Why does it smell when i poop

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Here's what you should know before making an appointment. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What Causes Foul-Smelling Stools?

Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. What causes foul-smelling stool? What to look for. How is foul-smelling stool diagnosed? Long-term outlook. Read this next. Change in Bowel Habits. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M.

Why Does My Stomach Growl? Medically reviewed by Angelica Balingit, MD. Bowel Retraining. Besides drinking less or spreading out your cocktails, make sure to drink a lot of water, as dehydration from boozing it up can also affect the rankness of your poop. The fat then passes through undigested and causes smelly poop. To top it off, processed foods contain quite a few iffy chemicals and additives that can give your digestive system attitude, so best to scale back on your intake as much as possible.

Many medications are coated with substances, such as sorbitol, that can ferment in your gut, causing digestive drama and—you guessed it—smelly poop. Ditto for vitamins and supplements. Consuming even slightly more than the recommended amount can wreak havoc with the bowels too, says Dr. Patel, so make sure you discuss this with your doctor before taking, and ask whether there are steps you can take to avoid disruptions to your digestion.

The longer poop takes to mosey its way through your colon, the longer it has to ferment and cause a stink. For situational constipation say, due to traveling or not sleeping , try increasing your water intake and eating easily-digestible foods baby food consistency , suggests Dr. For people on a high-protein or high-fat diet where a lot of meats and cheeses are consumed, the smell of your poop will inevitably intensify.

Gut infections can be viral, bacterial, or parasitic in nature, and cause the gastrointestinal tract to become inflamed—symptoms can include abdominal pain, vomiting, and smelly diarrhea.

Your doctor can test your poop to determine exactly the type of infection you have and offer up an appropriate treatment option. The medications typically upset the dynamic between the good and bad bacteria in the gut, says Dr. Patel, so make sure to ask for ways to keep your gut flora happy during treatment. Reasons for a foul smell could include certain medications, having food that's been stuck in the colon for too long, or having an infection, he said.

Dry, hard stools that are hard to eliminate are a sign of constipation. People who are constipated may have bowel movements fewer than three times a week. Constipation is a common complaint, and most people experience it at least once in their lives.

More than 4 million Americans have frequent constipation, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Constipation could be caused by a number of factors, including a poor diet, lack of exercise, certain medications, lack of fluids or various bowel disorders.

If ignored, constipation could lead to complications such as hemorrhoids or rectal bleeding. The best way to relieve symptoms is to follow a well-balanced high-fiber diet , drink plenty of water, try to exercise regularly and go to the bathroom when you feel the urge. Diarrhea happens when loose, watery stools pass through your bowels too quickly.

Generally it lasts one or two days and goes away on its own. Parasites found in water and food can enter the body and disrupt the digestive system, causing diarrhea that can last several days.