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We all pass gas regularly — some more than others. A new study (that still needs to be peer reviewed) has found that nine in 10 adults experience at least one gas-related symptom every day. The most common was flatulence (or more casually, farting) at 81%, followed by rumbling stomach (60%), belching (58%), and bloating (38%).
But perhaps the most interesting finding has nothing to do with gas itself, but how it can affect our minds. The researchers found correlations (not necessarily causation) between gas-related symptoms and depression, anxiety, stress, and poorer quality of life. Meaning, those with greater gas-related symptoms had worse mental health.
Further research to come but the connection between gastrointestinal health and depression has been around since 2011 when a Stanford University research team found that even short-term digestive problems can lead to mental health issues. The team observed rats aged 8-10 weeks suffering from upset stomachs and found that they were more likely to be depressed and anxious than rats without the same symptoms.
So what can help? The more recent research showed that those who exercise reported slightly less symptoms, though further exploration is still needed. And while the Stanford group suggested the use of probiotics in 2011, researchers now say there needs to be a more holistic solution accounting for all the factors contributing to gassiness.
🎬 Take Action
Want to start exploring techniques to support better gut health? Healthline has some safe suggestions worth exploring.
Resource Center:
- Gizmodo (Where we found this story) 1 month old | 6 minutes long
- Study Finds Additional details 1 month old | 4 minutes long
- Mental Help Stanford study 10 years old | 5 minutes long
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Do you smell gas?
Yeah, but it’s probably just from Uranus.
Art Credit: Below the Fold