Do you sit on a toilet to poo? Well you shouldn’t. A German author and poo enthusiast (and doctor – she’s not just a mad poowoman) has written a book that translates as Charming Bowels and it’s setting the world on poo-fire – mainly because she explains how the human body isn’t built to efficiently poo while sitting down. In fact, the sphincter isn’t fully open when in that position so it’s actually best to evacuate one’s bowels while squatting.
‘1.2 billion people around the world who squat have almost no incidence of diverticulosis and fewer problems with piles,’ Dr Guilia Enders says. ‘We in the West, on the other hand, squeeze our gut tissue until it comes out of our bottoms.’
Oh, that’s nice. There are some things you can do to help, though, which don’t involve digging holes in your back garden and relieving yourself into the arms of Mother Nature. Namely, putting your feet on a small stool (a little chair. Not a stool stool) when pooing. Or leaning forwards can help too, as it emulates the squatting position. Unfortunately, though, nothing beats a good squat in terms of efficiency.
The rocking squat is the best for full and complete evacuation – which involves crouching and then gently rocking on bent knees. Try doing that in a club toilet at 3am without knocking yourself unconscious.
Like this? You might also be interested in...
How To Poo When You’re On Holiday With A Boy And You’re Not There Yet
Reclaim Our Toilet Breaks! Here’s What To Do While Sat On The Loo
Follow Stevie on Twitter: @5tevieM
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.