Why your farts are smelling worse than usual and how to figure out the key culprit in your diet
It’s not the amount of gas that determines the smell, but the type of fermentation happening in your gut and the bacteria involved.
This bacteria forms part of your unique gut microbiome, a collection of trillions of different bacteria, some good and some bad.
This is why your farts may smell different to your friend’s or partner’s, despite eating the same foods.
The speed at which your food ferments and becomes farts varies between people.
“Factors include genetics, your hydration level, fibre intake, physical activity, stress levels, hormonal fluctuations and the balance of gut bacteria,” says Adrienne.
“Some people naturally have faster motility, so food moves through their digestive tract more quickly. Others have slower transit, which can increase fermentation time and sometimes lead to more gas build-up.”
Healthy adults fart an average of 32 times per day, according to scientists at the University of Maryland, which is double that reported by the NHS (five to 15).
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2026-04-14
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