The squat toilet thread - the cure to all your anal problems
[B][color=red][size=5]Warning: Do not do this on an unmodified toilet - severe injury may result[/size][/color][/B]
[B][size=4]Introduction[/size][/B]
In the last few months, I have seen thread after thread complaining about hemorrhoids and generally poor digestive health. In this thread I will reveal the secret of how to maintain excellent digestive health.
First things first, I suggest you play the following song while reading this thread.
[youtube]AlhkwHSZMyg[/youtube]
[B][size=4]Man as a self-cleaning organism[/size][/B]
To suggest that one needs fancy enemas and other sorts of "cleansers" to flush their digestive system is simply rubbish. Man has lived on this Earth for millions of years prior to the invention of such gimmicks. If man had not adapted to be a self-cleaning organism, we would have died off eons ago.
[B][size=4]Is fiber the only relevant variable?[/size][/B]
Let us consider what prohibits us from cleaning our own internal system. There are several potential causes. The most common cause for hemorrhoids is a [b]lack of fiber in the diet [/B]- BUT, while it is true you need fiber in order to make a good solid piece of waste and to encourage the development of bacteria in the gut, it doesn't really explain why intra-abdominal pressure would be so elevated so as to [B]destroy your anus[/B].
Fiber is a component of good digestive health along with fermented products (my preference is plain whole-milk yogurt, but any fermented product with live bacterial cultures is fine). However, but I believe it is totally unrelated to hemorrhoids.
[B][size=4]Dealing with the real problem - a look at intestinal alignment[/size][/B]
Take a look at the following image:
[img]http://www.naturesplatform.com/images/sitting%20vs%20squatting.gif[/img]
When you try and poop while sitting, you are in an extremely disadvantageous position. The human digestive system is extremely specialized to bipedal motion, allowing us to control our defecation - if not, gravity would force us to be in a near-constant state of defecation.
Take a look at our intestines:
[img]http://www.naturesplatform.com/images/colon9.gif[/img]
Your waste has to go into the ileocecal valve, go upwards against gravity, and then go down again, finally expelling itself. This can only be achieved through the use of pressure to counteract gravity - this is why people strain like crazy on the toilet.
[B][size=4]The squatting position for defecation[/size][/B]
However, when you use the squatting position to defecate, the requirement for intra-abdominal pressure is greatly reduced, because your right thigh squeezes against the abdomen, performing two functions:[list=1][*]Squeezing the the waste out of the cecum (creating pressure through reduction of volume)[*] Sealing off the ileocecal valve (again, through the pressure of the thigh) to prevent leakage[/list]
In addition, the left thigh raises and squeezes the sigmoid colon, preventing incomplete defecation and hernias (which are also called by excessive intra-abdominal pressure).
[B][size=4]How do I convert my normal toilet to a squat toilet?[/size][/B]
Three simple options, the first involves laying bricks and using an adhesive to keep them secure, as shown here:
[img]http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/8168/photo2jk.jpg[/img]
The second option is simply to buy a squat toilet conversion kit. Nature's Platform offers one in the US:
[url]http://www.naturesplatform.com/[/url]
[img]http://wapedia.mobi/thumb/4d8e504/en/fixed/470/332/Pedestal-squat-toilet.jpg?format=jpg[/img]
The third option, and probably the best option, is to install a squat toilet in place of your regular toilet (unfortunately this is probably only for homeowners who have 2 or more toilets in the house):
[url]http://www.toilet-guru.com/install.php[/url]
[img]http://f00.inventorspot.com/images/squat_toilet.jpg[/img]
[B][size=4]Can I read and use the computer this way?[/size][/B]
Yes, I use a squat toilet daily and have no problem reading on it. Using a laptop is not really possible, but you can misc on your phone once you have developed decent balance and comfort in that position. You will feel much cleaner.
[B][size=4]Further reading[/size][/B]
[url]http://www.naturesplatform.com/health_benefits.html[/url]
[B][color=red][size=5]Warning: Do not do this on an unmodified toilet - severe injury may result[/size][/color][/B]