The bad smell of poop is primarily caused by bacteria in the intestines breaking down undigested food, producing gases such as methane and hydrogen sulfide, which have strong odors. A key chemical responsible for the smell is skatole, produced by the breakdown of the amino acid tryptophan by gut bacteria. The intensity of the smell can vary depending on diet (especially sulfur-rich foods like eggs, meat, and cruciferous vegetables), hydration, medications, and gut health. Underlying digestive issues such as infections, malabsorption disorders, and imbalances in gut bacteria can also cause particularly foul-smelling poop. If the odor change is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, it might be worth consulting a doctor to check for possible digestive disorders. Summary:
- Bacterial fermentation in the gut produces smelly gases.
- Sulfur-rich foods increase the production of smelly compounds.
- Skatole is a chemical in poop contributing to the smell.
- Digestive conditions and infections can amplify odor.
- Hydration and medication affect poop smell as well.
If poop smells unusually bad for a prolonged period or is accompanied by symptoms like diarrhea, blood, or pain, medical advice should be sought.
