Why do farts smell so bad? A microbiologist explains the odors brewing in your gut

Your farts’ aromas are tuned to your diet – and your overall health.

By: Brenda A. Wilson, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: November 9, 2026

Words: 1,328

Last Updated: 3 hours, 20 minutes ago

By Brenda A. Wilson, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com.

Why do farts smell so bad? – Daisy, age 7, New York, New York

A healthy person farts about 14 to 20 times each day. All together, that’s enough gas to fill a super stinky party balloon. …

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