Is your toilet a health hazard?
2012
“Oh boy. Here we go again. Toilet a health hazard? Seriously!?” Brace yourself, guys. Here’s another one of those “I never thought” posts (like this one and this one)… Today I’m going to talk about how we do our business… you know, the big #2. Yeah, we’re going to do some potty talk. Sorry, but I think it’s time we see the potential health hazard of our toilets.
How on earth is my toilet a health hazard!?
I’m glad you asked! (Okay, I realize that probably none of you actually asked, but I’m going keep going anyway.)
Let’s back up for just a minute. The human body is awesome. Seriously awesome. It can heal itself, work without conscious effort, and has an amazing track record for dealing with less than desirable living/eating/exercising conditions. With all that said, however, the human body was designed to work certain ways. Sure you can put all the junk food you want in it, but at a price. And sure you can live a completely sedentary lifestyle, but at a price. And yes, you can even use your current toilet and do “the job” somewhat well.
But at a price.
What are some of the things that make your toilet a health hazard? Did you know using your toilet can lead to:
- Constipation
- Hemorrhoids
- Colon Disease
- Pelvic Floor Issues
- Less Effective Elimination
Did you know the the human body was designed to squat while eliminating? And that specific muscles and organs in your body are compromised when not in the full squating position? In fact, patients with colon issues are often recommended (and sometimes required) to squat as part of their healing protocol.
Anyone with children know squatting comes naturally.
Honestly, I remember reading an article on this a couple of years ago and it didn’t surprise me at all. After all, we know that there are optimal positions for things like labor (and generally speaking, it’s not on your back like hospitals would like you to believe). And up until recent history (and still in many countries) squatting is just how it is done.
Now, don’t get me wrong… I still love my toilet.
I love the ease, cleanliness, and purpose of my toilet. That is why, despite the fact that I’ve known for several years that sitting on the john is not the best way to go, I still use it. And lest any of you assume I’m about to advise you to throw yours out, you can all take a sigh of relief.
Yes, your toilet is a health hazard, but there is a better way.
Enter the Squatty Potty.
The Squatty Potty
Okay, here is proof of my holistic, hippie, all-natural body-wisdom craziness. I just found out about this little gem of a product over the weekend and I immediately knew I would have one in my possession soon. Everything about it makes sense, but (full disclosure here) I haven’t actually tried it… yet. But I am going to. And guess what? Once I’ve done my own research (and convinced my husband to try it as well), I’m going to spill the beans here and let you know my real thoughts on the squatty potty. So stay tuned! (Update: Here is my review.)
In the meantime, check out their promo video (or any of the other videos). It tells the simple tale: Why your toiled is a health hazard.
Also, if anyone else wants to join me on this squatty potty mission, leave a comment. We can start a club. (Yes, I am maxing out my nerd-factor now… time to end this post).
Happy potty time, y’all!
(top featured image by Yuya Tamai, Flickr, baby squatting picture by shingleback, Flickr)
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I saw this a few weeks ago and it makes a lot of sense! I’m looking forward to your review
Thanks, Tiffany. I’m anxiously awaiting its arrival.
Haha! I loved this post! You had the guts to just shout it out! We need more writers like you who are not afraid to share what is right…even though a lot of people don’t want to hear it. Im interested in the squatting potty! Thanks
It’s only been a day or two, but so far I’m really impressed.
Visited a number of “squat toilet” areas in the world and it’s a much cleaner/healthier way to go. Many friends/family think otherwise but I agree for all the reasons outlined above. My son actually puts his feet on the seat (not the cleanest for the rest of us but we’re working on the wiping down the toilet seat afterwards) and he just started doing this on his own saying it’s easier to toilet that way. He’s 7. I also find that the Baby Bjorn toilets have the bum lower than the knees when the babies/toddlers sit on the tiny ones and the toddler toilets. Really like that about them. Let us know how this product does!
Thanks, Melinda! I love the story about your son. Children have such an innate tendency toward doing what’s best for their body! I’ll definitely keep you guys posted on my findings. I’ve been at it for a couple days now and I’m really enjoying the squat so far.
My whole life I used squat toilet in India and after coming to Canada its really hard for me to get used to other one. Really happy for this discovery.
Thank you
Hope it helps!
This may sound absolutely bizarre….but I’ve had “issues” in the past. I used to use a yoga block to help obtain relief in the bathroom. Similar concept….Guess I was on to something without realizing it! Even that little elevation helped. I have never used this product, but with my own experience using a yoga block in the same manner….I have a feeling this product is going to be shockingly impressive!
Awesome! Sounds like you listened to your body in a great way!
ima make one outa wood.
I am from Turkey and we have these kind of toilets. Compared to Usa, colon diseases are much lower. And also I noticed crazy thing this summer. When I visit my family in Turkey, I go to bathroom more than Usa:) It’s like 6 times or so. I am sure it has something to do with squatting.
So interesting! Squatting is really a powerful tool!
My husband is from Ghana, where the squat as well. He still regularly climes up and resumes the squatting position for his business. When I am having stomach craps without any active urges I assume the squatting position and it moves everything into place. I have also found putting a stool under my feet while sitting helps as well. We all face similar challanges but nobody wants to talk about it so thanks for making the first move!
Thanks, Lisa. I’ve also tried the stool thing and found that is’ more effective than just sitting. Such a taboo topic, but really critical to our health. Thanks for stopping by.
that’s ridiculous, you can just bend over while you’re on the toilet… you don’t need to buy something new.
I agree that you don’t necessarily need to buy something new, but bending over won’t give you the full benefit of the squat (unless you have really long legs). Part of what makes the squat useful is that the weight of your body is taken on your feet. This helps with the position, keeps you from inadvertently straining your back, and getting the proper angle. I have found like a small stool or a kid’s step stool work pretty well. And while I don’t think you need to go out and purchase a product for everything (quite the opposite), I personally like the idea of the squatty potty because our bathroom is kind of small and it fits easily under the toilet. But there are definitely other ways to go about making your toilet more appropriate for the “job at hand.”
This was great-more people should be aware of the proper pooping position! We’ve been using either our son’s step stool or the waste (ha!) paper basket in our bathroom for years. It really does help tremendously and it just feels more natural. When our son was younger, he would put his feet up on the seat as well-kids do have that innate knowing of what’s best for their bodies.
I so agree. I love watching kids and learning from them how to get out of old habits and do what’s more natural!
Thanks so much for writing about this. I’ve known about these for almost 20 years but never bought one, until now!
Thanks, Heather!
When I was a child my grandma told me not to sit on public toilets. I asked what shall I do then? She told me to squat on them! I know it sounds funny, but ever since then, this is what I do. I just put the seat up and squat on the toilet. (I hate wall fitted toilets for this reason, I’m always scared of the thing falling off, but then I imagine a much larger person than me and then I just squat on those, too.) It’s the same thing, but it’s way cheaper. it’s free to do! I never told this to anyone though! Only my bf, but he is not willing to try. Haha.
Ha ha! I love it. So smart.
Ok, So back in September I read about the squatty potty thing so I wanted to test out this “squat” thing and see if its for me…I figured I needed to do it over a few months to really see. I haven’t bought a squatty potty product (not in the budget at this time) but I have a stool that I leave in the bathroom that gets my feet up high enough. Lets just say I’m hooked. I had horrible hemoroids from having a baby (crying each time I needed to #2) and it’s not a pain anymore,I’m also saving some money not buying creams and tucks. whoohoo!
Thanks Robin. While I haven’t fully gone as natural and “real” as you are, I’ve been making little adjustments here and there and I’m seeing how wonderful it is to just be real and be me!
This is awesome, Sara! So glad it helped. Yay!
This totally makes sense! As a backpacker I use the ‘squat’ whenever I’m in the woods. I always thought that it was the act of backpacking up and down monster hills with a 27lb pack on my back that lead to cleaner elimination. I’ve even joked about going on a trip when I’m ….. ummmmm…..moving slow?
Thanks for the info!!!
Awesome! Thanks for stopping by.
cant afford to buy that but i will put a step stool in front of the toiletand see what happens. hehe
For sure! You don’t need to purchase a squatty potty to make your bathroom experience better.
Just got mine in bamboo – love it. They come from Saint George. If your still in Utah, please private message me with how I can private message you please.
Tiffany: I started using a small stool about 6 months ago. (It is the same height as the advertised model.) The stool definitely helped relieve the constipation caused by a hemorrhoid. What a marvelous discovery!
Yay!