### Why Are People on TikTok Talking About Going for a ‘Fart Walk’? A Gastroenterologist Weighs In
The term “fart walk” has recently taken TikTok by storm, thanks to a viral video by Mairlyn Smith. Known on TikTok as @mairlynthequeenoffibre and on Instagram as @mairlynsmith, Smith shared how she and her husband take walks about 60 minutes after dinner to release gas. This simple activity has resonated with many, leading to a surge in people sharing their own experiences with the #fartwalk trend.
But what’s the science behind this phenomenon? And how should one properly execute a fart walk for maximum benefit? Let’s delve into the details.
### Exercise and Gas Relief
Exercise is known to help relieve bloating by facilitating the movement and expulsion of gas from the body. A study conducted in 2006 by researchers in Barcelona, Spain, explored this concept. Eight patients, seven of whom had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), were asked to avoid gassy foods for two days and fast for eight hours before the study. Gas was then pumped into their small bowel, and the expelled gas was collected for measurement.
The patients were asked to pedal on a modified exercise bike while seated. The results showed that exercise significantly reduced the amount of gas retained in the gut, suggesting that physical activity helps move and release intestinal gas. Walking, in particular, may trigger a nerve reflex that propels food and gas through the gut, increasing internal abdominal pressure and aiding in the expulsion of gas.
### Proper Fart Walk Technique
A study from Iran involving 94 individuals with bloating examined the effects of walking after meals. Participants were asked to walk slowly for 10 to 15 minutes (about 1,000 steps) after lunch and dinner. They filled out gut symptom questionnaires before and after the four-week program. The study found that walking after meals improved symptoms like belching, farting, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.
Interestingly, the study recommended a specific walking posture: clasping hands together behind the back and flexing the neck forward. This posture increases internal abdominal pressure, gently squeezing gas out of the colon, while the flexed neck reduces the swallowing of air during walking. This technique, based on scientific evidence, is considered the proper way to perform a fart walk.
### Fart Walks and Constipation
Fart walks can also alleviate constipation. A study involving middle-aged inactive patients with chronic constipation had participants engage in a 12-week program of brisk walking for at least 30 minutes a day, combined with 11 minutes of strength and flexibility exercises. The program improved constipation symptoms, reducing straining, hard stools, and incomplete evacuation.
Moreover, increasing daily step counts can significantly benefit gut symptoms. For instance, a study on patients with IBS found that increasing daily steps from 4,000 to 9,500 led to a 50% reduction in symptom severity. Additionally, just 30 minutes of walking can improve blood sugar levels after eating.
### Alternatives to Outdoor Fart Walks
If stepping outside after dinner is not feasible, consider walking slowly on a treadmill or around the house for 1,000 steps. Alternatively, you could use a modified exercise bike while seated, as suggested by the Barcelona study. Any form of exercise is better than none, as physical inactivity and irregular eating habits are linked to a higher risk of gut diseases and symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating.
### The Benefits of Fart Walks
While the idea of a fart walk may seem humorous, it has substantial benefits backed by scientific evidence. This simple activity can improve common symptoms such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, and constipation. It can also help lower blood sugar levels after meals, making it a beneficial practice for overall digestive health.
### Conclusion
The fart walk trend on TikTok, popularized by Mairlyn Smith, has brought attention to a simple yet effective way to alleviate digestive discomfort. Supported by scientific studies, fart walks can help move and release intestinal gas, improve constipation, and even regulate blood sugar levels. Whether you follow the specific technique recommended by researchers or simply take a leisurely stroll after meals, incorporating fart walks into your routine could offer significant digestive benefits.
So, will you be trying a fart walk today?
**Source:** The Conversation (Au and NZ)
