For most people, farting or passing gas, is a source of embarrassment. Yet according to Dr Prashant Desai, a Stanford-trained physician known for his work on gut health, everyday gas may be doing more than making noise. It can be a small but important signal, of how well your digestive system is functioning. Instead of treating it as something to hide, he encourages people to look at it as a normal reflection of what is happening inside the gut.
A natural signal from your gut
Gas is created when gut bacteria break down the foods you eat. These bacteria thrive on fiber, which is found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. When they ferment fiber, gas is released. This is one of the clearest ways your body shows that your microbiome is active.
What it usually means
- Your gut bacteria are getting the food they need
- They are alive, functioning and fermenting properly
- Your digestive system is carrying out its daily work
Many people assume gas is a sign of trouble. In many cases, it is the opposite. It is often a mark of a gut environment that is very much awake.
Fermentation creates more than just gas
Fermentation is not only about producing gas, says Dr. Desai. It also leads to the formation of short chain fatty acids. Among these, butyrate is especially important. Butyrate has become a major focus in modern gut health research because of the protective effect it has on the colon.What butyrate supports
- A healthy gut lining
- Lower inflammation
- A balanced immune response
- Better long term digestive comfort
So, when you pass gas after eating a fiber-rich meal, it often reflects this chain reaction. Your bacteria receive fiber, they ferment it, and they produce substances that help your body function well.
Why fiber matters more than you think
Fiber does more than feed bacteria. It also slows how quickly carbohydrates break down during digestion. When this happens, blood sugar rises more gently. That is one reason why doctors frequently recommend higher fiber diets for better glucose control.Dr Desai notes that people who increase their fiber intake often notice more gas at first. This does not mean something is wrong. It simply means the bacteria are responding to their new food supply. Over time many people find that their digestion becomes steadier and that their energy levels remain more even through the day.How fiber helps
- Encourages healthy fermentation
- Produces beneficial compounds
- Supports smoother blood sugar patterns
- Keeps digestion more regular
When gas is normal and when not
Not all gas belongs in the same category. Everyday farting is normal; it is painless and tends to appear after meals. It is part of how the digestive system releases air created during fermentation.Gas becomes a concern when it brings discomfort or when it is paired with other symptoms. Painful bloating, cramping or sudden changes in bowel habits deserve attention from a medical professional. These may signal food intolerances or imbalances that go beyond normal gas.Normal signs
- Light, occasional gas
- No pain or cramping
- Happens naturally after eating fiber
Possible red flags
- Severe bloating
- Persistent discomfort
- Strong, unusual odor with other symptoms
Dr Desai often tells his patients not to judge their bodies so harshly. Gas is one of the simplest markers of a working gut. It shows that bacteria are alive, that fiber is being broken down and that important byproducts are being created. In a world that often encourages people to feel ashamed of natural processes, his message is refreshingly straightforward.Farting is ordinary. It is natural. And for many people, it is a small sign that their digestive system is performing its daily tasks with surprising efficiency. Instead of hiding from it, Dr Desai suggests paying attention to the larger picture. How you feel, what you eat and how your gut functions as a whole matter far more than the occasional release of gas.