Researchers decided to find out how frequently we fart in a day, counting the gas passed by 6,400 people and collecting data on all 360,192 of their toots. You might say the study was a real stinker. Researchers say that given how flatulence can give us insight into gut health, it’s surprising how little we know about the line between what’s good and what’s excessive. So, how do you count farts? Researchers at the University of Maryland created Smart Underwear, a small device that snaps onto underwear, with sensors that track farts automatically. They call it “Chart Your Fart.” The study showed that people fart an average of five times a day, and that includes men, women, young and old. With 5.2 farts a day, men recorded more farts than women, who clocked in at an average of 4.4 farts a day. Ages 26-45 farted the most, followed ages 46-65. Researchers said they didn’t get enough data from folks over 65 to determine their place. Most farts happen during the day, gradually increasing until they peak in the evening after dinner. This largely correlates with when people are taking in energy and fiber through food. Farts follow after an hour or so. Researchers say farting is normal, though certain habits can change farting. Smoking, chewing gum, and drinking carbonated beverages introduce more air into the gut, producing more farts. High fiber foods like beans, lentils, broccoli and Brussels sprouts also cause gas by fermenting in the colon.
