Beyond learning to “go on the toilet” when nature calls, most never receive a lesson on pooping.

 

However, knowing how to poop (yes, there is a skill involved) is a really important concept for health. Admittedly, bathroom-related language might stimulate discomfort in some individuals, but using the word “poop” lightens things up. If you’re seeking social acceptance, the Emojitracker website, which provides real-time analysis of emoji usage on Twitter, indicates that the “pile of poo” emoji usage ranking is #117 at the time of writing.

So, whether you read this as a recluse in your room after everyone has gone to bed, on your smartphone while parked underneath a tree, or on your Apple TV with the family snuggled around you, make sure you don’t shy away from receiving this lesson on pooping.

 

 

WHAT YOU WERE NEVER TOLD ABOUT POOPING

Bear with me for a moment; we will get a little technical in this lesson on pooping. You need not concern yourself with the details. The purpose of what follows is to give you a general idea how the anatomical positioning achieved while squatting supports better elimination, and reduced constipation and belly bloat.

Waste matter moves from the colon to the rectum for evacuation. There is a natural kink from the puborectalis muscle that supports continence, preventing unintended stool leakage.^1,2 While sitting at a 90° angle, the puborectalis muscle does not completely relax, and the colon remains kinked, making it difficult to fully evacuate the bowels. ^1-4 Straining is often necessary, and incomplete evacuation of waste matter may lead to other bowel issues and the reabsorption of toxins.⁵

However, when the feet are elevated, torso is slightly forward, and thighs are gently pressed into the abdomen while sitting on the toilet, one assumes the position of squatting.^2,6 This encourages relaxation of the puborectalis muscle, widening the anorectal angle so that the colon is open. ^1,2,7 And the bowels—working in the direction of gravity with minimal interference—can more easily and completely evacuate. Thus, with the knees above the hips, the thigh muscles gently press into the lower abdomen to enhance defecation.

Research^1,3,4 supports that bowel emptying is easier and quicker and requires less straining when squatting because it anatomically positions the colon for elimination. Interestingly, squatting is how our ancestors positioned themselves to evacuate; but that changed with the popularization of the modern flush-type toilet in the 19th century (the first rendition of the valve-type flush toilet was made by JF Brondel in 1738).⁸

 

 

HOW TO ACHIEVE A SQUATTING POSITION WITH GRACE

No need to fear giving up your modern toilet! You can achieve a squatting position for optimal elimination right in the comfort of your own bathroom.

A Squatty Potty is a toilet stool designed for the correct anatomical positioning central to this lesson on pooping. It tucks under your toilet and can be pulled out when needed. And the Squatty Potty comes in a variety of styles and heights to meet your needs. Once you use it and experience the benefit of pooping the healthy way, you’ll wonder how you ever pooped without a toilet stool.

Traveling? With Porta-Squatty, you never have to compromise healthy elimination. The little unicorns over at Squatty Potty developed this specialized travel toilet stool for those who wish to pack it in a suitcase, backpack, or car trunk. For the super shy, Porta-Squatty can be tucked away in a bathroom closet so no one needs to know your “business.”

 

 

WHY I LOVE THE PORTA-SQUATTY

 

• Made of strong, durable plastic
• Easy to fold and unfold
• Comes with a discreet carry bag so I can confidently take it on-the-go
• Easy to clean with non-toxic cleaners
• Accommodates different toilets (7” height)
• Perfect way to keep elimination running smoothly when a change in routine puts the body at increased risk for altered bowel habits
• Makes elimination a breeze and reduces the occurrence of belly bloat due to incomplete evacuation
• Correct anatomical positioning facilitates the release of trapped gas (and waste that is stuck behind the gas)
• Encourages focus on healthy habits, body awareness, and self-care
• Great way to diplomatically talk about a critical pillar of health

 

Now go put this lesson on pooping into action and experience a happier belly.

 

Disclaimer: Squatty Potty provided me with a Porta-Potty to review. This review reflects my complete unbiased opinions. I was under no obligation to write a positive review, and I only share products on this blog that I wholeheartedly believe in and use or would use in my own home.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. KalenaSpire only joins affiliate programs for products that Christine believes in and sincerely endorses for quality and efficacy.

 

How will this lesson on pooping help you (don’t be shy now 🙂 )? Share in the comments below!

 

 

References

1. Rad S. Impact of ethnic habits on defecographic measurements. Arch Iranian Med. 2002;5(2):115-117. http://www.ams.ac.ir/AIM/0252/0252115.pdf. Accessed December 7, 2016.

2. Proper positioning for elimination. Naturopathic Doctor News and Review. http://ndnr.com/anti-aging/proper-positioning-for-elimination/. Published July 21, 2007. Accessed December 7, 2016.

3. Sikirov D. Comparison of straining during defecation in three positions: results and implications for human health. Dig Dis Sci. 2003;48(7):1201-1205. doi:10.1023/A:1024180319005

4. Sakakibara R, Tsunoyama K, Hosoi H, et al. Influence of body position on defecation in Humans. Low Urin Tract Symptoms. 2010;2(1):16-21. doi:10.1111/j.1757-5672.2009.00057.x

5. Mercola J. Want better bowel movements? Squat don’t sit. Mercola.com. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/06/01/benefits-squats.aspx. Published June 1, 2015. Accessed December 7, 2016.

6. Healthy Bowel Habits. University of Michigan Health System. http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/MBCP/healthyBowelHabits.pdf. Updated January 2011. Accessed December 9, 2016.

7. Bowel Function Anatomy. University of Michigan Health System. https://medicine.umich.edu/sites/default/files/content/downloads/bowel-function.pdf. Published January 2008. Accessed December 9, 2016.

8. Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO). Prevention of constipation in the older adult population. http://rnao.ca/bpg/guidelines/prevention-constipation-older-adult-population. Revised 2011. Accessed December 11, 2016.

9. Pathak B. History of Toilets. Paper presented at: International Symposium on Public Toilets; May 25-27, 1995; Hong Kong. Sulabh International Museum of Toilets. http://www.sulabhtoiletmuseum.org/history-of-toilets/. Accessed December 11, 2016.