If you’re reading this, you’ve likely held in a fart at some point in your life. While you’ve probably let many slip out over the years, you’ve also probably realized there are situations where it’s best to hold it in.
According to Dr. Ellen Stein, speaking to Live Science, no matter how hard you try, “that gas has to pass eventually,” meaning it will come out one way or another.
Farting occurs as a result of your body breaking down food, creating gas during digestion. The amount of gas can vary depending on your diet and the quantity of food consumed.
If you hold in a fart, the gas that was ready to escape will retreat back into the colon and wait for another chance—possibly when you’re more relaxed, like at bedtime.
However, consistently holding in your gas can lead to health issues. Dr. Stein cautioned that repressing gas regularly can be harmful to your bowels. A bloated colon can develop pockets called “diverticula,” which may become infected, causing abdominal pain and making other colon-related functions more difficult—leading to potential trouble on the toilet.
