Faeces: what does the smell say?

1. The ideal stool has a light brown color, not much odor and the shape of a cigar. In principle, poo does not stink. But not everyone has the perfect bowel movement. Sometimes the stool smells stronger than usual. What are the causes of smelly poo?

2. The ideal stool has a light brown color, not much odor and the shape of a cigar. In principle, poo does not stink. But not everyone has the perfect bowel movement. Sometimes the stool smells stronger than usual. What causes smelly poo?

1. People can defecate up to 850 grams at a time. This stool contains indigestible food residues and mainly bacteria (about half the weight of your stool), flaked intestinal wall cells (up to 10 grams per day) and some substances that are secreted by the body in the intestine, such as bile dyes. Without those dyes, your stool would have the light, gray color of putty. Not only is the color and consistency of the stool different for everyone, the smell also differs from person to person. Normal poop doesn't smell good, but it doesn't really stink. However, there are certain conditions that make the stool smell stronger.

2. People can defecate up to 850 grams at a time. This stool contains indigestible food residues and mainly bacteria (about half the weight of your stool), flaked intestinal wall cells (up to 10 grams per day) and some substances that are secreted by the body in the intestine, such as bile dyes. Without those dyes, your stool would have the light, gray color of putty. Not only is the color and consistency of the stool different for everyone, the smell also differs from person to person. Normal poo doesn't smell good, but it doesn't really stink. However, there are certain conditions that make the stool smell stronger.

Gassing

1. The smell of your stool (and of your winds) is a good indication of whether your digestion is functioning properly. For example, the smell of rotten eggs could mean that something is wrong with protein metabolism. Gases are released through decay processes. These contain sulfur and nitrogen and that is what causes the smell. Sour smelling poo comes from fermentation and is an indication that your body has some difficulty digesting carbohydrates. When someone eats a lot of (animal) proteins such as meat, this gives a stronger odor to the stool than when someone mainly eats vegetable food.

2. The smell of your stool (and of your winds) is a good indication of whether your digestion is functioning properly. For example, the smell of rotten eggs could mean that something is wrong with protein metabolism. Gases are released through decay processes. These contain sulfur and nitrogen and that is what causes the smell. Sour smelling poo is due to fermentation and is an indication that your body is having some difficulty digesting carbohydrates. When someone eats a lot of (animal) proteins such as meat, this gives a stronger odor to the stool than when someone eats predominantly vegetable food.

Causes

1. Is the smell really revolting? Then there is usually more to it. It is often parasites or bacteria in the stool that cause the smell. This smell is worse when there is a lot of fat or blood in the stool. Also, the stool can get a very pungent odor from certain medications or if it has lingered in the colon for too long.

2. Is the smell really revolting? Then there is usually more to it. It is often parasites or bacteria in the stool that cause the smell. This smell is worse when there is a lot of fat or blood in the stool. Also, the stool can get a very pungent odor from certain medications, or if it has lingered in the colon for too long.

Nutrient malabsorption

1. Poor nutrient absorption is also one of the most common causes of smelly stools. This malabsorption can be due to a gastrointestinal infection, but there can also be other causes: Celiac disease: gluten affects the intestinal lining, which means that not enough nutrients can be absorbed. (Inflammatory) diseases of the intestine; think of ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, but also irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Hypersensitivity to carbohydrates, dairy, proteins or other foods. Malabsorption results in foul-smelling, watery stools (diarrhea). Any winds also stink enormously. Eating 'wrong' foods makes the problem worse.

2. Poor nutrient absorption is also one of the most common causes of smelly stools. This malabsorption can be due to a gastrointestinal infection, but there can also be other causes: Celiac disease: gluten affects the lining of the intestine, so that not enough nutrients can be absorbed. (Inflammatory) diseases of the intestine; think of ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, but also irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Hypersensitivity to carbohydrates, dairy, proteins or other foods. Malabsorption is a smelly, watery stool (diarrhea). Any winds also stink enormously. Eating 'wrong' foods makes the problem worse.

Gastroenteritis

1. As mentioned, gastrointestinal infections can also lead to smelly poo. Gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, is perhaps the best known. This is an acute inflammation of the stomach and intestinal wall. It usually starts suddenly and causes symptoms such as vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fever. Gastroenteritis generally results from an infection with a virus, bacteria or parasite. Bacteria can be transferred between people through feces or vomit. A bacterial infection can also be contracted from contaminated food or water. Well-known bacteria are salmonella, E.coli, shigella and campylobacter.

2. As mentioned, gastrointestinal infections can also lead to smelly poo. Gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, is perhaps the best known. This is an acute inflammation of the stomach and intestinal wall. It usually starts suddenly and causes symptoms such as vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fever. Gastroenteritis generally results from an infection with a virus, bacteria, or parasite. Bacteria can be transferred between people through feces or vomit. A bacterial infection can also be contracted from contaminated food or water. Well-known bacteria are salmonella, E.coli, shigella and campylobacter.

Virus Infection

1. Viral infection usually occurs in the form of epidemics, especially in winter, and is highly contagious. This is also transmitted through faeces and vomit, among other things. Known viruses are: norovirus, rotavirus and adenovirus.

2. Viral infection usually occurs in the form of epidemics, especially in winter, and is highly contagious. This too is transmitted through faeces and vomit, among other things. Known viruses are: norovirus, rotavirus and adenovirus.

Antibiotics

1. In addition, certain medicines and dietary supplements can cause gastrointestinal problems and smelly poo. Strong smelling stools also occur after a course of antibiotics, which persists until the normal intestinal flora has been restored. Other causes of foul-smelling faeces are chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreas), cystic fibrosis and short bowel syndrome (short bowel syndrome). Some cancers also cause smelly stools.

When to see the doctor?

1. Especially when smelly stools are accompanied by diarrhea, bloating or flatulence and this persists for a long time, it is wise to consult a doctor. Also do this for persistent intestinal cramps, vomiting and fever or stomach pain. Furthermore, blood in the stool, black stools (for no apparent cause), discolored stools, sudden weight loss or chills are reasons to see a doctor. The doctor will ask about your bowel habits. You will likely need to provide a stool sample so that it can be checked for bacterial infections, viral infections, and parasites. Sometimes blood tests are also done.

Preventing foul-smelling stools

1. In case of hypersensitivity to certain foods, it is necessary to adjust your diet. In addition, it is important to prevent gastrointestinal infections by handling food in the right way. Make sure meat is well done and be careful when using raw eggs in recipes. Cut vegetables and raw meat on different cutting boards and wash your hands after preparing raw meat and - of course - after every toilet.

Tips

1. Do your stools smell bad and do you feel that this is due to your diet? Then you can try a few things to get the stool back to normal. Try to (temporarily) avoid dairy. If the smell is no less within two or three days, you can eat dairy products again. Try to avoid fatty or fried foods. Eat more artichokes. Artichoke has a beneficial effect on intestinal function and contains a lot of fiber that supports digestion. Avoid carbonated drinks, such as soda and beer. If this has no effect after three days, you can drink it again.