A doctor has shared a rather bizarre way to sit on the toilet that could help if you’re struggling to take a dump.
We’ve all been there when you feel like you need have a number two, but nothing’s happening.
Lads, in particular, get a bad rep for sitting on the loo for too long but often it’s a combination of doom scrolling and waiting for your bowels to produce the goods.
Advert
Being constipated is not a nice feeling. (Getty Stock Image)
Not being able to poo is often a symptom of constipation and it happens to the best of us.
That’s where Dr Karan Raj (@dr.karanr) comes in.
While he won’t physically be there to help you poop – that would be a bit weird – the NHS surgeon has taken to TikTok to show us a different way to sit on the toilet.
Advert
“This isn’t going to solve chronic constipation issues or replace a fibre rich diet but if you’re experiencing sudden internal plumbing issues this could be your get out of poop jail free card,” Dr Karan begins.
He then talks us through the bizarre toilet seat position which sees you sit with one leg over the other to ‘mimic the squatting position’.
It’s estimated that around one in every seven adults in the UK has constipation at any one time. (Getty Stock Image)
He explained: “This position changes the angle of the rectum by relaxing the puborectalis muscle which normally creates a kink in the rectum to maintain continents, i.e. it stops your poop leaking out.
Advert
“When the kink is lessened, its allows for a more direct passage of stool and optimised poop physics. This position also increases the intra abdominal pressure, allowing you to squeeze out stool like you’re a frozen yoghurt dispenser.
“Essentially the poopy yoga position means a slightly more relaxed perfect floor and less straining.
“If you’re someone that strains a lot on a regular basis that can lead to something known as dyssynergic defecation basically your body forgets how to poop properly and your pelvic floor contracts when it should be relaxing.
“If you don’t fancy toilet yoga, you can invest in a poop stool or just keep something under your feet to get the same effect.”
Advert
Definitely seems worth a go if you’re struggling.
Constipation symptoms
According to the NHS, you are likely to have constipation if:
You have not had a poo at least three times in the past seven daysYou are pooing less often than normalYour poo is hard or dryYou are straining to have a pooYou feel like you need to poo but can’tWhat causes constipation
The most common causes are:
Not drinking enough liquidsNot consuming enough fibreBeing less active than normalHolding in your poo when you need to goA sudden change in diet or routineStress, anxiety or depressionA side effect of medicationHow to treat and prevent constipation
For softer and more regular poos you should:
Eat a balanced diet with fruit and vegetablesDrink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic drinksAdd more fibre to your dietTry and go for a poo at regular timesDaily walks and exercise
The NHS advises seeing your GP if things don’t improve.
Featured Image Credit: Tiktok/DrKaranr/Getty Stock Image
Topics: TikTok, Health
