Mary Roach, the witty author of Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal, dives into the fascinating world of digestion. She unpacks why we poop and the science behind poop's brown color and smell. Listeners learn why fiber is crucial for digestion and how astronauts tackle bathroom breaks in space. Roach also highlights the surprising roles of poop in nature, discussing its benefits for flies and bacteria, making this a playful yet informative conversation on a topic that’s often avoided.
The digestion process transforms food into waste through several stages, from chewing to nutrient absorption and eventually forming fecal matter.
The color and smell of poop and farts vary based on diet, highlighting how different foods influence our digestive byproducts.
Deep dives
The Alimentary Canal Explained
The process of digestion is systematically explored, detailing how food transforms into waste. Initially, food is chewed and converted into a bolus before descending into the stomach, where it mixes with acidic juices to create a mushy substance. This mixture is then released into the small intestine, where the body absorbs most of its nutrients and proteins. The remaining material travels to the large intestine, where water is extracted, ultimately forming fecal matter from what is left behind.
Understanding Poop Color and Smell
The color and odor of feces are influenced by the substances present as food breaks down in the digestive system. Poop is typically brown due to bile and bilirubin, which color the waste as it passes through. The distinct smells often associated with feces are caused by gases produced during digestion, particularly when breaking down proteins from meat. Interestingly, the odor can vary based on diet, with foods like beets and certain spices also affecting the color and scent of bowel movements.
Farting: A Necessary Function
Farting serves an essential role in maintaining bodily functions by preventing the build-up of gas in the digestive tract. Gases produced during digestion are released from the gut, acting as an emergency release valve to prevent discomfort and potential harm. The sounds and smells of farts vary depending on the nature of the gas and the force with which it is expelled. While discussed lightheartedly, understanding the science behind farting highlights its importance in the digestive process and overall health.
Why do we have to poop? Why does fiber make you poop? Why is poop brown? Why does it smell so bad? Why do farts smell bad, too? Yup, we’re going there! In this episode, Mary Roach, author of Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal, answers your questions about those things that we’re told not to talk about in polite company: poop and farts. We learn how astronauts use the bathroom in space and how many germs are in one ounce of poop.