Poop, stool, feces – whatever you call it, it’s a natural part of life. But what is poop exactly, and is there a “better” way to, well, go? While cultural norms dictate how we answer nature’s call, research suggests posture might play a more significant role than we think. This article will discuss What Is Poop and how our posture affects the process.
A 2013 study published in Digestive Diseases and Sciences investigated the impact of different defecation postures on bowel emptying. Researchers asked 28 healthy participants to record the time it took to achieve a “satisfactory emptying” in three positions: sitting on a standard toilet, sitting on a lower toilet, and squatting. Participants also subjectively rated the intensity of effort required.
Person using a squatting toilet
Why is the effort involved in defecation important? Excessive straining can damage soft tissues due to increased pressure, potentially leading to health issues like hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, and even vaginal varicose veins. Furthermore, chronic straining has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke.
The results of the study were compelling. All participants experienced a “sharp reduction” in the time needed for satisfactory bowel emptying while squatting compared to both sitting positions. Subjectively, they also reported that squatting felt easier.
The study authors proposed that this difference in efficiency might explain the lower incidence of hemorrhoids, constipation, hiatal hernias, and diverticulosis coli in less-developed countries where squatting is more common.
Pooping is a frequent event throughout our lives. If adopting a squatting posture offers even a small improvement to our health and well-being, it’s worth exploring. While switching to a squat toilet might not be feasible for everyone, tools like toilet stools can help mimic the squatting position and potentially improve bowel function.
By understanding what is poop and the mechanics of defecation, we can make informed choices about our posture and potentially improve our overall health.
