Image via HBO.
Ah, the age old question: To hold in, or to let loose. Yes, we’re talking gas. Farting, specifically, and whether holding in your gas can have a dangerous impact on your health. (Look away now if you’re squeamish.)
We asked Dr Ruth Hand, a Melbourne based General Practitioner, whether or not there are any health implications from holding in the urge to pass wind.
She explained that some digestive system disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, can produce a sensation to need to pass gas excessively, so you should pay attention to them.
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However, if we’re talking normal farts, it’s a different story.
“I don’t see how it can be bad for your health. It is normal gas in your bowels, a by product of digestion. So holding it in, so to speak, is not dangerous,” Dr Hand explains.
But there is one very real consequence of holding in your gas, and it’s called “fart karma”. (Post continues after gallery.)
Memorable farting scenes from our favourite movies and television shows.
According to Dr Hand, farting is pretty straight forward, really, if you hold wind in, it “will come out eventually, it has no where else to go. It just might be more socially acceptable to relieve yourself in certain situations, that’s all”.
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If you are in a very awkward social situation and can’t relieve yourself, then feel free to hold it in, but you should know that it will come out eventually. Maybe in an even more socially awkward situation. So beware.
