Whether they’re silent but deadly or loud and proud, the CSIRO wants us to keep track of how and when we pass wind.
Australia’s national science agency says charting your farts can help scientists learn more about one of the leading gut health symptoms experienced by Australians.
A study of gut health in 2021 discovered that 60 per cent of Australians reported “excessive flatulence”, with up to 43 per cent experiencing that most days.
Using an app called ‘Chart Your Fart’, the CSIRO is asking Australians over 14 years old to keep a log of their flatulence for at least three days.
Users can track the frequency of their flatulence, and qualities like “smell, loudness, duration, linger and detectability.”
The citizen scientists will help to profile what a “normal” fart may be among different age groups in the population.
The CSIRO says while some can find farting embarrassing, it’s perfectly healthy.
“Passing wind is a natural occurrence and a sign that our digestive system is working as it should, to expel excess gas that is produced from breaking down and processing the food we eat,” CSIRO Research Dietitian, Megan Rebuli said.
“Talking about diet often leads into discussion about the other end of eating.
“Different foods, medical conditions, or even the way we chew, or swallow can have an impact on how our body processes the excess gas, leading to different smells, frequency or even volume.”
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The project’s designers say the community bring observations that can better inform research.
“Research is only as good as the data we have, and we want to work with as much of our diverse Australian community as we can to drive innovation in health and wellbeing research and deliver meaningful outcomes,” CSIRO Behavioural Scientist, Dr Emily Brinda said.
“We want to showcase the potential of public-led research and ask the community to come on board with shaping our future health and wellbeing science.
“We rely on the public to share their experience with us for so much of our health and wellbeing research, but we also want to hear what research the community wants us to do – it is about keeping it real and relevant, but why not have some fun too?”
