When you think about pooping it is likely that you don’t think too much about actually pooping better – but there are varying degrees of defecation – some better than others. For instance, if you have a hard time pooping or experience chronic constipation, you should be paying attention to what your body is trying to tell you.
There is one super simple little tool that everyone should have in their bathroom and use each time they eliminate. This tool has been proven, by research, to be an effective way to poop better.
Using a stool can help you have more effective elimination
A newly published study in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology supports the fact that postural modification devices (DPMDs) help put the body in a better position for elimination. The popular Squatty Potty is one such device that raises the knees above the hips while on the toilet.
Gastroenterologist, Dr. Peter Stanich, an assistant professor of gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine, wanted to test what all the buzz was around the huge commercial success of the Squatty Potty, and what truths were actually behind its raving reviews. To do this, he led the first scientific study on the effectiveness of Squatty Potties.
Researchers monitored bathroom habits
For the study, researchers reviewed bowel habit journals of 52 medical residents at Ohio State along with their partners. In addition to an initial bowel habit survey, participants recorded a detailed log of each bowel movement they had for two weeks.
Although the participants (average age: 20), were all fairly healthy, the results indicated that a number of them had issues around straining, and even some blood in their stools and feelings of not being completely empty – generally associated with constipation.
Participants used a stool and this is what happened next
Researchers gave everyone a Squatty Potty to try and once again asked participants to monitor their bowel movements for another two weeks.
Armed with data from more than 1000 bowel movements, the researchers found that 90% of those that used the stool tool experienced less straining, and 71% had quicker bowel movements. There were also fewer participants who had issues with feeling completely empty.
Improvements were especially prevalent among men and those who expressed toilet-related issues in the initial survey.
Study participants hooked on the Squatty Potty
Over 75% of participants in the study noted that they were planning on continuing to use the stool in the future. Researchers feel like there is a definite indication that squatting is the best way to promote healthy and complete elimination.
According to Stanich, “From the rectum into the anus, there’s kind of a bend and squatting helps to straighten it out — unlike Western toilets, which position the body at a 90-degree angle. The Squatty Potty “gets us closer to how we’re ‘supposed’ to have bowel movements.”
Stools to prevent bowel issues should be considered
Study leader Stanich, says that stools are a good idea for people who have chronic issues with constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, tools like the Squatty Potty also help reduce the risk of straining that can cause painful hemorrhoids.
“Even within this normal population, the toilet stool benefitted their bowel movements,” Stanich says. “This is something that’s not a medication, something basically anyone can use. If it helps reduce bowel symptoms, then it’s really a win-win situation.”
Note: Researchers did not conduct this survey on behalf of Squatty Potty, nor were they given any money from the company for the exposure.
Are you ready to start squatting?
-The Alternative Daily