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Staying Healthy
You don't say? Facts about flatulence
- By Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
Everyone does it, but no one talks about it. Passing gas, that is. Here's everything you ever wanted to know about flatulence (but perhaps were afraid to ask).
Why do we do pass gas? It's normal to have some air in the digestive tract. Air accumulates when you swallow, and the process of digestion generates gases as well. When too much builds up, the body releases it. Passing gas keeps the pressure within the intestinal tract low and prevents painful stretching of the stomach and intestines. Burping accomplishes the same purpose.
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About the Author

Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
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