12/18/2025
Research suggests that elevating the knees slightly while on the toilet may make bowel movements easier for some people by aligning certain muscles better. However, the specific claims about “intestines pinched at 90°” or exact degrees like 35° are not medically proven facts.
How you sit on the toilet has a *huge* impact on your digestive health.
In fact, you’ve probably been pooping wrong your whole life 😬
Most people don’t give much thought to how they sit on the toilet, but your posture during bathroom time can make a major difference in digestive health. The traditional seated position actually puts a kink in your colon, making it harder to pass waste and increasing strain.
A more effective alternative mimics the natural squatting position: elevate your feet using a stool so your knees are above your hips, lean forward, rest your elbows on your thighs, and let your belly relax. This position straightens the re**um, allowing for smoother elimination without the pressure that leads to hemorrhoids or pelvic floor dysfunction.
To maximize the benefits, breathe deeply into your abdomen and gently bear down with your core muscles—think of it more like bracing than pushing. Avoid holding your breath or clenching your jaw, which adds unnecessary strain. Limiting toilet time to under 8 minutes and responding only when you genuinely feel the urge to go can help protect your pelvic health long-term. It’s a small adjustment with big payoffs for your gut and beyond.
Source: Sikirov, B.A. (2003). Comparison of straining during defecation in three positions: results and implications for human health. Digestive Diseases and Sciences, 48(7), 1201–1205.
