Yes, poop generally smells better on a plant-based diet due to the absence of sulfur-rich animal products, which contribute to foul odors. When you consume a diet high in fiber from fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, your digestion tends to be more efficient, leading to less putrefaction in the gut.
Animal proteins contain sulfur-containing amino acids like methionine and cysteine, which break down into hydrogen sulfide and other smelly compounds. In contrast, plant-based foods, especially those rich in fiber, promote better digestion and encourage the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, reducing odor-causing compounds.
Additionally, fiber helps bulk up stool and speeds up transit time through the intestines, preventing waste from sitting in the gut for too long and fermenting excessively. The presence of prebiotic-rich foods like garlic, onions, bananas, and asparagus can further support a balanced gut microbiome, which may contribute to a milder stool odor.
However, certain plant foods can still cause strong-smelling stools. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain sulfur, which may increase odor. Legumes and beans, rich in oligosaccharides, can also contribute to gas production and sometimes lead to digestive discomfort.
Overall, people on a whole-food, plant-based diet often report less intense stool odors due to better digestion, faster elimination, and reduced sulfur-containing compounds from animal products.
