Apparently there's a growing number of doctors and other healthy living advocates that seem to think they are.
For the years before the modern toilet existed, humans used almost exclusively the squatting position for defecation. In many parts of the world, this is still the preferred position, however most of the western world has since adopted the sitting toilet, which of course is used in a comfortably seated position.
However,
according to a number of health experts, the sitting toilet has caused more problems than it has prevented. According to them, squatting is the only natural and healthy position to perform defecation. Squatting proponents claim that the squatting position leads to easier, faster, and more complete evacuation for the following reasons:
1) Squatting increases abdominal pressure, which forces waste out of the body.
2) Protection of the appendix by completely closing the ileocecal valve, which prevents backup
3) Straightening the sigmoid colon, allowing for easier flow of waste
4) Relaxing the puborectalis muscle, straightening the final pathway
Their claim is that in the sitting position none of these take place, thus causing excessive strain and force while defecating, and further results in incomplete defecation. They go on to claim that this also causes a myriad of other problems, not the least of which include colon cancer, hemorrhoids, among other problems.
So apparently sitting while shitting isn't doing your body any favors. I don't know. This seems a bit out there, I think. But who knows, maybe they're right.
What are your thoughts?
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Comments (43)
Pretty interesting. I have done both (toilet crapping and squatting) and neither seemed easier. Maybe I'm doing it wrong
So health experts are right when they agree with you. Gotcha.
What a bunch of nonsense.
Taking a dump has been a health hazard since time immemorial. It's about time the planet's intelligentsia started making the appropriate fuss about it.
squatting is a good position when constipated to open up the pathway:D
sitting is ideal for everyday pooping that normally easily flows out and less splash mess on the toilet seat during diarrhea>_< it splashes on my cheeks and is repulsive either way. double edged sword with that one, but that's what toilet paper is for. I prefer the semi-squat when pooping at a public restroom as I don't like sitting on the toilet seat for too long during #2 even with the protective toilet seat cover-just a personal preference
@InternetDominator@xanga - "I don't know. This seems a bit out there, I think."
Apparently you missed where I'm questioning this.
Now's the time I imagine myself breaking your neck with my bare hands, Mr. I'm not talking to you anymore (or that's what you said from your last account. That didn't last long).
@InternetDominator@xanga - And yes, you have seriously made me THAT angry. I've spent the last hour breaking random objects and crap trying not to take it out on people. I must have destroyed $300 worth of property thus far.....
First off, let's correct your grammar.
"Are Sitting Toilets Health Hazards"
After reading this article, along with the comments, it's obvious that your title should say "Is Sitting On Toilets A Health Hazard?"
Also, if you're having problems with a sitting toilet, invent one that you can defecate and stand up while doing that.
Have a great day!!!!
I watched a youtube video a few months back about this. His basic argument was that humans always squat before, our bowels are designed to straighten when squatting, and that some other countries still actively practice the behavior. So his suggestion was to prop something under your feet when you..poo because ripping out your toilet is impractical. So I gave it a go with my bathroom flip top garbage can. Sure as um..shit it worked. I found it much easier to go.Frankly I always prop my feet up now and find it much less easy when my feet are on the floor.
TMI probably, but hey! you asked.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPxZqyLatM4
@Writer2009@xanga - "Sitting toilets" would be plural. His grammar is not off in this case...you pretty much just restated the same thing in a different manner.
But dude. Don't get so angry about what commenters have to say. Breaking $300 worth of your own stuff seems a little extreme. On any public blog you will have negative feedback... I hope you were joking.
What about people who bend forward or alter their posture during elimination? I feel like this can greatly alter positioning. Perhaps this would be something worth trying for those suffering from hemorrhoids.
I never have issues with this though.
Squatting definitely is easier to pass the poop out, but I get pins and needles from squatting.
@missmerlot@xanga - Said blogger had already pissed me off beyond belief earlier. My rage finally just got the better of me, and maybe $300 was a bit extreme, but I did break two windows, and kick a hole in a wall, as well as destroy some other non-valuable stuff.
Everything in this world is a health hazard. First off, I have physical issues that prevent me from squatting, so sitting is my only options. Second of all, I really don't find this true. I'm pretty healthy.
@StatelessPilot@revelife - Oh you.
Wouldn't eating enough fiber and staying hydrated solve this "problem."
I am going to squat next time I shit and see if its any better!
I was on a weekend camping trip with a group this weekend for a class. We had a 11 mile hike to camp, slow moving with everything on our backs. One of the guys in the other group was telling us about how he had to "take his dump" as our professor calls it. He insists it was one of his better bowl movements (squatting and going in a hole).
I see some legitimacy in this theory. Not saying I want to squat and poop in a hole, but I'm sure they can design toilets where our feet are elevated a little. Maybe toilets lower to the ground? As long as I'm sitting comfortably, I don't care how low I have to go or how high I have to prop my feet.
um, this is not news. pooping in that natural squatting position is way better for you. everytime i go to india i find that its easier to poo while squatting. much less of the pushing things out that happens at home. @Cambios@xanga - has it dead on.
for those of us in countries with only sitting toilets
I think we should all be a little more worried about FLYING toilets. After all, as I and the 3 other people who watched "Dead Like Me" will note, they can be deadly.
I can see how this theory might be legit. I used to go to Japan a lot when I was young and HATED the floor toilets...seriously, I would dread going to the bathroom there unless I could find a more modern toilet. To me it's awkward because your pants are right there, plus I can't squat well and stand on my feet, I have to be on my tip toes in order to squat properly, not comfy.
So then they should either start making squatting position toilets or shut up.
@TallandThinIsBetter@xanga - i used to love that show.