Article

Smart Underwear and the Science of Flatulence: What’s Actually Normal?

Published on Wednesday, September 02, 2026
by Rebecca Ledford

Health & Wellness

What Smart Underwear Can Teach Us About Flatulence and Gut Health

Wearable technology has transformed the way we monitor everything from heart rate to sleep quality—and now researchers are turning their attention to an unexpected area: flatulence. Bet you didn’t have that one on your bingo card! Nevertheless, smart underwear is here, and it’s offering new insight into the science of flatulence.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the wacky and weird world of smart underwear. I’ve also included some flatulence facts to enhance your knowledge that’ll knock your knickers off!

Why Understanding Flatulence Matters for Gut Health

While it’s definitely not a dinnertime conversation topic, flatulence is an interesting indicator of a fully functioning body. Passing gas is your body’s way of removing a by-product of digestion. As you eat food, it passes from your esophagus to the stomach and lands in the intestines. Bacteria and enzymes digest the food and release (you guessed it) gas.

Eating a well-balanced diet can increase the amount of gas your gut produces. So, if you find yourself breaking wind frequently, you’re probably doing something right!

Flatulence Fact #1 - Although it’s considered impolite, passing gas is a necessary part of human life and comfort. Releasing gas can reduce bloating, pain, and colon irritation.

What Causes Gas in the Digestive System?

The digestive system produces gas through two processes: digestion (as mentioned above) and aerophagia (swallowing air). The gas produced is a mixture of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. In about ⅓ of people, this mixture also includes methane gas.

The foods you eat can increase or decrease the amount of gas you pass. While there are some exceptions, the overall consensus is that carbohydrates create more gas than proteins and fats. Keep that in mind the next time you attend a dinner party!

Flatulence Fact #2 - The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) lists several food components that cause the most gas: starches, soluble/insoluble fibers, sorbitol, raffinose, lactose, and fructose.

Why Scientists Are Studying Flatulence

Believe it or not, scientists’ fascination with flatulence is quite important to health research. The amount of gas we pass can indicate a healthy or unhealthy gut. Several diseases/conditions, such as Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), lactose intolerance, and celiac disease, have a common symptom of excess gas. As scientists study our time tooting, they will learn more about these diseases and our intestinal health.

Flatulence Fact #3 - Several tests can be done in a doctor’s office to determine if you have excess gas. These tests include blood tests, breath tests, gastrointestinal (GI) tract exams, and colon screenings.

How Often Do People Actually Pass Gas?

Ah, the question that is the pièce de résistance: how often do people actually pass gas?

The average person passes gas about 14 to 20 times daily, with more than 25 times considered excessive flatulence. If you think you may be cutting too much cheese, talk to your doctor! They may recommend changes to your diet or recommend some over-the-counter medications that may help reduce your time tooting.

Flatulence Fact #4 - Trapped gas can mimic several health conditions, such as a heart attack, appendicitis, or gallstones.

What Is “Smart Underwear”?

Smart underwear uses a small device that can be attached to your underwear to measure the amount of gas you pass during a specific time period. This wind wonder sends data to an app, which then relays it to scientists for research.

The device specifically detects hydrogen gas, which is uniquely produced by gut microbes. By continuously tracking hydrogen gas levels, scientists can establish an accurate baseline for “normal” flatulence, similar to baselines already established for blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol. A current study, the Human Flatus Atlas, has already debunked previous medical knowledge and found that some participants with a normal diet release a barking spider around 32 times a day.

Flatulence Fact #5 - Previous medical reports about the “average” number of toots were based on patients’ self-reporting, which may have been inaccurate.

Did you learn something new about intestinal gas? Do you have any questions or topics you’re curious about? Let us know in the comments below!

FAQs

Is it normal to pass gas every day?

Yes. Passing gas is a normal part of digestion. Most people pass gas between 14 and 20 times per day, although the exact number varies with diet, activity level, and individual gut microbiota.

What foods are most likely to cause gas?

Foods high in fiber and fermentable carbohydrates are common contributors to gas production. These may include beans, lentils, cruciferous vegetables, dairy products (for those with lactose intolerance), and certain fruits and sweeteners.

When should I be concerned about excessive gas?

Occasional increases in gas are usually normal. However, if gas is accompanied by symptoms such as significant abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, blood in the stool, persistent diarrhea, or severe bloating, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.

What is aerophagia?

Aerophagia refers to swallowing excess air. This can occur while eating quickly, drinking carbonated beverages, chewing gum, smoking, or talking while eating, and may contribute to bloating and gas.

What is smart underwear used for?

Smart underwear is currently being studied as a research tool that measures hydrogen gas release. Researchers hope the technology will improve understanding of gut health, digestion, and normal flatulence patterns.

Does passing more gas mean you have a healthier gut?

Not necessarily. Gas production varies from person to person and depends on factors such as diet, gut microbiota composition, and digestive health. While some gas production is normal, excessive gas can sometimes indicate food intolerances or digestive conditions that may warrant further evaluation.