"It Takes Guts explores of all the amazing things that happen when we eat and drink: the different tools that the body uses to break food down for digestion, how acids do their part without burning a hole in our stomachs, why we want lots of 'helpful bacteria' in our guts, and how our intestines pass the leftovers along and out the other end. It also explains how the digestive system has a mind of its own, and how it can even affect our moods. And it takes some stomach-turning detours to look at the science of burps, barfs, and farts!"-- Jacket flap.

Includes index.

Introduction : the wonderful world of guts -- Where it all begins : the mouth -- The food tube : your esophagus -- Enzymes and acid and mucus, oh my! : inside the stomach -- When what should go down comes up again : the science of barfs and burps -- Destination digestion : the not-so-small intestine (and friends) -- Meet your microbiome : the trillions of tiny tenants helping you poop -- Peristalsis and poop : the large intestine -- The end : really.