BoooToYou

Thanks for doing this AMA!

I have an, odd, question.

When I am ill with a cold or flu, I notice that my poop, and gas that gets passed, smells uniquely different, almost stronger. If I am not imagining things, does this mean that my gut bacteria are also 'sick', or does me being sick just alter their production of gas? And to build on that, do you think it's possible to use gas to detect illnesses or other problems in the body, given you know what to smell for?

Thank you for your reply! Its something I have personally noticed. And I know its anecdotal, but it almost seems like sometimes I notice the changes (in smell) BEFORE I start feeling physically ill. So it always made me curious if somehow certain sicknesses affect the gut bacteria first, or somehow they react sooner to the illness than the physical feeling that happens. Anyways, thanks again!