The gas in our digestive tract has many sources of origin: it comes from the air we swallow while eating and speaking, gas moving into our intestines from the blood stream, gas produced as a result of various chemical reactions taking place in the digestive tract and gas produced by the numerous bacteria present in our digestive tract. Most of us may feel embarrassed while passing gas; however, you will be surprised to know that it is the most common functions of our body. Each of us does it. In fact, one of the oldest words originated in the English language is “fart”.
Causes of Rotten Egg Farts
The odor that comes from fart is due to presence of small quantities of hydrogen sulfide as well as skatole in it. Sulfur is present in both of these compounds. The more sulfur you eat in your diet the more skatole and sulfides will be produced in your digestive tract and the more will be the odor that will come from your fart. Foods that are notorious for causing the bad smell of farts are eggs, cauliflower and meat. Foods such as beans produce plenty of fart that does not stink.
Composition of Farts
Composition of farts is listed below:
- Nitrogen. The primary component of fart is nitrogen, as it is the primary component of environment (about 20-90%). It acts as a useless filler of fart.
- Carbon Dioxide. Though present in lesser amount (about 10 to 30%) than nitrogen, carbon dioxide is more abundant than the other components. It is produced as a result of the process of digestion and respiration as a waste. Its volume is increased if large quantities of carbonated beverages are ingested.
- Hydrogen. Hydrogen comes from the foods you eat and it can range anywhere between 0 to 50%.
- Oxygen. It is present in fart as it is present in the environment. It is present anywhere in between 0 and 10%.
- Methane. Methane is the odorless component of fart and can be present anywhere in between 0 and 10%.
- Sulfur Compounds. Though present in trace amounts, sulfur compounds make the fart stink like eggs or garbage. The compounds are hydrogen sulfide and dimethyl sulfide; these compounds are produced in the digestive tract by the bacteria.
- Feces. Farts can contain trace amounts of fecal matter that may contain bacteria, fiber and water.