Astronauts are forbidden from eating certain food in space as flammable farts could potentially lead to a dangerous explosion.
Brussels sprouts are banned from eating in space to prevent flammable farts
Astronauts living and working on the International Space Station (ISS) have strict rules about their diet.
Interestingly, one food they are not allowed to eat is Brussels sprouts.
This ban is due to safety concerns regarding flatulence and the potential risks it poses in a sealed environment.
The dangers of flatulence in space
In space, astronauts are confined in a small, airtight capsule.
This means that everything they eat can affect their health and safety.
Flatulence, while a normal bodily function, can be dangerous in such a setting.
The gases produced can be flammable, which poses a serious risk of fire or even explosions.
As astronauts prepare for their missions, they must consider how their food choices can impact their environment.
Foods that cause excessive gas must be avoided to ensure a safe and comfortable living space.
Foods that cause gas
Brussels sprouts are not the only foods that astronauts need to avoid.
Other vegetables known to cause gas, such as baked beans, cabbage, and broccoli, are also on the list of forbidden items.
These foods can lead to a buildup of gases in the digestive system, which can be uncomfortable and hazardous in a tight space.
NASA has conducted research on how different foods affect gas production.
Studies have shown that certain foods can lead to higher levels of gases like hydrogen and methane.
For astronauts, this is a significant concern because of the confined atmosphere aboard the ISS.
How flatulence occurs?
Flatulence occurs when bacteria in the intestines break down food.
This process produces gases that can build up over time.
For astronauts, this can happen several hours after eating certain foods.
Research from the 1960s indicated that some individuals could produce a substantial amount of gas after consuming certain vegetables.
In fact, it is estimated that during peak flatulence periods, a person could pass several cups of gas in an hour.
This is quite a lot, especially in a small space where there is no way to let fresh air in.
The importance of a controlled diet
To prevent excessive gas production, NASA has developed a specific diet for astronauts.
This diet is designed to minimize flatulence and ensure that astronauts remain comfortable during their missions.
Foods that are known to cause gas are strictly avoided.
Experts have noted that individuals with mixed diets tend to produce less gas compared to vegetarians.
This is because the cellulose in many vegetables is not easily digestible, leading to more gas production.
As a result, NASA prefers astronauts who have diets that are less likely to produce gas.
Experts emphasize safety when choosing foods.
Maddie Moate, a technology expert, explained why Brussels sprouts are particularly problematic.
She emphasized that the potential for flammable gas makes it essential for astronauts to avoid these vegetables.
The last thing anyone wants is for astronauts to feel uncomfortable or for an accident to occur because of gas buildup.
“Sprouts tend to make us quite gassy.
And you wouldn’t want a crew of astronauts sealed inside the space station feeling uncomfortable because farts are flammable.
So the astronauts are forbidden from eating sprouts,’ she said.
Author Mary Roach, who has written about space nutrition, also discussed the issue.
She pointed out that in a confined space, the effects of gas can be amplified.
The inability to open a window or ventilate the area makes managing flatulence even more critical.
She said: “At the high end of the range, that’s about two Coke cans full of fart. In a small space where you can’t open the window.’’