Experts say that digestive problems such as colitis, constipation, and hemorrhoids are linked to prolonged sitting and straining during bowel movements. Studies have shown, for example, that the more time one spends on the toilet, the higher the risk of developing hemorrhoids (swollen blood vessels in and around the anus). Some doctors even recommend squatting to their patients to relieve bowel problems.
Squat toilets are now used in many parts of the world. In Asia, public restrooms typically offer two types of toilets: standard toilets and squat toilets, where the user places their feet over an opening in the floor and squats. Squat toilets are also found in France, Japan, and Russia.
Although Sheth doesn’t currently recommend the squatting position to his patients, “I probably should,” he says. “I guess there wasn’t a safe way to do it until now.”
Sheth was referring to a product released a few years ago that resembles a step stool. Users place their feet on it while seated on the toilet, allowing for a 35-degree squatting angle.
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