If you’ve ever wondered:
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Is it normal for my poop to smell this bad?
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Why does my poop suddenly smell worse than usual?
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Can wiping actually make butt odor worse?
You’re not alone. Let’s break down the science behind poop smell, when it matters, and how to fix it (or watch our YouTube Video here!)
Why Does Poop Smell So Bad?
At its core, poop smell is caused by gases produced when gut bacteria break down undigested food in your large intestine. Your poop odor is a mix of:
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What you eat
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Your gut microbiome
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How fast food moves through your digestive system
The worst odors come from sulfur-containing compounds, which includes:
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Hydrogen sulfide → rotten egg smell
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Methanethiol → cabbage-like odor
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Dimethyl sulfide → sweet, decaying smell
Other contributors include:
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Indole & skatole (classic “poop smell” compounds)
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Ammonia (from protein breakdown)
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Short-chain fatty acids produced during fermentatio
When digestion isn’t efficient — eating too fast, low stomach acid, enzyme issues — more of these compounds reach the colon and bacteria go wild.
Foods That Make Poop Smell Worse
Diet plays a huge role in poop odor, especially foods high in sulfur or protein.
Sulfur-rich foods
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Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts
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Eggs
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Onions & garlic
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Aged or processed meats
High-protein foods
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Red meat, poultry, seafood
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Protein powders, collagen, whey shakes
(Protein breakdown = more ammonia + sulfur)
Slow digesters
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High-fat foods (fried, greasy, buttery meals)
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Dairy (especially if lactose intolerant)
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Sugar alcohols (sorbitol, xylitol, “diet” sweeteners)
These foods slow digestion, allowing bacteria more time to ferment — which means stronger smells
When Should You Actually Worry About Poop Smell?
Most smelly poops are normal. The red flags are sudden, persistent changes.
🚨 See a doctor if odor comes with:
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Pain
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Blood
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Ongoing digestive distress
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A drastic smell change that doesn’t improve
Otherwise? It’s usually food + bacteria doing their thing.
How to Make Poop & Butt Odor Less Smelly
Good news: there are ways to reduce poop smell — starting with digestion, then hygiene.
1. Eat for better digestion
Fiber slows digestion and reduces sulfur gas production.
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Leafy greens
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Berries, apples, pears
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Whole grains
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Yogurt with live cultures
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Ginger, peppermint tea
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Water (yes, really)
More fiber → slower digestion → fewer sulfur compounds → less smell
2. Slow down when you eat
Eating fast = swallowing air = more gas and odor.
Chewing thoroughly helps digestion before food hits your gut.
3. Use a poop stool
Elevating your knees relaxes the puborectalis muscle, allowing for a more complete bowel movement — meaning less leftover poop to smell later
4. Don’t hold it (The 90-Second Rule)
The longer poop sits, the more bacteria ferment it. When you feel the urge, go — even if it’s inconvenient.
5. Neutralize bathroom odor the smart way
Lighting a match can help, but bathroom sprays work better by neutralizing odor at the source — not masking it.
6. Ditch toilet paper. Wash instead.
Here’s the truth: toilet paper doesn’t clean — it just smears. Wiping often leaves behind:
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Residual poop particles (skidmarks and dingleberries)
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Lingering odor
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Skin irritation
Water actually washes you clean with a refreshing, efficient stream of water. If a bird pooped on your arm, you wouldn’t wipe it with dry paper and call it clean. Your butt deserves the same respect.
The Real Fix for Butt Odor
If you want to fix butt odor for good, the solution isn’t more wiping — it’s better digestion and better hygiene.
✔ Eat fiber
✔ Poop fully
✔ Don’t hold it
✔ Neutralize bathroom odor
✔ Wash with water
That’s why millions of people have switched to bidets — and why the rest of the world already uses them. Ready to smell better?
Explore Hello TUSHY bidets, poop stools, and bathroom sprays to upgrade your entire bathroom experience — from gut, to butt, to bowl.🚽💦
