Why Aren't We Disgusted by the Smell of Our Own Feces?

Our own smell is often so familiar that we can hardly notice it, while strangers to us might not even react to it. Do we ever truly become immune to our own unique scent? And why aren't we disgusted by the smell of our own feces?

Adaptation and Sensory Processing

Let's start by examining the remarkable adaptation of your olfactory system. This is one of the best in the animal kingdom, yet it has limitations. Your nose is excellent at detecting new and strange odors. However, it can lose sensitivity to familiar, routine smells over time. For instance, we might not notice the smell of our own room after spending a few days in it.

The olfactory receptors in your nose continue to detect these smells, but your brain filters out the information as unnecessary. This adaptation to long-term sensory input is a significant factor in why we can ignore the smell of our own feces.

The Role of Intestinal Flora

Interestingly, some individuals might have a deeper connection with their own intestinal flora. Your gut microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion, producing gases and other substances that can contribute to the smell of your feces. However, most people do not find the smell of their own feces particularly offensive.

Pablo Alfonso’s response is generally good, but it may not apply to everyone. Some individuals, like myself, are more sensitive to odors of all kinds. Meanwhile, others might not notice the smell as strongly, even in their own feces. This sensitivity can vary widely among individuals, making it difficult to generalize.

Feeling Disgust or Not

Another reason we don't particularly care about the smell of our own feces is that necessity and routine make it a familiar and accepted part of our daily lives. When we excrete, it is necessary and often happens without much conscious thought.

Furthermore, the smell of feces is designed to be unpleasant, serving as a warning signal. It's not supposed to make us high or turn us on. It's simply unpleasant because it is a sign that the waste is no longer useful and needs to be expelled from the body.

Conclusion

To sum up, we aren't disgusted by the smell of our own feces because our olfactory system adapts to familiar smells over time. Additionally, the role of our gut microbiome and the necessity of excretion contribute to why we don't find the smell particularly offensive. It's a fascinating aspect of human biology that still holds many mysteries yet to be explored.