Farting, though often a topic for jokes, is a natural bodily function that everyone experiences. While we might find it embarrassing, holding in gas can have more consequences than you’d imagine. Often referred to in more polite terms like “passing gas,” it’s a phenomenon that deserves a closer look.

However, holding in your farts isn’t just uncomfortable; it can also have negative consequences for your health. Here are eight surprising reasons why farting is actually good for you and why you should stop holding it in.