Is There A Correct Way To Evacuate?

Man (as well as some mammals) used to squat down to rest, work and perform bodily functions such as evacuating. So does the toilet meet our physiological needs?

The toilet: a “luxury” item

Since Sir John Harington invented the toilet in 1951, our evacuation patterns have changed. In the beginning, it was considered a “luxury” item, as not everyone had access to one (only royalty). However, in exceptional cases, it could also be accessible to people with disabilities.

With the development of plumbing, this item was mass-produced to give ordinary people the same “privilege” reserved for the richest. That’s how the use of the toilet changed the habit of squatting defecating and, consequently, changed the way we evacuate.

Scientific arguments: it’s better to squat

Dr. Henry L. Bockus, in a 1964 publication in the journal Gastroenterology , concluded that for optimal defection it is necessary to be squatting with the thighs touching the abdomen.

Likewise, in 1966, Dr. Alexander Kira argued in his book, The Bathroom , that human nature required making your squatting needs, as this posture lessens the effort when defecating.

On the other hand, in 2003, Dr. Dov Sikirov published a study in which he compared the forces applied when sitting and standing in a squatting position during evacuation. The results confirmed the sensation of a satisfactory bowel emptying for the squatting position. The sitting posture requires excessive expulsive effort and more time compared to the squatting position.

What happens during evacuation?

The term ‘defecation’ can be defined as the process through which the final product from digestion is eliminated. During this process, the enteric nervous system and the parasympathetic system allow for several actions, such as controlling fecal accumulation in the colon.

At the same time, relaxation of the external sphincter and puborectal muscle is produced. This action allows alignment with the rectum to put pressure on the abdomen and expel debris.

Squatting

It is important to point out that when defecating in a squatting position, the legs are at an angle of 22.5° in relation to the body. In this way, the thighs press against the abdomen.

According to a study published by experts in the Japanese Department of Urology, this action puts pressure on the interior of the colonic cavities, releasing and aligning the anal canal, which facilitates elimination. This makes for quicker, easier and more complete evacuations.

Seated

When we are seated, the opposite happens to the observed squatting. In this position, the legs are at a 90° angle to the abdomen, so there is no alignment between the rectum and the anus.

In addition, we lose the pressure exerted by the legs on the colon and abdomen. As a result, you have to push down to be able to evacuate.

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons indicates that this position causes a variety of problems and illnesses, such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, hernias, or hemorrhoids.

Benefits of adopting the squatting position to evacuate

• Allows the elimination of feces to be much faster and easier.
• Prevents filtering of matter between the colon and the small intestine, which reduces the possibility of contaminating the small intestine.
• Prevents tension in the region, preventing hernias, diverticulitis (bags in the intestine), among other ailments.
• It is part of the non-invasive treatment for hemorrhoids.
• For pregnant women, this position prevents pressure on the uterus.

• By completely evacuating waste, we prevent fecal stasis. This problem is one of the most important factors in cases of appendicitis and inflammatory bowel disease.

It is important to mention that the 90° position during evacuation was associated with the possibility of having colorectal cancer (CRC). However, a study by Sahand Sohrabi demonstrates that this hypothesis is not yet conclusive.

How to apply the correct way to evacuate?

In the field of furniture design, there are few initiatives that consider the squatting position when evacuating. However, we can adapt our toilet using a stool. It does not have to be of a specific height, but it should allow you to put your legs in a 22.5° position in relation to the abdomen.

On the other hand, some people decide to get on the toilet to adopt this position. However, this action can be dangerous as the vessel may break or the person may fall. This option is definitely not recommended.

Tips for better evacuation

As you’ve seen, studies support the importance of adopting a good evacuation position.

Acquiring this habit will provide several health benefits, such as the quick and easy elimination of feces or the prevention of the filtration of matter between the colon and the small intestine. And then? Did you feel like trying it?