Restroom habits are not commonly discussed, yet we use the toilet several times a day, day after day, without realizing that this process can be made more comfortable and beneficial for our health. As a bonus, we’ve resolved the age-old debate about the correct way to hang toilet paper.

How to sit

There are many theories about how to properly sit on the toilet. Experts recommend the following:

• You need to sit on the toilet so that your knees are higher than your hips. If necessary, use a foot stool or any other flat, stable object.
• Lean forward and place your elbows on your knees.
• Relax and bulge out your stomach.
• Straighten your spine.

According to studies, the squatting position is one of the best. With your knees bent, the rectoanal canal becomes straight. This way, the body will strain less to defecate.

Studies show that the sitting position makes bowel emptying much more difficult than the squatting position. With insufficient leg flexion, the rectoanal canal won’t be straight enough, and it will require more effort from you to defecate.

How long to use a toilet

Each of us spends a certain amount of time on the toilet. Some people try to do this quickly, while others can stay there for an hour.

Sitting on the toilet for too long can lead to excessive straining. And this, in turn, can provoke pressure on the rectum and cause hemorrhoids. While sitting on the toilet, avoid distracting yourself.

How to flush a toilet properly