You’ve no doubt heard of the Squatty Potty. If you haven’t you’ve been living under a rock.
There are products that get popular with trends, and there are products that go viral. A few years ago, the Squatty Potty went viral, not as a joke, but because it really works.
Engineers in the Western world have long focused on efficiency and comfort. Our lives have become easier and we’re living longer.
In regards to modern toilets, engineers have certainly accomplished “comfort”, however, we tend to spend a lot more time on the toilet than people in other countries. Has our comfort affected our performance?
The toilet time efficiency looks at the time it takes for people to use the restroom. In America, things have become so bad that homeowners are choosing to put televisions in their bathroom to pass the time while they pass their load. Should it really take so long?
In this article we’ll discuss the mechanics of the Squatty Potty and we’ll see whether it works. I’ll also share a few alternative options and a DIY Squatty Potty you can make at home.
My Squatty Experience
When I heard about the Squatty Potty something clicked in my mind (it made sense). I even possess experience to confirm the company’s claims. For years I squatted over holes in the African bush and squatted over porcelain in the Middle East.
I didn’t exactly enjoy their style of pooping, but it was my only option and it was effective. The squatting took balance and leg strength and it’s something you get used to quickly.
I rarely had a problem. Exit velocity was far better than what I’d experienced in the U.S. and cleaning up was a much less messy task.
I returned to the U.S. and began using our traditional toilets. My time on the toilet increased dramatically (possibly because it was comfortable but also because I had poor execution).
I attributed it to poor diet but could it have been my positioning?
How Does The Squatty Potty Work
Consider the following question seriously: Have you every reclined while sitting on a toilet?
Most people would say that reclining on the toilet would feel comfortable, however, it wouldn’t be comfortable if you were actively pushing. In fact, it would probably be an uncomfortable position if you had to poo in that position.
For a long time, the forward lean was the best we could do while sitting on a toilet. It helped get us into a position so our bowels could open up.
This position is adapted from our evolutionary past when we once squatted over a hole in the ground. We squatted over a hole for way longer than we’ve been sitting on modern toilets!
The Squatty Potty helps you achieve that evolutionary squat position. Our forward lean helps with positioning, but it doesn’t go far enough.
>> learn about using pumice stone in your toilet
By adding the stool under our feet, it brings us into an elevated squat position by bringing our knees and thighs higher in the air.
What Are The Benefits Of The Squatty Potty
What does the Squatty Potty claim to do? The Squatty Potty attempts to mimic how we would defecate in nature.
- It’s recommended by doctors
- The elevated squat position properly aligns the colon by relaxing the puborectalis muscle that surrounds the colon.
- Our waste exits our body in a more complete form and makes the process easier due to no kinks in the colon
- It also claims it can provide life-changing health benefits and is good for preventative care
Squatty Potty Medical Review
To prove this isn’t a gimmick, the Squatty Potty team cites medical case studies to prove their point.
Case Study #1:
This case study looked at the influence of positioning during defecation in humans. They studied three body positions (sitting, sitting with hip flexing at 60 degrees, and squatting with the hip flexing at 22.5 degrees.
The study found that the rectoanal angle of defecating was larger than with normal sitting and with hip-flex sitting. There was less pressure on the colon in the squatting position and it can be inferred that it is, therefore, easier to pass fecal matter.
Case Study #2
The second case study compared two types of defecating based on geographical practices. The two areas of study were Iran (which uses a squatting position) and Europe (which uses the modern toilet).
As someone who lived in the Middle East for years, I can vouch that the practice of pooing was done while squatting over an in-ground porcelain toilet. This was unusual to get the hang of but once I learned the technique I found it was a cleaner and quicker exit.
This study found that use of the Iranian-style toilet appeared to be more comfortable and efficient method of bowel evacuation. The Iranian-style toilet yielded a much wider anorectal angle and a greater distance between the perineum and the horizontal plane of the pelvic floor.
Case Study #3
The third case study looked at 3 positions of defecation (sitting on a standard toilet seat, sitting on a lower toilet seat, and squatting). The study asked 28 healthy participants to time themselves while defecating. The stopwatch would be started when the act began and cease once the participant was confident they were finished.
The study confirmed that sensation of satisfactory bowel emptying required more time compared to the squatting position.
** In this case study it would be interesting to know if comfort played a role in the time it took to defecate. Sitting is quite comfortable and that would play a factor in the time it took to defecate. However, comfort shouldn’t be an issue with the assessed straining that was measured.
Squatty Potty Height and Dimensions (What Size Do I Need)
Let’s take a closer look at the Squatty Potty. The Squatty Potty comes in 2 sizes (7” and 9” height) and differs from a regular footstool in that it’s made for the contours of the toilet. The 7” option is ideal for toilets 14-16” tall and the 9” option is best for toilets 16.5-18” tall (check out all the Squatty Potty options on Amazon).
When it’s not being used it can be stored by sliding against the bottom of the toilet. There is will be out of the way so you don’t trip on it while using the bathroom for other purposes.
To use, pull the Squatty Potty away from the base of the toilet and position your feet on top of the stool – lean forward to create a greater hip angle and to relieve the pressure of the puborectalis muscle on the colon.
The design is modern, sleek, and lightweight, so it’s easy to move (the 7” option only weighs 5 lbs).
The stool should not be used for other purposes than while on the toilet and should not be used for standing.
The reviews of the Squatty Potty are superb and would not be the case if it didn’t work. The 7” option appears to be the more popular item with over 8,000 positive reviews (that’s a ton of reviews). The price is reasonable, especially if it makes your time on the toilet more efficient and more comfortable.
Squatty Potty Alternatives
The Easygopro and EVRON options are also popular, however, they are trying to steal the Squatty Potty thunder. When I see duplicates or imitators I usually stick to the original because I get a better guarantee and a better product.
However, you should still check them out – maybe you’ll prefer the look of the other options.
The Squat Toilet Stool by Relax is an alternative to the white plastic options. It offers wooden adjustable foot stools that measure 7-10” tall.
The wood is a nice touch for a more earthy feel, but the original white plastic stool has a cleaner look to it that better matches white porcelain.
DIY Homemade Squatty Potty
If you’re looking for a weekend project a homemade Squatty Potty can be a fun activity. And you don’t need to be a professional.
A few pieces of scrap wood can come together nicely as a stool, or you can buy a stool from the hardware store and cut it to fit your toilet.
Check out this video below to learn how to make a DIY Squatty Potty. It’s pretty funny.
Will Squatty Potty Help For Hemorrhoids
Apparently, the squatting position can reduce the amount of strain you experience on the toilet and can reduce hemorrhoids in addition to other issues like bloating and constipation.
What If Your Squatty Potty Doesn’t Work
The Squatty Potty comes at a reasonable price but it may not meet the needs of everyone. Before buying a Squatty Potty, try using a phonebook or a few old books. Put your feet on top of the books to see how it feels.
Squatty Potty has a nice return policy of 60 days. If you’re not happy with the product, you can return it for a money back guarantee. That’s a good deal if you ask me.
Conclusion
The Squatty Potty is a catchy name and it was a viral product. But don’t confuse it with a trend or gimmick. The concept is right on the money and it has already brought relief to thousands of customers.
Most people don’t like to talk about the toilet but many people experience issues with hemorrhoids, constipation, and straining. If you have trouble with any of these issues it’s worth a try.
The Squatty Potty reverts back to our ancestors who used to squat to defecate. A squatting position loosens the muscle around the colon and allows our waste to move out of our body more efficiently.
The squatting has also been proven to reduce the strain that is so often experienced while sitting. In doing so it can significantly speed up the time it takes for us to defecate – we can get back to work!
Whether you’ll looking to buy the brand name or make your own option, the Squatty Potty is worth a try. The company makes light of their product, but don’t be confused – it really works.
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