Why does my poop smell like sulfur?

Sulfur-smelling poop, often described as a rotten egg odor, happens when gut bacteria produce excess hydrogen sulfide gas. This is typically triggered by:

• High-sulfur foods like eggs, red meat, garlic, onions, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage), and dairy
• Supplements containing sulfur, such as glutathione, MSM, or certain multivitamins
• Gut conditions like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), infections (Giardia, Salmonella), or malabsorption disorders like celiac disease

While an occasional sulfur smell is usually harmless and diet-related, persistent foul-smelling stools—especially with diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, or blood—may signal an underlying medical issue that needs attention.

Because the cause can range from something you ate last night to a chronic gut condition, guessing isn't the safest approach. A free, private symptom check takes only a few minutes, uses your specific symptoms to identify likely causes, and helps you decide whether home care, a diet adjustment, or a doctor's visit is the right next step. Get clarity now instead of worrying later.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026