The problem of sitting posture in Western toilets
Modern Western toilets are comfortable, but they encourage an unnatural sitting posture during bowel movements. While many people perceive this as normal, scientific studies show that the seated position on a conventional toilet can lead to various problems such as constipation, hemorrhoids or incomplete evacuation.
In contrast, the squatting position - as traditionally used in many Asian countries - is considered healthier and more effective. Toilet stools, which support a more ergonomic posture, are an easy way to adopt this natural position on Western toilets too. But how does this posture actually affect our bowel health? The answer is provided by scientific studies, which we take a closer look at in this article.
The most important findings from scientific studies on the squatting posture
1. Reduced strain and improved emptying
Scientific studies show that the squatting position significantly reduces straining during bowel movements. Patients who switched from the sitting to the squatting position required less effort, had a shorter bowel movement time and a more complete bowel evacuation. This reduces complaints such as hemorrhoids, constipation and anal fissures. In addition, a large-scale analysis of user experiences found that a toilet stool facilitates defecation.
Particularly relevant for:
- People with chronic constipation
- People with hemorrhoids or anal fissures
- Older people who want a more gentle evacuation
Studies and results:
> Result: The use of a toilet stool led to better bowel evacuation, a shorter bowel movement time and less strain during bowel movements.
Study 2: “Impact of ethnic habits on defecographic measurements”
> Result: Patients who defecated in a squatting position instead of on a sitting toilet required less effort, which in turn relieved the anus and pelvic floor.
> Result: The majority of toilet stool users reported easier and more complete bowel evacuation.
2. Physiological changes: Optimization of the anorectal angle
The squatting posture increases the anorectal angle, which allows for more natural and efficient defecation. This facilitates the passage of stool through the bowel and reduces the need for straining. Studies using defecography imaging (x-rays taken during defecation) show that the anorectal angle opens significantly in the squatting position, which physiologically facilitates defecation.
Particularly relevant for:
- People with irritable bowel syndrome
- People with anal fissures or rectal prolapse
- Anyone who wants a more gentle and effortless bowel movement
Studies and results:
Study 1: “Impact of Ethnic Habits on Defecographic Measurements”
> Result: The anorectal angle was significantly larger in the squatting position, which facilitated defecation.
Study 2: “Influence of Body Position on Defecation in Humans”
> Result: Reduced rectal pressure and a more natural opening of the anus were measured in the squatting position.
3. Prevention and relief of hemorrhoids
The squatting posture reduces the pressure on the blood vessels in the anal area and thus minimizes the risk of haemorrhoids. The more natural defecation in the squatting position avoids forceful straining, which is one of the main causes of hemorrhoids. Studies suggest that people who regularly defecate in the squatting position are significantly less likely to develop hemorrhoids.
Particularly relevant for:
- People with recurrent hemorrhoids
- Pregnant and postpartum women (reduces pressure on the pelvic floor)
- People with a sedentary lifestyle
Studies and results:
Study 1: “Squatting for the Prevention of Haemorrhoids?”
> Result: Scientific studies have shown that people who use a squatting toilet are less likely to have hemorrhoids and that existing symptoms are alleviated.
Study 2: “Management of Hemorrhoids: A new approach”
> Result: Patients with hemorrhoids who switched to the squatting position reported a significant improvement in their symptoms.
4. Faster and more efficient bowel evacuation
Studies show that people who adopt a squatting posture take less time on average to defecate. At the same time, they report a complete evacuation without the feeling of having to go to the toilet again. Reduced time and improved bowel movement efficiency are key benefits of the squatting posture.
Particularly relevant for:
- People who are used to sitting on the toilet for long periods of time, which is very bad for the pelvic floor.
- People with a weak pelvic floor
Studies and results:
Study 1: “The Straight Poop on Who Benefited From a Squatting Stool”
> Result: Patients with defecation disorders were able to significantly improve their stool duration and voiding efficiency by using a squatting stool.
Study 2: “Implementation of a Defecation Posture Modification Device: Impact on Bowel Movement Patterns in Healthy Subjects”
> Result: The duration of bowel movements was measurably shorter when using a toilet stool.
Study 3: “Comparison of straining during defecation in three positions: results and implications for human health”
> Result: The effects of different sitting positions on straining during defecation were investigated. The results showed that the squatting position significantly reduced straining and therefore enabled more efficient defecation.
5. Improvement of intestinal health and prevention of diseases
In the long term, regular and complete bowel evacuation can reduce the risk of various bowel diseases. Studies suggest that incomplete evacuation can lead to problems such as diverticulosis or even bowel cancer. The squatting posture promotes the natural function of the bowel and can have a preventative effect.
Particularly relevant for:
- People with a family history of bowel cancer
- People who want to proactively improve their digestive health
- People with diverticulosis or other chronic bowel problems
Studies and results:
Study 1: “Health promotion and prevention of bowel disorders through toilet designs: A myth or reality?”
> Result: Incomplete bowel evacuation due to incorrect posture can lead to bowel disorders in the long term.
Study 2: “Impact of Ethnic Habits on Defecographic Measurements”
> Result: People who regularly squat to defecate have a significantly lower risk of bowel disease.
Conclusion: The scientific evidence on the benefits of squatting during bowel movements
The scientific studies clearly show that the squatting posture, supported by a toilet stool, offers many health benefits. It makes bowel movements easier, reduces symptoms such as hemorrhoids or constipation and promotes general bowel health. However, there is still a need for research, particularly in long-term studies, to further investigate the preventive effects of squatting on serious bowel diseases.
If you want to do something good for your health and especially your bowel health, you can achieve a simple but effective improvement with a toilet stool.
