Wed, Mar-20-02, 10:57
|
|
Senior Member
Posts: 1,110
|
|
Plan: atkins/protein power 1st
Stats: 269/278/210
BF:33%/30%/ ?
Progress: -15%
Location: Hertfordshire
|
|
Shit Happens
This is a messy subject and I don't want to delve into it too deeply but the physics of "Poo" is quite complicated as it is the density of the whole item that determines whether it floats or not.
The problem is that Poo is a conglomerate and not a uniform substance. Slicing a specimen in half, which is not recommended, will determine whether it is made of residue (urea) or undigested fibre/artifacts but usually a mixture of the two.
If you have had children you will know the exquisite pleasure of searching through stinking piles looking for swallowed beads.
Those without children should try corn on the cob and wait 24 hours for similar results.
The next problem is the surface tension, water and gas content of the movement. Explosive motions invariably float. Soft motions invariably sink, and harder motions are more likely floaters.
But the crucial factor is that what comes out one end is a direct consequence of what goes in the other and the determining ingredient appears to be fibre in the diet.
A popular diet several years ago was the F-Plan diet, "F " for Fibre, but was often known as the "F*r*" Plan. Copious amounts of Bran and baked beans were recommended and the test was the same. You are getting enough fibre if they float.
Bowel movements are a study in themselves and in 18thC medicine it was about the only thing they did study along with the colour of you urine.
There is nothing inherently wrong with sinkers but most will and do experience the full range. If the movement is persistently unusual, a visit to the Dr. could put one's mind at rest.
|