. These gases may be acting as "gasotransmitters" that could be having a regulatory effect on your brain and behaviour.

This science stuff is a real gas

The gases that we often, hardly ever or never release - depending on your level of honesty - are a by-product of the many billions of bacteria in our gut as they produce enzymes and digest our food, amongst other things. Apparently, the average human produces up to 1200ml of gas daily, which generally consists of nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Much of this gas is released (don't lie, we're all friends here), but some of it is transferred to the bloodstream where they can act as gasotransmitters.

Research reveals that the gasotransmitters have a dual purpose within the intestinal tract. Firstly, they act as an energy source for the bacteria living in your gut, collectively known as your gut microbiota, but secondly, they are also responsible for regulating the function of your brain, immune system, and cardiovascular system. For example, nitric oxide is produced by the gut microbiota, which once in the bloodstream acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. Scientists have discovered that mice that are deficient in the enzyme responsible for producing nitric oxide show increases in motor and sexual activity, as well as long-term depression.

Gas could help with diagnosis of certain disorders

Research has also revealed that the types of gasotransmitters produced by an individual vary depending on their diet, lifestyle and the composition of their gut bacteria. The researchers hope that further research could help develop future treatment methods for people suffering with neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression.

"It seems feasible for instance, to attempt to normalise the amount of ammonia with the help of bacteria that will be introduced into the body in a goal-directed fashion," said lead researcher, Alexander Oleskin of Lomonosov Moscow State University.

Probiotics may help reduce anxiety & IBS

We can see from the study above that gases produced by our intestinal microbiota have an effect on our mental and emotional wellbeing. This adds to the ever growing list of studies demonstrating the close link between the gut microbiome and the brain. You can learn more about the gut-mind connection by reading the article: Gut-brain axis. Another study on this subject, recently published in the Neurogastroenterology & Motility Journal, reveals that short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) may have a beneficial effect on sufferers of IBS and anxiety. The clinical trial observed the effects of dietary supplementation of scFOS versus placebo in 79 IBS patients for 4 weeks. The research team monitored faecal microbiota of the participants during the study and asked quality of life questions after the trial period. The results revealed that quality of life scores were significantly higher in the probiotic group, compared to placebo, as well as a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms. Faecal microbiota was notably altered during scFOS supplementation and this, the scientists theorise, is the potential cause of the beneficial effect. 

Probiotics may help reduce flatulence

Probiotic bacteria such as Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 has been shown in clinical trials to help reduce flatulence, whilst also alleviating other gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation, acid regurgitation and irregular bowel movements when compared with placebo.

A high quality, well researched probiotic supplement may be an option to consider for individuals who are bothered by excessive flatulence.

Enjoy this post? Check these out:

More research links the microbiome to emotional health 
Which probiotics are for IBS?
Can high fibre diets improve brain health? 

Healthcare professionals can read more about the research behind probiotics for anxiety and the following article, New study found that gas produced by prebiotics reduces with time.

Healthcare Professionals can read more about Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 on the Probiotics Database.

References

1. Oleskin, A. V. et al. (2016) Neuromodulatory effects and targets of the SCFAs and the gasotransmitters produced by the human symbiotic microbiota. Microbial Ecology in Health & Disease. 27: 30971
2. Azpiroz, F. et al. (2016) Effects of scFOS on the composition of fecal microbiota and anxiety in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled study.
3. Waller P et al. (2011). Dose-response effect of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 on whole gut. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology,, 46: 1057–1064.​