Do you have to use air freshener after you poop? You may be asking yourself why your poop smells so bad. Yes, it is true that poop has to smell bad, but if that is downright nasty, there may be something wrong with your digestive system. Let's find out more about the issue.

Why Does My Poop Smell So Bad?

So many factors go into determining how bad your poop smells. Here are some possible causes.

1. You Eat Food High in Sulfur

Many foods are high in sulfur content. Meat is a good example. Garlic, dairy products, and cruciferous veggies, such as cabbage, broccoli, kale, etc., are all high in sulfur. Your digestive system needs to work harder to digest these foods and this can lead to the production of a larger amount of gas, which can make your poop smell very bad.

2. You Have Lactose Intolerance

If you notice things going bad every time you enjoy your favorite ice cream or something related to dairy, you may be lactose intolerant. Dairy products contain lactose and your body needs an enzyme called lactase to digest it. If your body lacks this important enzyme, the undigested lactose will stay in your large intestine, providing food to bacteria and this can result in the production of foul-smelling gas as well as stools. Include lactose-free food in your diet and see if it helps resolve the issue.

3. You Are into Junk Food

If your diet includes too much of processed or fatty food, you should not ask, "Why does my poop smell so bad?" Processed, sugar foods can make your poop smell bad. This is especially true for people who do not have the digestive enzymes required to break down fats. With that undigested food sitting in your large intestine, you will have to deal with excessive gas and bad-smelling stools.

4. You Have Digestive Problems

Malabsorption is one of many reasons of foul-smelling poop, and this can happen when you have a digestive problem that affects your body's ability to absorb nutrients from food. You may have gluten allergy that makes it difficult for your digestive system to digest certain food and nutrients. Similarly, you may have a large number of bad bacteria in your intestines that can cause malabsorption.

5. You Have Antibiotic Colitis

Extensive use of antibiotics can affect the normal intestinal flora and this imbalance can cause all sorts of gastrointestinal problems. Sometimes, your GI system becomes infected with an anaerobic bacterium called Clostridium difficile, which can cause problems like diarrhea and colon inflammation. Certain supplements can also cause problems, especially when you are allergic to something present in the supplement. Taking more than your recommended daily allowance of minerals or vitamins can also cause GI problems and disturb the intestinal balance of good and bad bacteria. Your smelly poop may also be the result of this imbalance.

How to Prevent It

Why does my poop smell so bad? It could be due to many different reasons, and it will be easier to treat and prevent the issue if you know the underlying cause. Here are some steps you can take to prevent it.

1. Change Your Diet

One way to prevent foul-smelling stools is to tweak your diet a bit. For starters, stay away from raw or unpasteurized milk. Talk to your doctor if you have a disorder that makes it difficult for you to absorb certain food. You may even have to work with a dietitian to change your diet. By doing it right, you will be able to prevent symptoms such as abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, and foul-smelling stools.

2. Handle Food Properly

You need to learn how to handle your food properly to avoid bacterial infections. Be sure to cook poultry, beef, eggs, and pork thoroughly before eating. It is even better to check the internal temperature of these foods before eating. You can use a thermometer for this task. Your local health department can help you in this regard. Avoid preparing veggies and meat on the same chopping board or else you will contaminate your food with salmonella or other bacteria. Wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom.

3. Know How Much to Eat

Why does my poop smell so bad? It could happen because of overeating, especially if you have processed food in your diet. A good idea is to eat smaller portions after regular intervals. This will help improve your digestive system and prevent other issues.

4. Avoid Dehydration

It is important to ensure that you drink enough water and fluids every day. Generally, it is a good idea to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. You may also benefit from including fresh juices and hot tea in your diet. Drinking enough water daily will prevent constipation and may also prevent foul-smelling stools.

5. Add Fiber and Magnesium in Your Diet

Consider increasing your intake of fiber if you have constipation. Fiber works great to cleanse your colon and improve the absorption of nutrients. It is also a good idea to get more magnesium on a daily basis because this helps prevent foul-smelling stools. You can do it by consuming nuts, seeds, and green veggies.