10 Strange Things You Probably Didn't Know About Your Belly Button
#1
Men and women may be two different genders but one thing we all have in common is the belly button. This one universal body part that we all have to remind us that we are all human. It's basically a scar left on the abdomen after detaching the umbilical cord.
All placental mammals have a navel but it appears that humans have the most obvious ones. Although all humans have these things, they all differentiate from person to person. Some are innies, while others have outies. People don't really know anything beyond those two types so we're here to give you the low down on these little holes in our stomachs.
Earlier we mentioned that every human has a belly button. Well, that was a lie. Some people actually don't have them! This is a birth defect known as an umbilical hernia or gastroschisis. This is when the intestines protrude through the umbilical opening in the abdominal muscles.
If you happen to be one of these people, you shouldn't feel self conscious about your lack of belly button. This model doesn't have one and she's working the runway!
#2
For everyone else who happens to have one of these tummy buttons, you might not get off scot-free.
Some belly buttons change in shape or can actually have strange fluids come out of it! Although this is rare, this is known associated with umbilical endometriosis.
This is when menstrual or fecal discharge can come from the navel. Now that doesn't sound very pleasant.
#3
Fortunately there aren't many people who suffer from that. This little hole in your stomach can harbour tons of bacteria.
According to a paper titled, âA Jungle In There', researchers investigated the biological diversity of the navel and learned that there were 2,368 species.
But not all of these are found in one human. The average person carries about 67 different kind in their navel.
#4
When it comes to piercings, most people will go for a standard area like ears or perhaps nose. Nothing too crazy.
But some people might want to choose a spot that's a little more rebellious like the belly button. Girls are more likely to get this type of person than a boy.
However if you do decide to get a belly button piercing, you better be a patient person. A navel piercing takes about 6 to 12 months to heal!
#5
Belly buttons are kind of dirty. So it's important to keep them clean. We all know that lint can be found in there.
Of the two genders, men usually have to deal with more lint than women. One question you may be asking is: Why?
This is because men usually have stomach hair which allows more stuff to get trapped in the belly region. Lint is made up of fabric, dead skin cells, and hair.
#6
While we are on the topic of belly button lint, did you know that there are people that actually collect that stuff?!
As gross as that sounds, there is even a Guinness world record for the largest collection of the stomach lint.
The current title holder is Graham Barker. His collection is pretty big since he started it back in 1984!
#7
These little tummy buttons are basically small holes in our bellies but there are people who actually find it attractive.
If you have ever been attracted to them then you aren't alone. As strange as it sounds, belly button fetishes exist.
This is when a person has a lustful attraction towards them. Studies have shown that the most desirable shape is a T-shaped innie.
#8
Since the belly button is filled with tons of different types of bacteria, scientists have made attempts to put this bacteria to use.
A lot of the foods we eat contain bacteria. Some delicious examples are yogurt, kombucha, and of course, cheese.
In fact, a Dublin science gallery actually made cheese using belly button bacteria! They even put their creation up for display for the whole world to see! Amazing.
#9
When it comes to relaxation, some people may try sleeping, exercising, or meditating. These are all great ways to clear the mind.
But one belly button related way is Omphaloskepsis. This is navel gazing and it was once used as a method of meditation.
It was used as an aid to contemplation of basic principles of the cosmos and human nature. This is because some people consider the navel to be a powerful chakra of the body.
#10
Although humans are the one species that has a very prominent navel. We're not the only creatures with belly buttons.
Our home planet, Earth, actually has a âbelly button' of its own! There is even a name for it.
The Earth's belly button is called the âcosmic navel' and is located in Utah's Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
