Why does my poop smell different than usual?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Stool odor changes are usually normal and often caused by diet, medications, or routine digestive processes. Common triggers include high-sulfur foods (like eggs, garlic, or cruciferous vegetables), high-fat or high-protein meals, alcohol, antibiotics, and supplements. However, persistent or unusually foul-smelling stool—especially when paired with diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, or greasy stools—can signal malabsorption, infection, or an underlying digestive condition.

Because symptoms overlap across many possible causes, self-diagnosing can be tricky. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you quickly identify likely causes, understand when to seek care, and confidently plan your next steps—all in just a few minutes and without leaving home.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Changes in poop smell are a normal part of digestion and can be influenced by several factors. When food moves through your digestive system, different compounds are broken down by gut bacteria, creating various odors. The type and amount of protein, fiber, and other nutrients in your food can all affect how your stool smells.

Sometimes changes in smell can also happen when you take certain medications or supplements, as these can affect how your body processes food and the way your gut bacteria work.

Most of the time, this is not a cause for concern. However, if the change persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like pain, you can check your symptoms with Ubie's free AI-powered tool to better understand what might be happening and whether you should speak with a healthcare provider.

(References)

Lattimer JM, Haub MD. Effects of dietary fiber and its components on metabolic health. Nutrients. 2010 Dec;2(12):1266-89. doi: 10.3390/nu2121266. Epub 2010 Dec 15. PMID: 22254008; PMCID: PMC3257631.
Jandhyala SM, Talukdar R, Subramanyam C, Vuyyuru H, Sasikala M, Nageshwar Reddy D. Role of the normal gut microbiota. World J Gastroenterol. 2015 Aug 7;21(29):8787-803. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i29.8787. PMID: 26269668; PMCID: PMC4528021.
Hrncir T. Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis: Triggers, Consequences, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Options. Microorganisms. 2022 Mar 7;10(3):578. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms10030578. PMID: 35336153; PMCID: PMC8954387.

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