How to 💩 better.
Minute For Your Health #32
#notanadjustbloodyloveit
Before I go into the science, here is a funny little video to illustrate what I want to talk about today. Beware - ice cream may never be the same afterwards 🤣
The Science:
Did you know the seated toilet has only been widely used in the West since the 19th century?
Before that, and indeed in most other parts of the world today, squatting was the natural position for doing a 💩.
And it seems that our bodies are designed to poo in that position - not with our legs at a 90 degree angle from our bodies.
Indeed some researchers have argued that conditions like:
Haemorrhoids
Anal fissures
Chronic constipation
Sense of incomplete emptying after bowel movements
Taking too long on the toilet
Can be alleviated by squatting.
Granted - the evidence is still conflicting, but one study found that average time to 💩 reduced from an average of 130 seconds seated to 51 seconds squatting.
A fantastic Japanese study filmed 6 healthy volunteers pooping out a high contrast solution using radiography technology (basically the human version of the unicorn video). They found that the solution passed much more easily in a squatting position than a seated position.
Do I need to buy a squatty potty?
If you want a stylish stool to squat with then yes (they have some gorgeous options).
But if you just want to get into a better position while you 💩 try:
Leaning forward while you do your business
Getting a cheap plastic stool from somewhere else
Putting your feet up on a pack of toilet paper
Using your bin to prop up your feet
Finding something else convenient and available that allows your legs to be at less than a 90 degree angle from your body
Summary:
Seated toilets, whilst comfortable and convenient, are getting in the way of our natural 💩 style. Try decreasing the angle between your legs and your body for easier elimination.
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Links and References:
Dimmer, C., Martin, B., Reeves, N. and Sullivan, F., 1996. Squatting for the Prevention of Haemorrhoids?. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, pp.66-71.
Modi, R.M., Hinton, A., Pinkhas, D., Groce, R., Meyer, M.M., Balasubramanian, G., Levine, E. and Stanich, P.P., 2019. Implementation of a defecation posture modification device: impact on bowel movement patterns in healthy subjects. Journal of clinical gastroenterology, 53(3), p.216.
Sikirov, D., 2003. Comparison of straining during defecation in three positions: results and implications for human health. Digestive diseases
Sakakibara, R., Tsunoyama, K., Hosoi, H., Takahashi, O., Sugiyama, M., Kishi, M., Ogawa, E., Terada, H., Uchiyama, T. and Yamanishi, T., 2010. Influence of body position on defecation in humans. LUTS: Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, 2(1), pp.16-21.
1151 (2016). Western Sydney University. [online] Westernsydney.edu.au. Available at: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/newscentre/news_centre/story_archive/2016/whats_the_best_way_to_go_to_the_toilet_squatting_or_sitting [Accessed 9 Mar. 2021].
Image from Western Sydney University.
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