Did you know that you may be evacuating in a bad position? And FYI, there are correct ways to defecate that you can learn and you are on time. Furthermore, Western civilization has been defecating badly for generations.
According to scientists at Stanford University’s Pelvic Floor Clinic, our bodies are designed to squat and not sit. If you look at the story about bathroom habits, it all makes sense.
Did you know that appendicitis, colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, hernias, diverticulosis, hemorrhoids, and others can be caused by improper fecal elimination?
A study shows the correct way to evacuate
In a 2003 study, researchers looked at 28 people who defecated in three positions: one sitting in a low position, one sitting in a high position, and one squatting. The researchers found that defecating took about a minute less when squatting and was much easier to do.
“There is definitely some physiological sense to squatting to evacuate, ” says gastroenterologist Anish Sheth, MD, co-author of the books “What’s Your Poo Telling You?” and “What’s My Pee Telling Me?” (“What your evacuation says” and “What your urine says”). In short, the colon is straightened to allow the act of defecation to serve the purpose of emptying the intestine. ”
Why can we defecate better this way?
When we are standing, the colon (where waste is stored) is pushed against the puborectalis muscle, which maintains fecal continence until it is time to go to the bathroom. Sitting only partially relaxes that muscle. Squatting fully not only relaxes, but essentially straightens the colon. That, in turn, makes the defecation process easier. According to ‘Bockus’s Gastroenterology’, the ideal posture to defecate is the squatting position, with the thighs fixed on the abdomen. This is the way our ancestors evacuated every day until the middle of the 19th century.
Health benefits of squatting defecation
- Makes evacuation faster and easier.
- Squatting defecates prevents waste stagnation that can lead to colon cancer .
- It prevents waste from entering and contaminating the small intestine.
- Protects the pelvic floor and pelvic nerves also responsible for prostate health, bladder control and sexuality.
- Protects the nerves that control the prostate , bladder, and uterus from stretching and damage.
- For pregnant women, squatting a bowel movement helps a natural childbirth. This position prevents pressure on the uterus when on the toilet.