Sitting on the toilet is something we take for granted. But we used to do it very differently - squatting. And in many countries, this posture is still quite normal today.

The bowel is kinked when sitting

Sitting properly on the toilet should actually mean squatting, say experts. Intestinal diseases, painful hemorrhoids and constipation could be avoided in this way. This is because sitting down bends the pelvic floor muscle, making it more difficult to empty the bowels. When squatting on the toilet, on the other hand, the pelvic floor muscle is relaxed and the bowel runs in a straight line up to the anus. This makes defecation easier and, according to a study, much quicker. This is because the process should not take longer than two minutes. Continuous pressing and squeezing strains the bowel and anus. Experts advise going to the toilet more often.

Sitting properly on the toilet - with a stool

Nowadays we can't build a thunderbolt in the bathroom - but there is a simple solution: a 20 centimeter high stool on which you can place your feet during the session. Then the angle is right again and the bowels are straight. In the USA, the "Squatty Potty" stool is currently a big seller for around 40 euros, but a simple one from the DIY store will do just as well.