Driving Posture
December often brings us long drives as we visit family, take a holiday trip, or simply enjoy the festive season. While the journeys can be fun and filled with anticipation, [...]
We’re becoming more aware of the benefits of natural, functional movements on our bodies. Last week, we explored how the flat foot squat can improve your musculoskeletal system, particularly the back and hip joints. But did you know this natural movement is also vital for another aspect of our health? Today, we’re focusing on its surprising connection to bowel health.
Our bodies are designed to move in specific ways, and ignoring these natural patterns can lead to consequences over time. One example is how modern life has shaped our daily habits, including how we use the bathroom. The flat foot squat isn’t just a physical exercise, it’s also the body’s natural position for bowel movements.
Across parts of Asia, Africa, and India, squatting is the standard way to use the bathroom. The natural position aligns the body perfectly for efficient ‘evacuation.’ Comparatively, Western inventions like the toilet prioritise comfort over function, but this shift has had unforeseen effects on our bowel health.
Pritam Poddar’s TED Talk examines the overarching effects of sitting in today’s lifestyle, highlighting the differences in how squatting vs sitting impacts our body’s natural processes and efficiency. If you’re curious, it’s a quick, 10-minute watch packed with insightful details.
When we squat, the angle of our hips and knees creates a straight path through the colon. This reduces the need to strain during bowel movements and can even help prevent common issues like constipation and haemorrhoids. The flat foot squat also engages your core, promotes better pelvic alignment, and keeps important muscle groups active.
For those of us accustomed to Western toilets, adopting a full flat foot squat inside a standard bathroom can feel impractical. But don’t worry, there are tools to help you mimic this natural position without an overhaul of your space.
Check out this useful article, which explores a variety of toilet stools (like the Squatty Potty or Tushy Ottoman) designed to improve bathroom posture. These small, simple additions can make a big difference in how your body functions.
Dr. Salina Lee, an assistant professor of gastroenterology at Rush University, notes that toilet stools are a safe and effective way to improve bathroom habits. They’re low-risk and can speed up digestion processes, making them a simple tool for better health.
The flat foot squat isn’t just a functional gym movement—it’s an integral part of our natural body mechanics, with clear benefits for bowel health. Whether you fully adopt the squat or use tools to replicate its effects, applying this knowledge can lead to more sustainable, healthy routines.
Taking care of your body means using it as it’s designed to function. From your hips to your digestion, the flat foot squat proves that sometimes, the best solutions are the simplest.