Once we started using the high-boy toilet, it didn’t take long for us to forget that we used to squat in the bush. And sadly, we never stopped to think that the maybe the 90-degree crapper isn’t ideal.
What’s interesting, is that various cultures around the world never adopted the American Standard toilet. Opting for the ‘hole in the floor,’ despite being otherwise technologically advanced.
Do they know something we don’t?
Apparently, they do – as evidence has emerged that going #2 in the deep squat position is ideal for proper elimination. Lining up the intestines for easy exit, and making sure everything gets passed without a struggle.
“The squatters experienced full bowel emptying after a duration of 50 seconds on average, while the sitters reported a ‘less satisfactory experience’ that took nearly 3 times as long (130 seconds).” Digestive Diseases & Sciences, 2003
Clearly, there are a variety of practices in Asian culture that lead to happy healthy lives. But it seems their squat-to-poop decision may be a bigger influencer than North Americans realize Not only because of superior elimination, but because holding a daily deep squat is excellent for the strength and mobility of your hips, knees, and core (1, 2)
It’s one of the first principles in 1% Fitness, and I wrote about it recently in a guest article for RobbWolf.com called Do You Deep Squat Daily?
“The question is, why does a baby sit comfortably in this position for hours, while the majority of adults fall on their backs, get stuck in the bottom, or can’t get down into it to begin with?
It’s because we don’t perform it regularly, and we’ve lost the ability. Our comfortable chairs, couches, and toilets have made it unnecessary.”
But along with getting into a Deep Squat as part of your daily routine, investing in a Squatty Potty, or toilet stool is highly encouraged. Since it establishes the ideal angle for elimination, and thus supports a healthy bowel.
Without getting too personal, we now have one at my house, and all I can say is that there’s no way we’re going back to the S.A.D. (Standard American Dump). Or as this HILARIOUS commercial from Squatty Potty puts it, “it will be the best poop of you life.”
Stay Lean!
Coach Mike
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