Have you ever taken a whiff of your own poop and thought, “Wow, that smells bad!” You’re not alone. Many people find the smell of their own poop unpleasant. But what causes this smell, and is there anything you can do to reduce it?
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the causes of poop smell and some tips for making your BMs less stinky.
No one enjoys talking about their poop, but it’s something that we all have to deal with.
Unfortunately, there are some cases where the smell of our poop is so bad that it’s difficult to avoid discussing it.
The Smelly Truth About Poop
There are a few different things that can cause your poop to smell bad.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common culprits:
Here are 11 possible causes of bad-smelling poop:
1. You have a food intolerance
If you eat something that your body can’t tolerate, it can come out in your poop. This can cause gas and bloating, which can make your poop smell bad. Common food intolerances include lactose, gluten, and sugar.
2. You’re not drinking enough water
If you’re not drinking enough water, your poop can become dry and hard. This can make it difficult to pass and can cause your poop to smell bad.
3. You have a bacterial infection
Bacterial infections can cause your poop to smell bad. Infections in the gut are often caused by food poisoning or a virus.
4. You have a digestive disorder
Digestive disorders like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis can all cause bad-smelling poop. These disorders can cause inflammation in the gut, which can lead to the malabsorption of nutrients. This can make your poop smell bad.
5. You’re eating too much sugar
Eating a lot of sugar can cause your poop to smell bad. Sugar is fermented by bacteria in the gut, which can produce gas. This gas can make your poop smell bad.
6. You have a parasitic infection
Parasitic infections are another possible cause of bad-smelling poop. These infections are usually caused by contact with contaminated food or water.
7. You’re constipated
If you’re constipated, your poop can become dry and hard. This can make it difficult to pass and can cause your poop to smell bad.
8. You have a viral infection
Viral infections like the flu can cause your poop to smell bad. These infections can cause inflammation in the gut, which can lead to the malabsorption of nutrients. This can make your poop smell bad.
9. You’re taking certain medications
Certain medications can cause your poop to smell bad. Antibiotics, for example, can kill off good bacteria in the gut. This can lead to an overgrowth of bad bacteria, which can cause your poop to smell bad.
10. You have a medical condition
There are a number of medical conditions that can cause your poop to smell bad. Liver disease, for example, can cause your poop to smell like rotting flesh. Pancreatic cancer can also cause your poop to smell bad.
11. You have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
GERD is a condition that causes acid to come up from your stomach into your esophagus. This can cause heartburn, chest pain, and a sour taste in your mouth. It can also make your poop smell bad.
While the smell of your poop may be unpleasant, it’s usually not a cause for concern. However, if you’re experiencing other symptoms like abdominal pain, weight loss, or rectal bleeding, you should see a doctor. These could be signs of a more serious condition.
Bad-smelling poop can be embarrassing, but it’s usually nothing to be concerned about. If you’re concerned about the smell of your poop, talk to your doctor. They can help you rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Tips for making your BMs less stinky
There are 7 things you can do to reduce the smell of your poop.
1. Drink plenty of water. This will help your poop stay soft and easy to pass.
2. Eat more fiber. Fiber helps add bulk to your stool, which can make it easier to pass. It also absorbs water, which helps keep your poop from being too stinky.
3. Take probiotics. Probiotics are live bacteria that help keep your gut healthy. They can also help reduce the odor of your poop.
4. Avoid foods that make your poop stink. Foods like red meat, cheese, and fried foods can all make your poop smell worse. If you notice that certain foods make your poop stinkier, try avoiding them.
5. Avoid foods that make you gassy or bloated. These include things like beans, lentils, broccoli, and cabbage. When you’re bloated, it can make your poop smell worse.
6. Don’t hold it in. When you try to hold in your poop, it can actually make the odor worse. This is because holding it in can cause your stool to become hard and dry, which makes it more difficult to pass and more likely to stink.
7. Try natural remedies. Some people find that certain natural remedies, like apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, help reduce the smell of their poop. You can add a few tablespoons of either one to a glass of water and drink it before you poop.
8. Clean up after yourself. Wiping properly and washing your hands after you poop can help reduce the smell. You may also want to consider using a bidet, which can help you clean up more effectively.
If you’re concerned about the smell of your poop, talk to your doctor. There could be an underlying medical condition causing the odor. Treatment can help reduce the smell and keep you healthy.
I hope this answer your question on why does my poop smell so bad. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. Thanks for reading!
References:
8 causes of foul-smelling stool (medicalnewstoday.com)
Symptoms & Causes of Viral Gastroenteritis (“Stomach Flu”) | NIDDK (nih.gov)