{"id":5699,"date":"2016-10-28T05:18:00","date_gmt":"2016-10-28T09:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/?p=5699"},"modified":"2022-10-24T12:44:28","modified_gmt":"2022-10-24T16:44:28","slug":"habit-28-improve-bathroom-routines-better-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/habit-28-improve-bathroom-routines-better-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Improve Bathroom Habits and Your Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>These four tips will improve bathroom habits which will result in better health for you and the environment. Stick with me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, as a society, we are very reluctant to discuss bathroom issues and even more reluctant to change hygiene habits <em>even though some of their current habits are outdated<\/em>.\u00a0I understand that talking about your bathroom habits can be a little uncomfortable. Still, this is a habit you need to get right!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Walking, drinking water, prebiotics, and probiotics, enough fiber from veggies, getting more magnesium,<\/span> and even stress management can <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">help you have more successful and regular bowel movements.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"mai-toc mai-toc-default\"><details class=\"mai-toc__showhide\" open><summary class=\"mai-toc__summary\" tabindex=\"0\"><span class=\"mai-toc__row\"><span class=\"mai-toc__col\">Table of Contents<\/span><span class=\"mai-toc__col mai-toc__toggle mai-toc--close\">[Hide]<\/span><span class=\"mai-toc__col mai-toc__toggle mai-toc--open\">[Show]<\/span><\/span><\/summary><ul class=\"mai-toc__list mai-toc--parent\"><li class=\"mai-toc__listitem\" tabindex=\"-1\"><a class=\"mai-toc__link scroll-to\" href=\"#1-a-toilet-stool-to-help-you-squat\" tabindex=\"0\">1 &#8211; A Toilet Stool To Help You Squat<\/a><\/li><li class=\"mai-toc__listitem\" tabindex=\"-1\"><details class=\"mai-toc__details\"><summary class=\"mai-toc__summary\"><span class=\"mai-toc__row\"><a class=\"mai-toc__link scroll-to\" href=\"#2-eliminate-constipation-with-a-stool\" tabindex=\"0\">2 &#8211; Eliminate Constipation With A Stool<\/a><span role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"mai-toc__icon mai-toc--open\">&#x2b;<\/span><span role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"mai-toc__icon mai-toc--close\">&#x2212;<\/span><\/span><\/summary><ul class=\"mai-toc__list mai-toc--child\"><li class=\"mai-toc__listitem\" tabindex=\"-1\"><a class=\"mai-toc__link scroll-to\" href=\"#ergonomics-of-the-modern-toilet\" tabindex=\"0\">Ergonomics of the modern toilet<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/details><\/li><li class=\"mai-toc__listitem\" tabindex=\"-1\"><details class=\"mai-toc__details\"><summary class=\"mai-toc__summary\"><span class=\"mai-toc__row\"><a class=\"mai-toc__link scroll-to\" href=\"#3-use-a-bidet-on-your-delicate-area\" tabindex=\"0\">3 &#8211; Use A Bidet On Your Delicate Area<\/a><span role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"mai-toc__icon mai-toc--open\">&#x2b;<\/span><span role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"mai-toc__icon mai-toc--close\">&#x2212;<\/span><\/span><\/summary><ul class=\"mai-toc__list mai-toc--child\"><li class=\"mai-toc__listitem\" tabindex=\"-1\"><a class=\"mai-toc__link scroll-to\" href=\"#what-about-flushable-wipes-instead-of-a-bidet\" tabindex=\"0\">What about flushable wipes instead of a bidet?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"mai-toc__listitem\" tabindex=\"-1\"><a class=\"mai-toc__link scroll-to\" href=\"#bidets-are-not-as-uncommon-as-you-think\" tabindex=\"0\">Bidets are not as uncommon as you think<\/a><\/li><li class=\"mai-toc__listitem\" tabindex=\"-1\"><a class=\"mai-toc__link scroll-to\" href=\"#various-types-of-bidets-are-available\" tabindex=\"0\">Various types of bidets are available<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/details><\/li><li class=\"mai-toc__listitem\" tabindex=\"-1\"><a class=\"mai-toc__link scroll-to\" href=\"#4-dont-add-toxins-to-unpleasant-bathroom-odors\" tabindex=\"0\">4 &#8211; Don't Add Toxins to Unpleasant Bathroom Odors<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1 &#8211; A Toilet Stool To Help You Squat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you use a stool to poop, you can count on better health. Before you get grossed out and dismiss this concept, <\/span>let me prove <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>this habit can make a difference in your overall health and wellness.<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A footstool can greatly improve your ability to eliminate fully and without strain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When<\/span> I started studying ways to achieve better health, someone suggested using a \u201cstool for your stool,\u201d That tip has stuck with our family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At first, we used a stool already in our bathrooms for the children to reach the sink, which worked pretty well but wasn't quite high enough or wide enough to fit properly at the toilet. Then later, we bought a stool specifically made for use at the toilet, pictured<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> below made by Squatty Potty.<\/span> Recently (2020) I upgraded all my stools to Squatty Potty's bamboo version.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/shareasale.com\/r.cfm?b=859459&u=1060429&m=54647&urllink=&afftrack=\"><img decoding=\"async\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/static.shareasale.com\/image\/54647\/EccoHero-col0Logo.jpg\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Squatting may help <strong>prevent hemorrhoids or prevent the worsening of hemorrhoids<\/strong>. The squat posture is also better for pregnant women as squatting avoids putting pressure on the uterus. One study suggests that the greater the hip flexion achieved by squatting, the straighter the rectoanal canal will be; accordingly, less strain will be required for defecation. (source)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While any footstool could help, the height and slant of Squatty potty, along with the space designed specifically for feet makes it much more useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2 &#8211; Eliminate Constipation With A Stool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The squatting position may be all it takes to relieve chronic constipation. Scientists explain defecation postural modification devices or DPMDs (stools such as the squatty potty) help you go more easily and avoid constipation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>The results of the [one] study suggest that the greater the hip flexion achieved by squatting, the straighter the rectoanal canal will be, and accordingly, less strain will be required for defecation. 1<\/p><cite>pubmed<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Another study showed that the stool positively influenced bowel movement duration, straining patterns, and complete evacuation of bowels. 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those with IBS and other health conditions of the intestine, a stool can be life-changing. Straining, constipation, bloating, hemorrhoids and fissures can be a nightmare. I've read positive reviews of the Squatty Potty from people with anal fissures or hemorrhoids. Using a stool is much less invasive or harsh than laxatives or drinking high-fiber supplements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Squatty Potty works, and your digestive system will thank you for the help. In addition, some evidence demonstrates that using a step stool can lower inflammation and your risk of developing colon cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Especially for women, straining can create more problems as it stresses the pelvic floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ergonomics of the modern toilet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Modern-day toilet<\/strong>s have only been around for a few hundred years. Before the toilet, people used an outhouse. The earliest versions only included a hole in the ground over which people would squat to achieve elimination. \u201c<em>The earliest record of a water closet system was in China. A stone toilet bowl with a water system was found to have been used in 206 B.C<\/em>.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Sitting to poop<\/strong> does restrict the flow from your colon. <\/span>There's a bend on the way from the rectum into the anus, and squatting helps to straighten it out, making the route more direct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As most people in China do, squatting <\/span>is a more effective way to perform elimination. While visiting China in 2015 and 2019, I noticed that most people used squat toilets in places where both squat and sit toilets were provided<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span> The stalls with modern toilets were typically vacant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3 &#8211; Use A Bidet On Your Delicate Area<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The area around your anus is quite delicate. This area deserves gentle treatment. A rinse followed by gentle drying is less harsh than repeated wiping with dry, rough, toilet paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That is why I recommend the use of a bidet<\/span>. A bidet is cleaner than wiping with dry toilet paper. Don't think so?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Imagine you check into a nice hotel, you start to shower,<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> but then you realize there is no water. You ask the hotel staff, but instead of water, they give you toilet paper to clean your body. Of course, you would never think of <strong>cleaning your entire body with just dry toilet paper<\/strong>. So, why would you clean your behind that way after you poo?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/bidet-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"bidet\" class=\"wp-image-5702\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/bidet-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/bidet-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/bidet-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/bidet-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/bidet-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/bidet-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/bidet.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Using a bidet is much more hygienic<\/strong> than using dry toilet paper. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What about flushable wipes instead of a bidet?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Almost every time I discuss using a bidet, someone mentions flushable wipes. Truthfully, these are not good for your bottom, the plumbing, or the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This may be a surprise, but adult wet wipes should not be flushed. Often, the package says they are flushable; technically, a wipe <em>can<\/em> be flushed. However, you don\u2019t see <\/span>the problems they cause down the plumbing line, literally and figuratively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t believe it\u2019s a problem, go <a href=\"http:\/\/www.scottenglishplumbing.net\/blog\/dont-flush-wet-wipes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.superterry.com\/are-wet-wipes-flushable\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or browse a search on it and check out the millions of results.<\/span> (<em>Not to mention they're a nightmare, environmentally speaking.<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, <strong>wipes contain cleaning agents and alcohol that can leave delicate skin irritated<\/strong>. Using flushable wipes regularly may remove good bacteria and disrupt the balance of your microbiome. In some cases, this can lead to infection or irritation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bidets are not as uncommon as you think<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While traveling through Japan, we noticed that the bathrooms, even in the airport, had the <strong>option to rinse your booty<\/strong>! Regarding<\/span> bathrooms, we could take some pointers from the Japanese! The toilets there have everything you need to wash your booty! I read one estimate that over 70% of Japanese households currently had a bidet. After <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">using a bidet, you will find <strong>dry toilet paper almost primitive<\/strong>!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Listen to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/using-a-bidet\/\">A Healthy Bite episode &#8220;potty mouth&#8221;<\/a> where my daughter and I discuss using a bidet. We recorded it during her senior year of high school &#8211; her last year at home. There were a few chuckles&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Various types of bidets are available<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My first bidet was already installed in a house <\/span>I bought in Florida about 13 years ago. It was situated right next to the toilet in the master bathroom. It had temperature controls, which is better than straight cold water. The bidet I use now comes from Squatty Potty; it<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> looks like the one below and fits right under the toilet seat:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/static.shareasale.com\/image\/54647\/Refreshit-web1300px-toilet-Copy.jpg\"\/><br \/><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I have not seen another house for sale that had a built-in bidet since that one, and I\u2019ve never seen another one in anyone's home. In my current home, there is not enough room to install a full-size bidet, so we installed bidets on our current toilets. The water is not warm, but it\u2019s effective. If I ever build a house or buy one with enough room, I will have a proper bidet installed again!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you use a bidet,<\/span> you will not want to return to dry toilet paper again. I would also like to mention that using a bidet saves paper AND water. Yes, manufacturing toilet paper uses many<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> resources like trees, water, and energy. Read more <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidet.org\/blogs\/news\/15190029-the-true-costs-of-using-toilet-paper\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4 &#8211; Don't Add Toxins to Unpleasant Bathroom Odors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>This last point is s<\/strong>hort but sweet. If you leave an <em>unpleasant odor<\/em> in<\/span> the bathroom, do yourself a favor and skip toxic air fresheners. Not only does the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/why-fragrance-is-bad\/\"> fragrance pollute the air<\/a>, but it contains phthalates, formaldehyde, VOCs, and <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">carcinogens. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not only does the <strong>fragrance affect you long-term<\/strong>, but <\/span>some people are highly allergic to fragrances. They can also trigger asthma attacks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You don\u2019t have to be embarrassed, and there\u2019s no need to buy a <em>fancy spray; just<\/em> keep a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/natural-cleaning\/\">bottle of essential oils<\/a> in your bathroom. Simply add one or two drops in the toilet, and no one will ever know what you did.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My first post about pooping more efficiently can be found <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/poop-more-efficiently\/\">here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<!-- This site is converting visitors into subscribers and customers with OptinMonster - https:\/\/optinmonster.com :: Campaign Title: Basic Bestie Newsletter -->\n<div id=\"om-hocmzgp0klfpcbg5gkc5-holder\"><\/div>\n<script>(function(d,u,ac){var s=d.createElement('script');s.type='text\/javascript';s.src='https:\/\/a.omappapi.com\/app\/js\/api.min.js';s.async=true;s.dataset.user=u;s.dataset.campaign=ac;d.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(s);})(document,191383,'hocmzgp0klfpcbg5gkc5');<\/script>\n<!-- \/ OptinMonster -->\n\n<div class=\"mai-accordion\" style=\"--row-gap:var(--spacing-md);\">\n<details class=\"mai-accordion-item\"><summary class=\"mai-accordion-summary\"><span class=\"mai-accordion-title\">Source<\/span><\/summary><div class=\"mai-accordion-content\">\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Sakakibara, Ryuji et al. \u201cInfluence of Body Position on Defecation in Humans.\u201d\u00a0<em>Lower urinary tract symptoms<\/em>\u00a0vol. 2,1 (2010): 16-21. doi:10.1111\/j.1757-5672.2009.00057.x<\/li><li>Modi, Rohan M et al. \u201cImplementation of a Defecation Posture Modification Device: Impact on Bowel Movement Patterns in Healthy Subjects.\u201d\u00a0<em>Journal of clinical gastroenterology<\/em>\u00a0vol. 53,3 (2019): 216-219. doi:10.1097\/MCG.0000000000001143<\/li><\/ol>\n\n<\/div><\/details>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/habit-28-improve-bathroom-routines-better-health\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/pinterest-squatty-potty-image-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Don't be shy, let's talk about what goes down in the bathroom!\" class=\"wp-image-1927\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/pinterest-squatty-potty-image-300x450.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/pinterest-squatty-potty-image-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/pinterest-squatty-potty-image-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/pinterest-squatty-potty-image.jpg 735w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Pin it!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>These four tips will improve bathroom habits which will result in better health for you and the environment. Stick with me. Overall, as a society, we are very reluctant to discuss bathroom issues and even more reluctant to change hygiene habits even though some of their current habits are outdated.\u00a0I understand that talking about your &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"mai_trending":8,"mai_views":59,"mai_views_updated":1769599542,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[980,976],"tags":[],"class_list":{"2":"type-post","6":"category-healthy-habits","7":"category-podcast","8":"entry"},"modified_by":"Rebecca Huff","acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5699","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5699"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5699\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29153,"href":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5699\/revisions\/29153"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5699"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5699"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5699"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}