The Squatty Potty Review

Having IBS-C can be difficult at times when things are stuck and just don’t want to move! So when I stumbled across the Squatty Potty I was intrigued to see whether it lived up to the hype and whether it could get things moving naturally.

If you’re wondering what it’s all about and want the quick 3-minute version, then check out this hilarious YouTube video that went viral and currently has 27.5 million views! You’ll never look at soft serve ice-cream the same way again.

How does the squatty potty help with bowel movements?

The science behind the design of the Squatty Potty is that we do our dos better when we are squatting. This has long been known by many Asian cultures who still use squat toilets but which seems to have been lost in Western cultures where sitting on the throne is the norm. When we squat we revert to a natural pooping posture where the muscles relax and un-kink to allow smooth movement of the poop without it getting stuck or requiring straining. It is reportedly good for constipation, hemorrhoids, pelvic floor issues and other colon issues.

The concept involves a stool that you use to put your feet on while sitting on your standard toilet. In doing so it lifts up your knees and changes the angle of the muscle in your colon to allow for easy pooping. You don’t have to actually ‘squat’ over the toilet, you can just sit down as normal.

In the US the price ranges from $29 to $80 (with free shipping) depending on the style, and if you buy more than one you can get a discount (Christmas presents anyone!).

So I bought one to see whether it would help with my IBS-C symptoms and in the beginning I found it a little uncomfortable as it put a slight strain on my back and was also a little uncomfortable on my butt/legs. But after a week or so I got used to the position and the uncomfortableness lessened.

Does the squatty potty work?

The questions is, did it make a big difference to how I poop and how much time I spend on the toilet? I must say that yes it did! I am now a big fan of the Squatty Potty as I spend much less time on the toilet, I hardly strain at all, I don’t use as much toilet paper, and when I use a toilet that doesn’t have the stool I really notice a huge difference and it makes it really hard to go! Plus because I can go more regularly there is less build up, less abdominal pain and bloating. Now I’m not sure that I would ever replace my sitting toilet with a squat toilet but I’m very happy to use the Squatty Potty for many years to come.

If you’d prefer not to pay for the branded stool, you can make your own at home with a few bricks or books or use a cheap little step and you can check out the website www.squattypotty.com for the height measurements and to see how far apart your feet need to be. If you’re thinking about giving it a try it may also be a good idea to check in with your health practitioner, particularly if you have back trouble as you don’t want to do anything to cause more discomfort.

Do you have a Squatty Potty and did it work for you? I’d love to hear about your experiences too!