Going to the bathroom may not be your most favorite part of the day, but it’s an important one. Unfortunately, for some of us, having a bowel movement may be a struggle. Bowel movements can be affected by various factors, including diet, exercise, and even posture. Yup, the way you sit on the toilet may actually play a role in how easy it is to pass a bowel.
Here are five tips to consider the next time you head to the bathroom to help you have your healthiest bowel movement yet.
5 tips for a healthy bowel movement
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Sit properly: There is a right way to stand, so no surprise there’s a right way to sit – and to sit on a toilet, too. Studies have shown that the modern-day toilet actually sets us up for constipation, hemorrhoids, and other digestive ailments. In fact, the laxative business is worth $700 million because constipation is a growing problem.
But instead of investing in laxative, invest in the Squatty Potty, a stool to place your feet on to align your colon properly, allowing your bowel movements to pass with greater ease.
Promote a healthy gut: With a typical American diet, our gut is not a place to promote healthy bowel movements. With high intake of red meat, sodium, and processed food, we can get clogged up pretty quickly. Instead, diversify your diet with foods that promote a healthy gut – such as fermented foods like sauerkraut.
Get a safe seat: Indian and U.S. researchers have found many toilet seats today promote dermatitis, which is an allergic skin reaction. This could be due to cleaning products and toilet seat sealants. To reduce your risk, avoid seats made from exotic woods coated in varnish or paint and steer clear of harsh cleaning agents.
Avoid irritating wipes: Many toilet wipes contain harmful preservatives triggering allergic reactions, which often don’t respond to ointments or creams. If you begin noticing irritation, avoid baby wipes that contain methylchloroisothiazolinone or methylisothiazolinone (the preservatives), and instead opt for a bidet or use a clean, moist wash cloth to wipe down after you use the toilet.
Take a look: Sure, it may not be appealing to look at what you just left in the toilet, but your poo can give you some important insights about your health, so make sure to take a gander prior to flushing. For example, there could be blood or other abnormalities, which could signal a serious health problem.
