My recent article on “proper pooping” was a big hit! There are so many people out there with chronic constipation, hemorrhoids, and pelvic floor problems. I just know that Oprah is going to do a show on this topic soon – she always catches on sooner or later! (I’ve been recommending Neti Pots for years, and when Oprah finally did a show on them even my local pharmacist started carrying them!)
The owner of Nature’s Platform, those genius toilet designers who provide appendages for your existing home throne, has written a book on “the health benefits of the natural squatting position.”
Win a copy of Nature Knows Best by Jonathan Isbit by commenting on this blog!
Here’s to your health, Alexandra
I agree with you on the Neti pot. If Oprah talks about it will turn gold. I really enjoyed your “Poop” blog and I’ve been using the raised feet on a stool method and it seems to really help a lot. This also reminds me a lot on natural childbirth and how most hospitals have woman on their back when we should squat instead.
Great post on proper pooping! Now I’m on the hunt for a squat freindly, training potty for my toddler. She gets the concept of pooping in the potty but is just so uncomfortable with the sitting position. Why force her to change when she is already doing it properly?
Who doesn’t love a good article about poop? As a birth doula I also was reminded of positions for delivery.
Thanks, Alexandra — you’re right! It’s all about the poop:) I recommend that my patients use a LifeStep or platform to get them into a better squatting position for elimination. It is especially helpful for those suffering from hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Thanks for all of your great info to help us stay healthy.
After reading your article, I’ve been thinking about getting a platform for my Dad for Christmas. He’s had hemorrhoids for years, and that would certainly be a help to him!
Very interesting article on “proper pooping”! Not something I’d really thought much about implementing myself until I saw a post on the Holistic Moms Network loop about it today. Elimination is not something I’ve ever appeared to have an issue with, but even so, I DO agree that squatting is a much more natural way to do it and might be willing to give it a try!
As I have severe pelvic floor problems, your article was most welcome!
Notwithstanding the suggestion of squatting to poop, it’s so much easier to poop when you have adequate fiber in your diet! I use a great product called “LOCLO”, made by Nature’s Sunshine Products. Two tablespoons of that each day mixed into a tall glass of water(1 in a.m. and 1 in p.m.) and believe me, you will notice the difference! LOCLO tastes like apple pie right out of the oven, so it’s no chore to include it in your daily regime.
I tried the neti pot a few years ago and love it! And it wasn’t even because of Oprah. I was talking with a co-worker who likes to get into natural healing and eating. At first I thought it was disgusting, but now it’s a necessity. I’m not always consistent with doing it, but am a big fan.
I never knew about the “Proper ways to poop.” I looked online for info and was surprised how much it makes sense. It reminds me of going overseas and being surprised to find different looking toilets. Now I know its purpose!
Alex, thank you so much for this article! I have lived in Sri Lanka since last October doing fieldwork among tea estate workers. Since arriving, I’ve definitely had issues with my BMs, and I found that using a squatting toilet in the ground (the only type of toilet on the estates) has helped alleviate any constipation problems I had been having.
I’ve also noticed that women on the estates do not like to sit in chairs or on stools and actually prefer to squat on the ground while chatting, hanging out, or cooking in the kitchen. So whenever I do interviews with women now, I too squat on the ground and the position leaves my body and mind feeling energized and more relaxed. It reminds me of the yoga pose, Malasana (Garland Pose). Thanks again for your article and for sharing all your thoughts. Look forward to looking into Nature’s Platform and Nature Knows Best!
I thought I was insane for squatting and stretching before visiting the bathroom, but I feel like your recent article justified my behavior. I’ve got to let my friends know about this. I am not surprised that we have become socialized to believe that the natural position is a bit barbaric.