Matefarts

Matefarts is a colloquial term that describes flatulence occurring after drinking yerba mate, a traditional South American infusion made from the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis. The expression is informal and primarily found in online discussions and humor; it is not a medical diagnosis or widely used in scholarly literature.

Possible causes of matefarts include normal digestive processes and factors related to mate consumption. Some people swallow air when sipping through a bombilla (the metal straw) and maneuvering the gourd, which can contribute to gas. Yerba mate also contains dietary fiber and polyphenols that may be fermented by gut bacteria, producing gas in sensitive individuals. Caffeine and other compounds in mate can stimulate gut motility in some people, which may influence bloating or flatulence. Reactions vary widely among individuals.

Culturally, mate is deeply embedded in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and parts of southern Brazil, and conversations about matefarts often appear in casual chatter and social media as a light-hearted way to describe a common bodily response. The term carries humor and is not intended to stigmatize people who experience gas after drinking mate.

Management is informal: drinking slowly, ensuring comfortable siphon technique, staying hydrated, and moderating intake. If gas is persistent or accompanied by pain, medical advice should be sought, as with any digestive concern.