What exactly is a fart and why do they smell?

Here’s what Professor Hallux has to say

Good question even if it is a bit stinky! Basically farts are gas.

When we eat, we don’t just swallow food but also air, which contains gases like oxygen. As the food goes through our digestive system, small amounts of these gases go along as well.

These are then mixed with other gases when the food is broken down – like hydgrogen and methane – and they need to leave your body somehow!

It’s these gases as well that can make the fart smelly too. But don’t worry, it’s totally natural to fart. Just maybe try not to do it during a school exam!