Before we were born, we each had an umbilical cord that provided our fetal nutrition. Shortly after our birthdays, this method of nutritional support was no longer required. Our bodies then discarded the external portion of the umbilical cord, leaving us with the permanent visible feature we most commonly refer to as the belly button, navel, or umbilicus. Why doesn’t everyone have a belly button? Sometimes, situations that require surgery near or directly to the navel itself, can result in its disappearance. What we can say, is that dolphins have belly buttons too.

While all belly buttons begin as “outies,” most become “innies” shortly after the umbilical cord falls off and the area begins to heal. Only about 10% of belly buttons remain as “outies” into adulthood and this is most likely caused by a slight umbilical hernia or mild infection that occurred during infancy.

As identified by North Carolina University’s Belly Button Diversity Project, researchers discovered that 2368 different species of bacteria lived within the navels of its 60 study participants! Most belly buttons hosted between 29-107 different bacterial species (average 67), without a single bacterial species being common to all 60 participants. There were eight species of bacteria that were abundantly found in over 70% of belly buttons, however, the remaining bacterial make up was unique to each individual participant. What does this mean? Our belly buttons are bacteria-rich, diverse, and positively contribute to our individuality as humans.

Prenatally, your umbilical cord acted as a closed system, consisting of one vein and two arteries that delivered nutrient/oxygen-rich blood from your mother to you and exported waste/carbon dioxide back to your mother to dispose of for you. The umbilical cord connected to your liver, circulatory system, and bladder. After you were born, the umbilical vein and arteries hardened into ligament-like structures while remaining attached to the inside of the belly button. These ligaments continue to connect to the liver and the circulatory system near the bladder and still contribute to the workings of your beautiful body.

The hair around your belly button helps to facilitate the collection of lint and debris. In addition, your bacteria-rich belly button collects dead skin, dirt, and oils – all of which contribute to the potential development of odor, irritation, or infection. In rare cases, persistent lack of belly button hygiene can result in the formation of a “stone,” medically known as an omphalolith or umbolith. Stones and infections absolutely require medical intervention. As you may have guessed, The Navel Saver was created to address the belly button’s natural propensity to collect things!