POTTY TALK,

Toilet talk isn’t necessarily a popular subject, but maybe it should be! In this out of sync, fast paced, wild and modern world we are living in, we have become so disconnected from the simple, natural and beautiful things that make us who we are – humans.

We are natural beings living in a material oriented world, and that doesn’t always match up. We often forget to respect and honor the complexity of this finely tuned machine keeping us alive, our very own bodies.

Just as we aren’t naturally meant to spend hours inside watching television, or searching on the computer, there are many modern norms that don’t exactly match up with how our bodies naturally work. A prime example of this is the TOILET. Living in a time with an abundance of digestive issues and gut problems, it makes you wonder how much of this is linked to the dysfunctional system of elimination the majority of us currently use?

You might be thinking “What, who says it’s dysfunctional? Toilets are toilets!” But, there may be more to the story.

Whenever someone mentions taking a “bathroom break” they aren’t expected to return to the room for at least 15 minutes. We have books, magazines and crossword puzzles in our bathrooms. But honestly, this elimination should only take about 30 seconds, maybe a minute or two tops. There is something wrong when it is taking so much time, and straining effort to move everything out.

When we sit on a toilet seat, we sit at a right angle, feet touching the ground, sitting up straight. This may seem good, since we are using correct sitting posture, but that doesn’t mean its correct pooping posture! When we sit like this, we are squeezing a portion of the colon shut, obstructing the pathway, and tugging at the rectum. Almost pulling it sideways, the rectum is out of line from where it should be at this moment of release. This is problematic for obvious reasons.

If there is not a clear pathway, the waste isn’t able to move out of the body adequately, or completely, leaving behind waste product that is meant to be eliminated ASAP. This is where problems like constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis and even infections can begin to take place. Some even attribute the modern toilet to another cause of colon cancer. Think about it, if this waste isn’t properly evacuated it is left in the colon to sit, rot and disturb your digestive system. This can be extremely toxic, not to mention, painful! We want this stuff out.

Now let’s take a look back at the way it was done before these crazy toilets came into place. Naturally, we would simply go into the woods and find a place to squat, and the job was done… quickly. The physical act of squatting straightens the rectum and allows the surrounding muscles to relax, promoting quick, easy and complete elimination, nothing left behind. This is perfect! No wonder this is how we did it before modern toilets – it’s instinct! It’s simply how our bodies work.

But how exactly are we supposed to do this, in modern times, when toilets are everywhere, and we aren’t camping?

In many parts of Asia and Africa they use squat toilets, which allow us to eliminate the way we naturally would, and this is wonderful. But most modern countries insist on using the sanitary straight sitting toilet. So for those of us living in areas with modern toilets, we need to get a little creative.

The ideal way to “squat” in modern times is to simply “perch” yourself up on the toilet. Do this by sitting on the toilet as you normally would, and placing your feet on the seat. So, this means simply raise the feet up, pull them in towards you, and place them on the seat right in front of you. Hugging your knees gives you more support. By bringing your knees closer to your body, it relaxes the colon and surrounding muscles. Now, go. That’s it! This may seem a bit silly, and even extreme for some, but it is a clean, easy, and effective way to squat on the toilet, nothing messy, nothing difficult. So why not try it?

However, for those who aren’t ready to sit the “perch squat,” there is still a way to improve elimination. Do you have a step stool in a closet somewhere that isn’t being used? Consider bringing it into the bathroom, and sliding it up near the toilet. Now, when it is time to sit, you can instead place your feet on the stool, which still brings your feet further off the ground, and your knees closer to your body. This isn’t perfect, but a definite improvement from the normal toilet seat position. There are even companies out there who make stools specifically for this purpose.

Whether or not you’ve experienced problems with elimination, I suggest giving one or both of these methods a try. You won’t believe how quickly your view on the subject will change. It becomes an easy, simple part of the digestive process, clean, relieving and smooth. Isn’t that what we all want? Let us allow our bodies to work as they are naturally meant to, and embrace this connection.

Happy elimination means a happy body! Enjoy your new digestive freedoms!

Recommended reading:

The Paleo Secret: the Womb Squat Series Part 1

Dr. Mercola: For Best Toilet Health, Squat or Sit?

About the author:

Morgan Potts is a Certified Holistic Health Coach. She works with busy women who are struggling with anxiety and nervousness, helping them to find balance in life, tap into their inner energies and sync in with nature. She teaches clients to really slow down and enjoy life, with increased mindfulness, awareness and connection. Whole foods, green juice, and holistic methods for detoxing are also subjects of passion and inspiration for her work. She has an active juice blog full of recipes, photos and juicy online inspirations. (Kale, love, and positive vibrations!)

Morgan received her training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and works both locally in Rochester, New York, and over the phone with clients from around the world. Connect with Morgan via Facebook, Twitter, or visit her websitemoonblushsacred.com