A stool that has a foul odor is a rather common problem faced by many people across the globe. One of the things to keep in mind when wondering why your stool has such a foul odor is that it normally emits the smell of the food that you have just consumed and digested. This is not only true for stools that are passed out of the body, but also for urine, sweat and semen as well. However, it must also be kept in mind that a foul smelling stool could be an indication of a serious underlying medical condition, such as chronic pancreatitis or ulcerative colitis. Indications of medical conditions that accompany foul smelling stools are excessive loss of weight, passing blood stools, stools that contain a high mucous content, a pain in the abdomen and fever.
The best way to ensure that you do not pass any foul smelling stools is by ensuring that your digestive system remains clean. This can be done by drinking lots of water on a daily basis, as water neutralizes the odor. Consumption of fibrous fruits and vegetables that provide roughage for cleaning the digestive system are also helpful in overcoming this condition. Green leafy vegetables have high fiber content and are recommended for reducing bad odor. The best way to rid yourself of foul smelling stools is by altering your dietary habits. Milk thistle is an excellent cleaning agent for the digestive system, and is recommended for the same. Yogurt is known to eliminate bacteria in the colon and digestive tract, and therefore, it is advisable to consume yogurt on a daily basis to remove the foul odor from stools. Wheat grass juice is an excellent enema that helps in cleansing the system. Sprinkling a teaspoon of powdered flax seeds on food preparation also aids the digestion process.
One of the primary causes of foul smelling stools is the consumption of deep fried, greasy foods that tend to pose a difficulty in proper digestion. The consumption of such foods should be avoided. People who eat meat on a regular basis should cut down on the consumption of the same and clear the bowels by eating more leafy vegetables. Excessive consumption of garlic and onions also tends to increase bad odors and should be avoided. The consumption of tobacco and alcohol should also be cut out in order to reduce foul smelling stools. Holding back for prolonged periods of time can also contribute to smelly stools.