10 Fun Facts About Poop Everyone Should Know
What is poop made of? What is it supposed to look like? Let’s dive into the scoop on poop, discover fun facts, and explore gross ones, too!
Fun facts about poop
While it’s not the most glamorous topic, there’s no denying that poop is filled with fascinating facts.
Fact #1: Poop is mostly water.
Even though poop is usually brown and solid, water is the main ingredient.
In fact, around 75% of poop is water! But the exact amount depends on what you eat.
Vegetarians tend to have more water in their poop compared to meat-eaters.
The rest of your poop is made of undigested carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and fat mixed with bacteria.
Fact #2: Trillions of bacteria live there.
Your gut is a busy city for bacteria, home to trillions of bacteria. That’s why bacteria are a big part of your poop.
Even though gut bacteria is usually healthy, wash your hands after the bathroom in case bad germs get on there.
Fact #3: Fiber is your friend.
When it comes to digestion, fiber is the hero. It adds bulk to your poop, making it easier to push through your digestive tract.
Thankfully, there are many great ways to eat fiber! Choose your favorite fruits, veggies, nuts, and whole grains for an easier journey to the toilet.
Fact #4: The perfect poop looks like a sausage.
What should poop should look like? Sausage shapes are the winners. But it’s not about good looks. It’s about feeling comfortable. This shape happens to be the easiest to push out.
What’s the secret to making perfect poops? Return to fact #3, and add more fiber to your meals!
Fact #5: Poop can look bloody from red food.
If you see red in the toilet, the first question you should ask is, “What have I eaten recently?”
Tomatoes, cherries, and beets are famous for shedding their red color into your poop.
Red popsicles, jello, and any food or drink with red food coloring can cause red poop. Some medications are to blame, too.
Most of the time, there’s nothing to worry about! Check with your doctor if you’re feeling sick and worried about bloody poop.
Fact #6: You can’t digest corn.
Ever wonder why you can see corn kernels in the toilet? That’s because our digestive system can’t break down the tough outer shell of corn kernels. This is totally normal and nothing to worry about.
This fun fact can give you a clue about how fast your body turns food into poop!
Fact #7: Babies have the strangest poop.
Newborn poop is full of surprises. Right after a baby is born, poop can look black and sticky. Then, it can look like mustard for a few months. Eventually, baby poop turns brown and less weird as they grow.
Fact #8: Squatting helps you poop.
Believe it or not, your pooping position can make a big difference. Before the toilet was invented, everyone pooped by squatting on the ground.
Squatting has amazing benefits! It helps your intestines and rectum line up, so poop can come out more naturally.
On the other hand, people need to push a little harder when they sit on a toilet.
Fact #9: Stepstools help you poop.
What if your toilet is made for sitting and not squatting? Put a stepstool under your feet.
This is especially important if you’re short. Don’t let your feet dangle!
A stepstool can help you poop by lifting your knees above your hips, similar to a squatting position. This is a fun poop fact to explore at home!
Fact #10: Poop transplants are real.
Yes, you read that correctly! This poop fact might gross kids out, but it’s really important. When a person has a bad infection in their intestines, poop transplants can help them get better.
That’s because healthy poop is filled with good bacteria. When healthy poop is put inside the digestive tract of a sick person, the good bacteria can take over the bad bacteria.
However, poop-eating is not recommended. Don’t try this at home!
Doctors transfer the poop through a tube that goes into the stomach or intestines.
Sometimes, people take “poop pills,” which is exactly what it sounds like.
More fun facts about your bathroom habits!
Published on January 1, 2024. Updated on January 23, 2024 by Betty Choi, MD
Published on January 1, 2024. Updated on January 23, 2024 by Betty Choi, MD
Betty Choi, MD
Dr. Betty Choi is a Harvard-trained pediatrician who makes learning fun and doable. She created the kids’ anatomy book Human Body Learning Lab, which Science Magazine recommended as a “notable standout in the genre.”