Colon Gas and Flatus
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What Are These Gases?
- Hydrogen – This is a major part of colon gas. It is made by bacteria and, indeed, is used by other bacteria in their own metabolism.
- Oxygen – This is the same gas as is in the air we breathe.
- Carbon dioxide – Most cells in living organisms make this gas, so it is not surprising that bacteria do so as well.
- Methane – About 40% of people make this odorless but explosive gas. It was always thought to be inactive but now some current research indicates that it might contribute to constipation.
- Trace gases – These are present in very tiny amounts, but since most are based on sulfur (like garlic), certain bacteria will create smelly sulfide gases, even when present in very small amounts.
