Introduction
Pooping helps keep our bodies healthy. Let’s take a fun and exciting journey to learn why we poop and what happens inside our bodies to make it happen!
Hello my friends!
For a quick note, welcome to Tidbits with Titus, a podcast and newsletter where we tackle the big, curious questions kids ask every day in fun, bite-sized ways! I’m Alexander Titus, but I go by Titus. I’m a scientist, adventurer, and a huge fan of making science, technology, and life accessible to all ages. From “How does electricity work?” to “What are taxes?” and even “Why is the sky blue?” I’m here to dive into these wonder-filled questions with engaging stories and simple explanations that spark curiosity and make learning a joy. This effort is all about creating a space where families can learn together, discover the magic of the every day, and find thoughtful ways to explore the world’s big mysteries. Let’s make curiosity a family tradition—one tidbit at a time!
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What Happens to Food After We Eat?
When we eat, our body takes the food on an amazing adventure called digestion. Digestion is how our body breaks down food and takes out the good stuff we need, like vitamins and energy. The rest of the food that our body doesn’t need turns into poop!
The Journey of Food Through Our Body
Let’s follow a bite of food on its journey through the body:
Mouth – It all starts when we take a bite of food. Our teeth chew it up, and our spit (saliva) starts breaking it down.
Esophagus – After we swallow, the food travels down a tube called the esophagus and into our stomach.
Stomach – Our stomach is like a blender that mixes food with special juices to break it down even more.
Small Intestine – Here, the body takes out all the important nutrients, like vitamins and energy, to help us grow and stay strong.
Large Intestine – The leftover parts of the food that the body doesn’t need move into the large intestine. Here, the body absorbs water, and the waste starts to form into poop.
Rectum and Anus – Once the poop is ready, it moves to the rectum, and when it’s time, we go to the bathroom to get rid of it!
Why Do We Need to Poop?
Pooping is our body’s way of getting rid of waste. If we didn’t poop, the waste would stay inside our body, and that wouldn’t be good for our health! Here’s why pooping is important:
Removes waste – Our body needs to get rid of things it doesn’t need.
Keeps our tummy from hurting – If we don’t poop regularly, we might get a tummy ache.
Helps us stay healthy – Getting rid of waste keeps our digestive system working properly.
What is Poop Made Of?
Poop is made of different things, including:
Leftover food that the body didn’t need
Water
Bacteria (tiny organisms that help with digestion)
Other waste from our body
Why is Poop Different Colors?
Have you ever noticed that poop can be different colors? Here’s what different colors might mean:
Brown – This is the most common color because of the way our body breaks down food.
Green – Sometimes, eating a lot of green vegetables or food with green coloring can change poop color.
Yellow – This could mean food is moving too fast through our digestive system.
Black or Red – Sometimes, certain foods or medicines can change poop color, but if it happens a lot, it’s good to tell a grown-up!
Why Does Poop Smell Bad?
Poop smells because of the bacteria in our intestines that help break down food. These bacteria create gases that make poop smell. It’s totally normal!
How Often Should We Poop?
Everybody is different! Some people poop once a day, while others might go more or less often. As long as pooping feels normal and comfortable, everything is working fine!
How Can We Keep Our Poop Healthy?
To have healthy poops, we need to:
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables – These help food move through our intestines.
Drink plenty of water – Water keeps our poop soft and easy to pass.
Exercise and move around – Running, jumping, and playing help keep our digestive system working well.
Fun Facts About Poop!
Some animals, like rabbits, eat their poop to get extra nutrients!
The world’s biggest poop ever found (fossilized) was over 7 inches long!
Wombats have cube-shaped poop!
Poop can be used as fertilizer to help plants grow.
Everyone poops—even astronauts in space!
Conclusion
Pooping might seem funny, but it’s a very important part of keeping our bodies healthy. It helps us get rid of waste and keeps our digestive system happy. The next time you go to the bathroom, remember—you’re helping your body stay strong and healthy!
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