Although it’s not the most glamorous topic, farting is a completely natural bodily function that plays a vital role in maintaining digestive health. Everyone passes gas multiple times throughout the day—on average, five to ten times—and this process is influenced by what we eat and the health of our gut. While certain foods might contribute to more gas or stronger odors, releasing it is an important part of keeping our bodies in balance.

While it might feel awkward, there are surprising benefits to passing gas. Here are eight reasons why letting it out can be good for your health:

1. Helps Relieve Bloating

Bloating occurs when gas gets trapped in the stomach or intestines, creating uncomfortable pressure. When this happens, passing gas can bring immediate relief by alleviating the bloating. Releasing gas helps your digestive system function more comfortably, making you feel more at ease. If you’re feeling tight or full in the stomach, releasing gas is one of the quickest ways to reduce that uncomfortable sensation.

2. Can Help You Understand Your Diet

The smell and frequency of your flatulence can offer insights into your diet. For instance, a particularly strong or unpleasant odor may be a sign that you’re consuming too much red meat or foods that produce sulfur-based compounds, such as eggs and certain vegetables. Conversely, odorless gas might indicate that you’re consuming a lot of healthy carbohydrates, such as beans, oats, and other fibrous foods. Paying attention to the way your body reacts to certain foods through your flatulence can help you make better nutritional choices and ensure a balanced diet.

3. Reduces Abdominal Pain

Holding in gas can lead to uncomfortable pressure, cramping, or bloating in your abdomen. If you feel the urge to pass gas, it’s better to release it rather than holding it in. By letting go of the gas naturally, you can avoid the discomfort and pain that often accompanies trapped gas. Ignoring the urge might cause your body to suffer unnecessary digestive discomfort, so it’s best to let your body do its thing.

4. Supports Colon Health

While there is no harm in holding in gas occasionally, making a habit of it can lead to complications. Holding in gas for extended periods may worsen conditions such as hemorrhoids or increase pressure on your colon. Over time, this can place added stress on your digestive system. For those with existing colon issues, letting gas out when needed is crucial to keeping things functioning smoothly and avoiding further complications.

5. Could Enhance Cellular Health

You might be surprised to learn that small amounts of hydrogen sulfide, a compound found in flatulence, could have health benefits. A study by the University of Exeter suggested that exposure to low levels of hydrogen sulfide might actually help protect cells and reduce the risk of heart disease, strokes, and other conditions. This finding highlights the potential positive impact of farting on your overall health, in addition to relieving discomfort.

6. Acts as a Digestive Health Indicator

Changes in the frequency, odor, or associated pain of your gas can signal issues with your digestive health. If you notice an increase in the amount of gas or a change in the way it smells, it might be worth paying attention. These changes could point to potential dietary imbalances or underlying health conditions that require attention. In some cases, excessive or painful gas may indicate issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a food intolerance, so it’s always a good idea to check in with your health if something seems off.

7. Helps Identify Food Sensitivities

If you’re prone to excessive gas, it might be worth tracking your reactions to certain foods. Intolerances, such as lactose intolerance or sensitivity to gluten (found in wheat and some grains), can lead to an increase in flatulence. Identifying which foods trigger gas can help you manage your digestive health and avoid discomfort in the future. By keeping a food diary or paying attention to patterns in your flatulence, you can pinpoint foods that may be causing an issue and adjust your diet accordingly.

8. Relieves Emotional Stress

It’s no secret that holding in gas can make you feel uncomfortable, but releasing it can actually improve your mood. The sense of relief that comes with passing gas can help reduce irritability and tension, both physically and emotionally. While it might not always be possible to release gas at the most convenient time, excusing yourself to do so privately can lead to a better mood and greater comfort.

While farting is a normal bodily function, excessive gas can sometimes become bothersome. If you’re dealing with frequent gas, consider making small lifestyle adjustments to ease discomfort. Eating slowly, drinking less carbonated beverages, and cutting back on artificial sweeteners are just a few ways to help reduce the amount of gas you produce. In any case, releasing gas is a natural part of a healthy digestive process, and when it’s necessary, it can benefit your body in more ways than you might realize.