Why Does My Poop Smell So Bad?

Inside your digestive tract, many tiny bacteria called gut microbes work to break down your food. When your diet is low in fiber or high in processed foods and meats, these bacteria might produce extra smelly chemicals. Drinking alcohol can also cause foul-smelling poop. Digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome, can change the way your gut works, making the smell of your poop different and stronger. And, certain medications, like antibiotics, can disrupt your normal gut bacteria balance, leading to changes in stool odor. Infections, such as Clostridioides difficile and Giardia, can also cause poop to smell particularly bad because these pathogens release toxins and disrupt the normal balance of gut bacteria. If you experience other associated symptoms like severe pain or if the smell is persistent, it might be helpful to talk with a doctor to see what might be going on.