Are you pooping? If you are, you may want to know these interesting facts about your poop.
Most of us don’t think much about our poop. We go about our business, do our business, and then flush it away without a second thought. But there’s actually a lot more to poop than meets the eye. (or brown eye) Here are 7 interesting facts about everybody’s favorite subject.
Poop Is Mostly Water
The next time you take a close look at your poop in the toilet, you may be surprised to see that it consists mostly of water. In fact, water makes up anywhere from 50 to 75 percent of human feces. The rest is made up of indigestible food matter, bacteria, mucus, and dead cells.
There Are A Lot Of Bacteria In The Poop
While most people think of bacteria as something that causes diseases, there are actually many different types of bacteria, and not all of them are harmful. In fact, there are trillions of good bacteria living in your intestines right now, and they play an important role in digesting your food and keeping you healthy. These good bacteria make up a large part of your stool—up to 30 percent by some estimates.
The Average Person Poops Seven Times A Week
How often do you poop? If you’re like most people, the answer is somewhere between three times a day and once every three days. That works out to an average of seven times per week. Of course, there is no such thing as a “normal” frequency when it comes to pooping, so don’t worry if you don’t exactly fit this mold. However, if you find yourself going more or less often than usual, it could be a sign that something is wrong and you should see a doctor.
Poop Is Heavier Than You Think
Have you ever given any thought to how much poop you produce in a day? Probably not—but believe it or not, the average person passes about one ounce of stool per day. This may not sound like much, but over the course of a year it adds up to nearly five pounds!
Your Poop Says A Lot About Your Health
Your poop can tell you a lot about your health. For example, changes in color (such as yellow or green stool), consistency (loose stools are generally a bad sign), and frequency can all indicate that something is off with your digestive system. If you notice any changes in your bowel habits that last for more than a few days, it’s best to see a doctor just to be on the safe side.
Poop Can Be Used As Fertilizer
Did you know that your poop can be used as fertilizer? It’s true! Human waste is actually quite rich in nutrients that plants need to grow—nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to be specific—so it can be an effective way to fertilize gardens and crops without having to use synthetic fertilizers. Of course, there are some health risks associated with using human feces as fertilizer (namely, the spread of disease), so it’s not something that everyone is comfortable with doing. However, if done properly, it can be perfectly safe—and environmentally friendly too!
There’s more to poop than meets the eye! Who knew that this seemingly unassuming substance could be so interesting? From its composition to its health benefits (or lack thereof), there’s definitely a lot to learn about everybody’s favorite waste removal method.
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