Pooping position can be determined by the style of toilet. Experts advise weighing them before making a choice and considering hygiene and comfort.

Pooping positions depends on the type of toilet that is used. Both Indian and western toilets have their own pros and cons. Squatting helps in better bowel movement while sitting relaxes the abdomen and knees. Have you ever wondered which among the two types of toilets – the sitting toilet (western style toilet) or the squat toilet (Indian style toilet) — provides the healthiest or best pooping position or allows for effective bowel clearance?

Both styles of toilets are meant for the same act, answering nature’s call. But there is a significant difference between the two in terms of comfort, hygiene and how they facilitate bowel clearance. While it is understood that individual preferences determine the choice of the style of toilet, and thereby pooping position, ideally an informed choice should be made, weighing in their pros and cons.

😳 Pooping position pros and cons: Western toilet Using the western toilet is convenient for the elderly, and those with weak and brittle bones. A seated pooping position will avoid stress on the knee and the back. It provides more comfort compared to the squat-style toilet and is convenient to use for people with mobility challenges.

“On a western toilet, the hips and the back are relaxed, and the body weight will not fall on the knees,” says Dr G Mohan, orthopedics, trauma and joint replacement surgeon, Fortis Hospital, Chennai. “It also helps prevent falls and fractures. It is beneficial for the middle-aged and the elderly.”

However, unlike in the squat-style toilet, the pooping position in western-style toilets comes with its own set of problems. The torso remains relaxed and the thighs are not flexed over the abdomen. So, the colon is not compressed or the puborectal muscle is not stretched enough to allow complete bowel clearance. It could lead to indigestion, constipation, and piles, among others, say experts.

However, an individual’s diet also has a big say in ensuring smooth bowel movement. So, ensuring an adequate amount of fibre and laxatives in food keeps issues such as constipation away, regardless of the type of toilet you are using

🤗 The pooping position in the Indian squat toilet is more suitable for younger people as it requires flexibility and strength in the limbs. However, it has quite a bit of advantages, and cons as well.

When a person squats, the torso presses the thighs, making them flex the abdomen, resulting in compression of the colon and relaxation of the puborectalis muscle which allows for complete emptying of the bowel. This aids in better digestion and prevents constipation. Squatting over the toilet ensures better hygiene as there is no direct contact with the toilet seat. The action of squatting also serves as a physical exercise, improving blood circulation and strengthening the leg muscles.

It has its limitations though. The Indian toilet or squat toilet is not suitable for the elderly, people with compromised mobility due to osteoarthritis, or people recovering from recent surgeries or other medical reasons. Using Indian toilets might strain the hips, back and knees.

“It is recommended not to use the Indian commode for more than 20 minutes to avoid knee stress,” adds Dr Mohan