A few months ago we wrote about toilet posture and the value of squatting. Here is a link to the article titled “Are You Pooping the Wrong Way?“ We posed the question, “Have toilets contributed to GI Grief?” and suggested that the bathroom is NOT a library!
We had no idea what a hornets’ nest we would stir up with this article. We also wrote about Squatty Potty, a device that offers an alternative to traditional squatting, which can be really hard on backs and legs. (The makers of Squatty Potty help underwrite our radio show).
What Readers Say About Squatting:
Penny Pincher says:
“When I first heard about the Squatty Potty I had two reactions; the first was how difficult it was when I lived in Indonesia to use their standard toilet, which was basically a plumbed hole in the ground.
“Then I tried it. It made difficult hard stools slip out much more easily.”
O.G. was even more adamant:
“You-and the makers of “Squatty Potties” have GOT to be kidding. There’s no way I’m trading in my chair-style commode for a hole in the floor, or enriching someone by buying an accessory to what I have now, even if they DO advertise on your radio show.
“Having lived and traveled in places where squatting was the normal way of doing most things, I will tell you that unless you’re used to doing it from childhood, it’s an extremely difficult and uncomfortable position to pick up later in life.
“And as you point out–those of us older people with any sort of musculoskeletal challenges (does a replacement hip count?) or arthritis–would have a very unpleasant time squatting. If the potty police came in and tried to enforce a change to the squat, forget it! The commode cops would not have a nice day either.
“Best wishes to anybody who wants to switch to squatting, or spend money to semi-squat more comfortably. That person ain’t me, baby.”
We did not suggest that people should tear out their plumbing and switch to squatting over a hole in the bathroom floor. That 1) would not be comfortable and 2) would never fly in America!
The makers of the Squatty Potty device give people a much more realistic option. If you visit the Squatty Potty website you can see what we’re talking about or watch a video to understand the concept behind this strategy.
Here are some different reactions from visitors to this site:
Dorian responded to the tirade from OG:
“That’s pretty much the way I felt too, until I tried it.
“I recently bought a Squatty Potty after years of straining. I had put off purchasing one for quite a long while, thinking how odd it would look in my bathroom. Well, I have to tell you, it has made a tremendous difference for me.
“I am elderly, I’ve had two hemorrhoid operations (thankfully they are much simpler now than in years gone by), and I have suffered from constipation for many years. Between getting proper (i.e., natural) control over my hypothyroid issues and using the Squatty Potty, my movements are now normal and easy. I think I’d even carry it along when we travel instead of struggling with straining as was the norm pre-SP.”
NTS offers this experience:
“I purchased two Squatty Potties [SPs] several months ago and both my husband and I have found great relief using the devices. We are both in our seventies and have suffered from a number of the issues mentioned in the article.”
Tori added this:
“Squatty Potty is a small bench that sort of wraps around the front of your toilet. It’s completely out of the way when not in use. You put your feet up on it while sitting on your good old fashioned toilet. It’s very comfortable and very effective.
“I miss it when I go away from home.”
To see what the Squatty Potty actually looks like, go to this link. Let us know your own experience with pooping posture in the Add My Thoughts section below.
