By: Melita Horvat |
How is toilet bowl destroying your health |
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For thousands of years all humans met their basic physiological need - bowel movements - in the natural way, in a crouched position.
They barely knew of most of today's intestinal diseases such as hemorrhoids, constipation, colon cancer and Crohn's disease.
And then the modern technology began to creep into all areas of life at a rapid pace, including the bathrooms.
Modern seating toilet bowls were produced, and with them came many health problems.
In today's era of modern and luxurious habits, squatting during a bowel movement is spoken of as an old-fashioned and uncomfortable position.
This is unfortunate, because according to the latest research, the sitting position while defecating is responsible for many diseases today.
Modern toilets bring a host of diseases
The Israel Journal of Medical Sciences published a study that sitting position during a bowel movement is responsible for a high rate of diseases, including:
- hemorrhoids
- intestinal inflammation
- colon cancer
- bowel disease
- Crohn's disease
Scientists claim:
The frequency of bowel diseases (hemorrhoids, constipation, appendicitis, polyps, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome) is similar among South African whites and in populations of wealthy Western countries. In rural areas with traditional life style, these diseases are very rare or almost unknown.
The classic way of bowel movement – sitting on the toilet – is an unnatural position which requires using diaphragm muscles and unnecessary straining for pushing the content of bowels.
On the other hand, during a bowel movement in a crouched position, the thighs press the abdomen which allows an easy bowel movement and reduces the need for straining.
When squatting, the rectum is aligned, thus allowing easier and more thorough defecation, while by sitting it is impossible to fully remove the content of the bowels.
The result is a frequent need for repeated visits to the toilet.
Many times we have verified the fact that we can learn much from children, due to their instinct guided procedures. Their instinctive reaction is a natural reaction and usually the best human reaction.
During defecating, quite small children will instinctively squat to empty the contents of the intestines, and this natural instinct is unfortunately not present in adults.
Many studies have confirmed that defecating in the squatting position is easier and healthier.
Israeli doctor, Dov Sikirov, has performed a research on digestive system diseases and the benefits of squatting, and the results were published in the journal Digestive Diseases and Sciences.
He conducted a study on 28 healthy adult volunteers divided into three separate toilets.
In the first group, volunteers used a toilet bowl of standard height of 41 cm, the second toilet was lowered to the height of 31 cm, and in the third group the volunteers squatted during defecation.
Using a digital timer, the time required to fully discharge the intestines was recorded.
Dr. Sikirov discovered that volunteers in the squatting position needed only 51 seconds, as opposed to those who used the standard toilets, who needed as much as 130 seconds.
According to these data, it was concluded that there was a direct correlation between the position of the body and difficulties with bowel movement.
Modern toilets contribute to the development of hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are caused by inflamed veins of the lower part of the large intestine and anus. Among other things, they can be the result of stress during defecation, especially in people who have a harder stool.
Sitting position contributes to weaker and slower bowel movement. This position requires much more strain.
Unlike in a seated position, bowel movements in a squatted position is much faster and easier, causing almost no stress at all.
Worsens bowel inflammations
The sitting position during bowel movement tightens the puborectalis muscle that prevents bowels from being completely emptied.
The remaining contents of the intestines is a favorable environment for the development of infection, resulting in inflammation, and can lead to bowel cancer.
Crohn's syndrome is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory bowel disease, in which the immune system attacks the body's own digestive system.
It belongs to the group of IBD diseases - inflammatory bowel diseases.
Australian researcher Wallace Bowles devoted his research to establishing the connection between human health and the position during bowel movement.
He found the following:
It has been shown that intestinal inflammatory conditions respond positively to bowel movements in a crouched position. People with Crohn's disease have confirmed significant improvement after a few weeks, and eventually all the symptoms of this disease disappeared.
Conducive to urinary infections
Just like for the thorough defecation, squatting is the best position for the complete emptying of the bladder.
In women, the urine flow is stronger and lighter when they urinate in a crouched position.
In a seated position the bladder is never thoroughly depleted, and urinary retention may lead to development of bacteria and urinary tract infections.
The association with heart attack
Did you know? A large number of heart attacks and death occurs in bathrooms.
Israeli doctor, Berko Sikirov spent over 20 years studying the effects of excessive stress during bowel movements in the sitting position.
He published an article in which he describes the close link between that stress and heart attack.
According to him, patients suffering from acute coronary disease are especially vulnerable.
In his article he explains how you can avoid straining during bowel movement in a crouched position, because in this case it is reduced to a minimum.
Problems with menstruation and toxic shock (TSS)
When women answer the call of nature in a crouched position, the entire pelvic cavity comes under pressure.
Thus it is easier to empty the bladder as well as the contents of the uterus during the menstrual cycle.
In a seated position, due to the lack of natural "pushing", a part of the menstrual fluid remains in the uterus, depending on the size and condition of the cervix.
Due to prolonged retention of blood, Staphylococcus aureus develop in vagina in larger quantities, and the result can be toxic shock (TSS).
The Japanese are still "squatting"
An interesting fact about using squatty potty comes from Japan.
We all know that Japan is a technological giant, but squatty potty is in Japan, especially among the elderly population, still an integral part of the bathroom.
In addition to health and hygiene benefits that squatting position brings, the Japanese simply adore squatty potty because it "saves them time".
Their explanation is interesting and also wise:
Thanks to squatting position during defecation, the time we spend on physiological needs, is significantly reduced, which leaves more time for the meeting the obligations as well as for socializing with family and friends.
Squatty potty
In order to practice defecation and urination in a squatted position, you do not have to climb on your fragile toilet or renovate your bathroom.
Instead, you can bring your body into a position similar to squatting by placing a special chair called squatty potty under your feet when you sit on your toilet.
Squatty potty is a revolutionary product designed to imitate the classic squatting position.
Thanks to this products, while sitting on the toilet your knees are raised high enough, which brings your body into a position of squatting.
It enables fast, easy and thorough bowel movement.
This product is made of durable material and designed to support the full weight of both children and adults. Squatty potty is a healthy and aesthetical solution for your bathroom.
You can read more and purchase squatty potty here.
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