Passing Gas and Burping May Mean You’re Depressed

When you just "let one rip," isn't that the best relief, best feeling? When you release that big burp, oh man, that's the greatest. 

But, actually, there may be something deeper going on here. Who knew! Breaking wind, as they say, burping and being bloated could be a sign of poor mental health. Say what?

According to the London Daily Mail, researchers quizzed nearly 6,000 people in the UK, US, and Mexico about their issues over 24 hours, as well as their mental health in the past week. The found that breaking wind, okay, f_ _ _ing, was the most common complaint, followed by stomach rumbling (60 per cent), belching (58 per cent), and bad breath (48 per cent).

So, what does that have to do with depression? The scientists noted that the more gassy people also tended to report higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Frequent flatulence could be a sign of a depression, because anxiety, nerves and depression are all known to impact the digestive system and can result in stomach cramps, diarrhea, constipation and loss of appetite.

The UK trumped the US in terms of flatulence, with 83 per cent of Britons breaking wind compared to a more modest 76 per cent of Americans. Must be a lot more depression over there.

Mexico still took the prize for most flatulent of the three nations overall however, with 85 per cent of respondents reporting the symptom. WOW! Talk about a depressed country..

All of that said, it's not all bad. In China, Taiwan, and much of the Far East, belching is considered a compliment to the chef and a sign that you have eaten well and enjoyed your meal.

As for flatulence, don't go there.