Golf Rocks 2008
Gross Out

POOP

What is poop?

Poop is the solid waste that is left over after your stomach and intestines are finished digesting your food. It passes through your colon and is expelled through your anus. When this happens, it’s called defecation.

Why is it brown?

Poop is full of bile and dead red blood cells. Both of these substances are a dark reddish-brown colour.

Why does it smell?

When you digest food, substances in your food are broken down with chemicals and changed into other substances. Some of these substances can be used by your body to keep you growing and working and they are absorbed into your blood. Other substances can’t be used, and pass all the way through your body to be expelled as waste. The processes that break down your food often produce substances that contain a certain chemical called sulphur. Sulphur stinks. Your body doesn’t need the sulphur, so it’s passed out in your poop. So your poop, loaded with stinky sulphur, stinks too.

Why is there corn and other stuff in my poop?

Some foods, like corn and nuts, are very tough and hard to digest, even though they are good for you. Sometimes your body can’t finish breaking them down before they’re passed out as poop.