National Poop Day

National Poop Day is typically observed on the day after Super Bowl Sunday. In 2026, it falls on February 9. This holiday uses humor to address the serious biological reality of digestion and excretion. It encourages people to pay attention to their digestive health and normalizes conversations about bodily functions that are often stigmatized or ignored in polite conversation.

History of National Poop Day

The holiday was established in 2016 by the Madison Children’s Museum in Wisconsin. The idea originated from a children’s referendum held at the museum, where young visitors voted on topics they wanted to learn more about and celebrate. The museum staff recognized that while the subject often elicits giggles, it is a vital window into human health and biology. By creating a dedicated day, they aimed to transform a “taboo” topic into an educational opportunity for families to discuss nutrition, anatomy, and the science of the digestive system.

The timing of the holiday is intentional, as it follows the Super Bowl, a day notorious for high consumption of heavy snacks, fried foods, and soda. This scheduling provides a practical context for discussing how diet affects the body’s waste production. Since its inception, the observance has grown beyond the museum, gaining traction on social media and among health advocates who use the day to promote awareness of gut health, the importance of fiber, and the global need for improved sanitation systems.

Why is National Poop Day important?

This day serves as a critical reminder that bowel movements are a primary indicator of overall health. Monitoring changes in frequency, color, and consistency can help individuals identify potential issues like dehydration, food intolerances, or more serious gastrointestinal conditions. By encouraging open dialogue, the holiday helps reduce the embarrassment that often prevents people from seeking medical advice for digestive problems. It bridges the gap between bathroom humor and proactive healthcare, making it easier for people to understand their own bodies.

Beyond personal wellness, the day highlights broader environmental and social issues. It provides a platform to discuss the importance of proper sanitation and clean water, which are still unavailable to billions of people worldwide. It also brings attention to responsible pet ownership and the environmental impact of animal waste in urban areas. By framing waste as a natural and necessary part of life, the holiday promotes a more scientific and less judgmental view of human and animal biology.

• Digestive health is a major factor in the body’s immune system function.
• The holiday follows the year’s biggest day of unhealthy food consumption.
• Openly discussing digestion helps people recognize early signs of illness.
• Proper sanitation is a fundamental human right that protects public health.
• The day educates the public on how fiber and water improve digestion.

How to Celebrate National Poop Day

The most practical way to observe the day is to perform a personal “gut check” by evaluating your current diet and hydration levels. Focus on increasing your intake of fiber-rich foods like beans, whole grains, and leafy greens, which assist in regular digestion. You can also use the day to learn about the Bristol Stool Chart, a medical tool used to classify human waste into seven categories to help identify healthy versus problematic patterns. Taking a moment to listen to your body’s signals is the best form of celebration.

For those with pets, the day is an excellent time to ensure you have a steady supply of biodegradable waste bags and to commit to keeping public spaces clean. In a classroom or home setting, parents and teachers can use the day to read educational books about how the stomach and intestines work. Sharing lighthearted facts or memes online can also help break the ice and encourage friends to think about their own digestive wellness. The goal is to combine a sense of humor with a genuine commitment to maintaining a healthy internal environment.

• Drink an extra glass of water to support your digestive tract.
• Add a serving of high-fiber fruit or vegetables to every meal today.
• Learn how to identify healthy digestion patterns using medical charts.
• Donate to charities that provide clean toilets and sanitation to developing nations.
• Clean up your yard or local park to ensure pet waste is disposed of properly.

National Poop Day Dates Table