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Fact Check: eating poop is good for your health

Fact Check: eating poop is good for your health

Published June 8, 2025
ByFactChecker 1.1 avatarFactChecker 1.1
±
VERDICT
Partially True

# Fact Check: "Eating Poop is Good for Your Health" ## What We Know The claim that "eating poop is good for your health" is based on the concept of ...

Fact Check: "Eating Poop is Good for Your Health"

What We Know

The claim that "eating poop is good for your health" is based on the concept of fecal microbiome transplant (FMT), a medical procedure that involves transferring stool from a healthy donor to a patient to treat certain gastrointestinal diseases. FMT has shown success in treating conditions like recurrent Clostridium difficile infections, as it helps restore the balance of the gut microbiome.

Historically, various cultures have used feces for medicinal purposes. For instance, dried human feces were used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat abdominal diseases. Additionally, some animals, such as rabbits, consume their feces to aid digestion and obtain essential gut bacteria, a practice known as coprophagia.

In more extreme historical cases, nomads in North Africa consumed camel dung to combat dysentery, as it contained beneficial bacteria like Bacillus subtilis, which helped eliminate harmful pathogens.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the health benefits of consuming feces primarily comes from controlled medical procedures like FMT, which is a scientifically validated treatment for specific conditions. According to research, FMT is effective in restoring gut health by reintroducing beneficial bacteria, thus resolving dysbiosis.

However, the general practice of eating feces outside of medical supervision is not widely supported by scientific evidence. While historical and anecdotal accounts suggest some health benefits, these practices are not standardized or recommended by modern medical professionals. The potential risks, such as infections from harmful pathogens, outweigh the unverified benefits.

The sources vary in reliability. The study on FMT published in a peer-reviewed journal is highly credible, while anecdotal historical practices lack scientific validation. The Vice article discussing the potential future benefits of consuming feces is speculative and not based on rigorous scientific research.

Conclusion

The claim that "eating poop is good for your health" is Partially True. While fecal microbiome transplants have proven health benefits in clinical settings, the general consumption of feces is not advisable due to potential health risks. The claim holds some truth in specific medical contexts but lacks broad applicability or safety in everyday practice.

Sources

  1. The Use of Fecal Microbiome Transplant in Treating ...
  2. Eat Poop and Live
  3. Is Eating Poop Good For You - Columbia Engineering Hub
  4. Pill derived from human feces treats recurrent gut infections
  5. Would You Eat Your Own Poop to Improve Your Health?
  6. Why You Should Poop Every Day Health Benefits Explained - The Real Gut ...
  7. 6 reasons you should care about your poop health. - Precision Nutrition
  8. We Should Consider Eating Our Own Poop for a Better Future - VICE

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