what makes farts smell bad

Farts smell bad primarily because of gases containing sulfur compounds, especially hydrogen sulfide, produced by bacteria in the large intestine during digestion. These bacteria break down food, especially foods high in sulfur like broccoli, cabbage, meat, and eggs, releasing foul-smelling gases that cause the characteristic bad odor of farts. Additionally, food intolerances (e.g., lactose or fructose intolerance), certain medications, and digestive conditions can increase the production of these smelly gases. The gut microbiome's composition also influences the smell, as different bacteria produce varying amounts of sulfur-containing gases. Farts that smell like rotten eggs are mostly due to hydrogen sulfide gas produced by bacteria breaking down sulfur-containing foods in the gut.