Yes I know it’s uncomfortable for some of you, especially when you go to the far flung corners of the globe and there is no choice, but honestly the toilet isn’t doing us any favours health wise.
The issue is that there is a muscle close to the colon called the puborectalis and this is the muscle that keeps us continent so that we don’t experience any unpleasant accidents. Equally, when we sit on the toilet instead of squatting, it can hinder our evacuation and everything we would like to release just isn’t because we’re in the wrong position. Unfortunately, when this happens, it creates a toxic environment and we are much more likely to experience piles, constipation or other bowel problems. Countries that traditionally squat have far fewer bowel issues, if any.
Squatting allows the body to be in the position it naturally favours to eliminate as much as possible. You can achieve this by simply using a plastic foot stool. Sit on the loo with your feet on the foot stool, which brings your knees higher than your hips. Place your elbows on your thighs and ensure your back is upright yet relaxed, this is the nearest we can get to squatting on the toilet.
If the cheap plastic stool isn’t for you then you can find some fancy ones at Squatty Potty http://www.squattypotty.co.uk/
Happy Squatting!