Why do your farts smell so bad? 5 foods to blame

Whether silent or loud, smelly or largely undetectable, we all fart! It may be stinky, smelly, or even odourless. Breaking wind is a normal part of being a human. But what causes gas though, and just how gassy is too gassy? Well, gas is produced in our body in two ways; through swallowing air and the process of digestion. And this gas exits the body in one out of two ways – through the mouth (burping) or flatulence or farts. 

An average person will pass gas multiple times per day. But sometimes your farts can really make you or others around you cringe their nose in disgust! And that’s when you may ask yourself, “Why do my farts smell so bad?” Well, the smell of your farts is influenced by an array of factors. But the most common factor behind it is your improper digestion and your diet. 

On one hand, improper digestion causes the food inside your stomach and intestine to ferment and this causes unpleasant odour and smelly farts. On the other hand, there are certain foods that can make your farts smell bad. Really bad!

HealthShots got in touch with Dr Vipul Rustgi, MBBS MD Medicine, Consultant Physician and Diabetologist, Apollo Spectra, New Delhi, to find out which foods usually cause your farts to stink.

These are the top 5 foods that can make your farts smell bad, says the expert:

1. Broccoli

Love eating broccoli? Well, after all, it is nutritious and loaded with antioxidants. But are you aware that it also contains sulfur compounds in higher quantities that can cause gas. Broccoli is also high in fiber and raffinose that can lead to stinky farts. That does not mean you should completely exclude it from the diet.

2. Cauliflower

Just like broccoli, even cauliflower falls under the category of cruciferous vegetables. This vegetable is also healthy and high in fiber and can lead to gas production and stinky farts due to the presence of raffinose.

Also, read: Fart facts: 6 things that passing gas can reveal about your health

3. Dairy products

Did you know that having things such as milk, cheese and yogurt can make your farts smell bad. No, we are not kidding here! You will be shocked to know that these dairy products contain sulfur and lead to smelly flatulence! 

4. Onions

Onions can enhance the taste of any food, but they are also associated with stinky farts. They contain fructans that cause bloating and gas and make the farts stinky.

5. Beans

Beans and lentils are jam-packed with fiber, and even raffinose, a complex sugar that is not digested well. It reaches the intestine and results in hydrogen, methane, and even smelly sulfur, causing stinky farts.

So, consume these foods in minimum quantity to avoid smelly farts.