But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids cover image

But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids

How does food turn into poop?

Nov 15, 2024
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.
25:39

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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