Scientists have tried to figure out why some people pass more gas than others and how to reduce its odor.

Burps are devoid of methane as long as we don’t burp up any stomach acid. Recently, some have suggested that Elvis Presley died from complications caused by his oversized colon.įlatulence, or passing gas, is a byproduct of the fermentation process that occurs in the gut. Colon health has been an area of interest since people began to understand it better, but there are still concerns about megacolon disorders and anal cancers. It is also the place where a smuggler can store contraband such as drugs or other items for long periods of time, even though he may feel uncomfortable while doing so. The rectum is a flexible organ that can expand to accommodate objects. The stomach can stretch enough to prevent overfilling, but if that happens then it could burst. On the other hand, it is possible for a person to die as a result of eating too much food. However, all of those stories are false because they’ve been proven to be scientifically impossible. Over the years, many legends have been told about people who were eaten and survived. They were able to discover things about digestion by experimenting on individuals with these holes (such as William Beaumont and Alexis St. This is because scientists have been studying individuals with unique problems related to digestion, like a hole in their stomachs. The study of the digestive system has historically been slow to develop scientific rigor. For example, Horace Fletcher tried to popularize food chewing in order to improve nutrient absorption and reduce food consumption a century ago. Chewing is so vital to eating that humans are conditioned to associate chewing with pleasure.įood culture is deeply ingrained, but sometimes people try to change food culture for the better. It requires the cooperation of many different parts, including the jaw muscles, tongue and soft palate. The act of chewing is rarely studied and more complex than it appears.

Most people don’t have the ability to analyze smells, so sensory consultants help food producers identify scents that appeal to their customers while not repelling them.ĭog food producers use canine tasters because dogs are more sensitive than humans and can detect flavors that human noses cannot. Our sense of taste is closely linked to our emotions. It explores an intricate system full of self-balancing processes that work together for digestion. Mary Roach’s book, Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal (2013), takes readers on a journey from the moment food enters our body to its final destination.

Gulp by mary roach