When we stand, the colon (where the waste is stored) is pressed against the puborectal muscle, which maintains faecal continence until it is time to reach the toilet. Sitting only partially relaxes this muscle. The squat relaxes him completely, essentially by straightening the colon. This makes the disposal process easier.
Experts have argued that digestive diseases such as colitis, constipation, and hemorrhoids have their roots in people who sit on the toilet and tense up. For example, studies have shown that the more time you spend on the toilet, the more likely you are to develop hemorrhoids, which are swelling of the blood vessels in and around the anus. Some doctors even recommend that patients try squats to manage their colon problems.
Turkish-style toilets are now used in many parts of the world. In Asia, public toilets have two Western toilets and two Turkish-style toilets, where the user places their feet over an opening in the floor and squats. Turkish-style toilets can be found in France, Japan and Russia.
Although Sheth doesn’t currently advise his patients to squat, “I probably should,” he says. « I think until now there has been no safe way. »
Sheth was referring to the Squatty Potty, a product that was launched a few years ago and looks like a footstool. Users rest their feet on it while sitting on the toilet, which allows for a 35-degree squat angle.
