Squatting stool: is it really better to evacuate? – GOOD SHAPE

You may have heard of the squatting stool (or Squatty Potty, in English). The fame is that it gives you an extra boost in the bathroom so you can leave the struggle behind to do number 2.

But does the “tip” live up to all the hype?

WHAT IS A SQUAT STOOL

Similar to the products kids use during potty training, this is a stool you can place in front of the toilet that raises your feet about 6 to 8 inches high, placing you in a squatting position to “open the toilet”. colon for better elimination”, according to the product description.

Translation: helps you do the kind of squats that will help you poop more efficiently.

BENEFITS OF THE SQUAT STOOL

Many people contract and stretch their abdominal muscles to go to the bathroom. For most people, there’s not necessarily anything wrong with that. But for those who struggle more than the average person to have a bowel movement — i.e. people with hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic constipation, etc. — this tension can actually weaken the pelvic floor, potentially leading to an inability to control urination and bowel movements in the long term.

The idea of ​​the stool is that by lifting your feet you can change the angle of your pelvic floor. This relaxes your abdominal muscles, making it easier to go to the bathroom.

AFINAL, DOES IT WORK?

YES!

To be clear, though, experts say you don’t necessarily need the stool to improve your posture in the bathroom. You can change your posture by leaning forward with your elbows on your knees (but with a straight spine, not a rounded one), according to your posture. Continence Foundation of Australia..

But of course, this tactic isn’t a miracle cure, so if you’re chronically constipated (especially if the constipation is related to a health issue), the right posture just won’t cut it.