Ask Dr Stupid: Why is poo brow

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Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2004 00:49:23 -0800
Message-Id: <200401070849.i078nN0K009209@flatus.studio42.com>
To: Dr. Stupid
From: i_couldnt_get_it@hotmail.com (scott)
Subject: poo

Below is the result of your feedback form.  It was submitted by
scott (i_couldnt_get_it@hotmail.com) on Wednesday, January 7, 2004 at 00:49:23
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email: i_couldnt_get_it@hotmail.com

realname: scott

subject: poo

Form-ID: Dr. Stupid Form

Message: why is poo brown?

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Dear Scott:

Wow, finally a fun question. I guess. I don't know. Hmmm.... Nope.

Your poo is brown because of the accumulation of used-up red blood cells that are excreted by your body, along with oxidized bile from your liver and gall bladder. Poo isn't always brown all the time. Notice that in general, poo tends to be brownish, ranging from light brown to dark brown, depending on your diet. Having said that, don't try to adjust your diet so you can poop flouresent green or something like that. If your poop is glowing, you better get to a real doctor right away.

Eating a lot of orange food will not make you poop orange. Sometimes eating lots of vegetables high in iron might make your poop take on a greenish tinge.

Make sure you wash your hands after pooping, OK?

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