Digestion: Movement, Gas, and Chiropractic (or, Why Do We Fart?)

Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

By: Paul Rothbart

The human body is an amazing machine, quietly working behind the scenes to keep us alive. Think about it: we don’t consciously remind ourselves to breathe, blink, or keep our hearts beating. These involuntary actions are so automatic that we rarely stop to marvel at them—until something makes us notice.

TTake sneezing and coughing, for example. They’re not exactly delightful, but they are necessary to keep us healthy. And then there’s another involuntary action far less charming, especially for those nearby. Yes, we’re talking about passing gas. Or, to put it plainly, farting.

It’s a natural process that can leave everyone—from you to the person stuck next to you in an elevator—feeling a little awkward. Keep blaming it on the guy next to you (or the dog!) all you want, but the truth is that gas production and release are normal functions of a healthy digestive system.

However, when it happens too often or with too much enthusiasm, it might signal a deeper issue with digestion. At The Joint Chiropractic, we’re here to help you uncover the why behind excessive gas, recognize when it’s more than just a little awkward, and explore how chiropractic care might play a surprising role in bringing your system back in balance. Yes, seriously—chiropractic care.

How does the digestive system work?

Food in its undigested form may taste good, but it can’t help your body. Your digestive system needs to break it down to allow nutrients, water, and fiber to be absorbed into your bloodstream and taken to your body’s cells.

Digestion starts with chewing as your teeth and saliva break food into smaller pieces. After swallowing the food, the acid in your stomach continues the process. The blood picks up the nutrition in your intestinal tract, and your body sends the waste to the excretory organs.

Food can ferment and produce gasses in the digestive system, and, combined with any air you swallow, you may become bloated. Your body has to get rid of this gas, so you either burp or pass gas out the other end. The bacteria in your gut produce hydrogen sulfides, where the bad smell comes from.

Gas production is a normal part of the digestive process, but excess gas can cause discomfort and may be a sign of a digestive problem. Taking steps to improve digestion and gut health can prevent this problem.

How does movement influence digestion and help prevent gas buildup?

It’s no secret that physical activity is essential to good health. Movement and exercise can help the digestive system function optimally, preventing excess gas buildup. Regular exercise stimulates the system, improving digestion.

Staying active can help avoid digestive issues such as abdominal pain and acid reflux, both of which can lead to serious health problems. Since proper nutrition plays a crucial role in overall health, anything you do to improve digestion will also boost the health of your entire body.

How does stress affect digestion?

No one is stress-free. Life will do that to you. However, excessive stress has many adverse effects on the body. It activates the fight or flight response, for example. Among other things, stress can slow down digestion. This can create a gas buildup, making you feel bloated and possibly causing pain.

Stress management is important for good overall health and can help improve digestion. Meditation, deep breathing, and relaxation practices are great stress management methods. Hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and getting out into nature also help reduce stress. Pets are wonderful companions, and their love is useful in managing stress.

What role does posture play in digestion?

At some point in your life, you were probably told by a parent, grandparent, or other adult authority figure to stop slouching and stand up straight. This is excellent advice. Good posture has numerous health benefits, including helping prevent digestive issues.

Poor posture, such as slumping or slouching, puts pressure on the stomach and intestines. This can slow digestion and cause gas to be trapped and build up in your gut. At best, this will be uncomfortable. At its worst, you may develop health issues that require treatment. Posture is well within your control.

Best ways to reduce gas or bloating caused by poor posture and spinal misalignment

Reducing bloating caused by poor posture is fairly simple. Try to stand straight, with your head up and shoulders back. Keep both feet flat on the floor with your back and neck straight when sitting. Posture is important while sleeping, too. Avoid sleeping on your back, and adopt a comfortable position that keeps your spine straight. There are pillows designed to help, and they are worth the price. If you take the time to focus on good posture, it will quickly become second nature, and your digestive system will thank you.

Good posture can be difficult to maintain if your spine is “misaligned” or you have other back, neck, or joint issues. In that case, you will need some help from a chiropractor.

Can chiropractic care help with issues like indigestion, constipation, and excessive gas?

It may seem like chiropractic treatment, despite its holistic approach, couldn’t possibly improve digestion. Perhaps not directly, but it can help improve posture. Spinal adjustments may help correct subluxations and reduce disc issues in the spine, alleviating pain and making it easier to practice good posture.

Chiropractic care may also aid nervous system response. A misaligned spine can pressure the spinal cord and impair nerve signaling, which is essential to all bodily functions. A spinal alignment can relieve pressure on the spinal cord, which may improve nervous system functioning and, among other things, boost digestive function.

Gas often comes at inopportune times. Nevertheless, it is a part of the digestion process. That said, you don’t have to suffer from bloating. Exercise, good posture, and stress management can aid in the battle against poor digestion. The team at The Joint Chiropractic is your neighbor and partner in health. We have nationwide clinics; you don’t need to make an appointment. Find out how chiropractic could help improve your overall health and well-being so you can ride more elevators without fear!

The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this page, is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise, and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.