“The Scoop on Poop” Chantal’s Fun Fact # 1

Written By Katarine Holewa

Fun Fact #1: Your Poop Position Matters!

Did you know that the way you sit on the toilet can actually make it easier—or harder—to have a bowel movement?

The modern toilet puts us in a seated position with our hips at roughly 90 degrees. Convenient? Absolutely. Ideal for pooping? Not necessarily.

Our bodies are actually better designed to eliminate in more of a squatting position.

When you bring your knees above the level of your hips, lean slightly forward and relax your abdomen, it helps change the angle between the rectum and anal canal. This allows the pelvic floor—particularly the puborectalis muscle—to relax more fully and creates a straighter pathway for stool to pass.

Try this at home:

  • Place your feet on a small stool while you’re sitting on the toilet so that your knees are higher than your hips. Lean forward slightly, rest your elbows on your thighs, relax your belly and breathe instead of bearing down.

Proper positioning may help:

  • Reduce straining

  • Make bowel movements easier

  • Promote more complete evacuation

  • Reduce unnecessary pressure on the pelvic floor and hemorrhoids

And one more important tip: don’t rush it—but don’t camp out on the toilet either! Sitting and straining for long periods can create unnecessary downward pressure.

Sometimes better bowel health starts with something as simple as changing the way you sit!

Chantal David, LPN, CT

Natural Nurses | VitaCare

Katarine Holewa
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