Squatty Potty: Healthy Colon — Happy Life

According to medical and wellness experts, a person of average weight and not concurrently suffering from allergies or constipation typically carries anywhere between 5 to 20 pounds of fecal matter in their digestive system. Overweight and allergy prone individuals may carry even more than that. In fact, someone suffering from a toxic colon, a condition where potentially dangerous levels of waste have accumulated in the colon, can have up to 40 pounds of fecal matter. One of the most easily recognizable symptoms of toxic colon is a distended abdomen, commonly referred to as “potbelly.”

With the dawning of 2014, many people have set their sights on New Year’s resolutions to lose weight and improve overall health. But what most fail to realize is that maintaining a nutritious diet and commitment to regular exercise are only part of the picture; efficient and complete waste elimination is also a necessary component of good health.  Without taking proper elimination into account, those New Year’s resolutions may be destined for failure.

Excess waste material is harmful not only because it can add inches to the abdomen, but also because it is packed full of bacteria. Although some bacteria are actually necessary and beneficial to the digestive process, an overabundance of bacteria in the intestines and colon can lead to a number of health issues. According to Lita Proctor, the program coordinator for the National Institute of Health’s Human Microbiome Project, bacteria constitute around 50 percent or more of the mass of human waste.

One of the most effective ways to achieve complete elimination of fecal matter and harmful toxins it contains without excessive straining is by assuming the squatting position.  Western-style toilets force people into an upright position that is less than optimal for evacuation of the colon, often requiring straining of the abdominal and pelvic muscles. Squatty Potty, an innovative, ergonomic footstool designed to be used with modern toilets, raises the feet slightly so that users can achieve a more natural, squat-like position which eases the elimination process.

“Squatting and Squatty Potty are ideal for facilitating healthy elimination. Our ergonomic toilet footstool enables users to achieve a natural, comfortable squatting position which aligns the colon, creating a more open passageway for stool to exit the body. Modern toilets, which are high and create a 90 degree angle of the legs, create a bend in the colon causing strain and constipation,” said Bobby Edwards, founder of Squatty Potty. Edwards created Squatty Potty after noticing that his mother, who suffered from hemorrhoids and constipation, used a phonebook at her doctor’s suggestion to elevate her feet while using the toilet.  “My mother and lots of other people create make-shift props to help them poop more comfortably. Squatty Potty is stable and easily stows under the toilet when not in use.”

Squatty Potty has been featured on Dr. Oz and The Doctors as a useful tool in helping reduce hemorrhoids, constipation, maximizing elimination and strengthening pelvic floor muscles.

About Squatty Potty