You’re Pooping Wrong! Here’s How to Fix It

I Know What You’re Thinking… “How Can You Poop Wrong?” But Chances Are, You Are—Here’s How to Support Better Bowel Movements.

How Your Body Knows It’s Time

When your rectum fills up with waste, receptors in your anus send a message to your brain, saying, 'Hey, it’s time to go!'. Your brain processes this and sends a signal message back to your anus. This signal tells a muscle inside to relax, which is why you start feeling the urge to poop. At the same time, your pelvic floor muscles loosen up a bit, making it easier for your rectum to push the poop out.1

But here’s the thing, Western civilization has normalized sitting at a 90-degree angle on the toilet. Is that really the best way? Research suggests otherwise. A 2011 study found that both squatting and a hip-flexed position (like using a footstool) reduced abdominal pressure and straining. Squatting also improved the rectoanal angle, making elimination easier.2

Let’s be real—who wouldn’t want to make pooping easier and strain less? Maybe it’s time to rethink how we go number 2.

Stop Scrolling on the Toilet!

I get it. The bathroom can be your little escape—from responsibilities, from work, maybe even from your significant other. But here’s the problem: Sitting on the toilet too long, especially while straining, can actually lead to pressure injuries due to poor circulation. These injuries can range from a minor annoyance to serious issues that you definitely don’t want.

The good news? Fixing your pooping posture can help! A 2003 study found that squatting significantly reduced the time needed for complete evacuation.3 So, let’s save your butt, literally, and get you back to enjoying life (instead of hiding out on the toilet).

Upgrade Your Toilet Game: Get a Footstool

You’ve probably seen one of these in a bathroom before and thought, ‘What is that thing?’ Well, if you have, chances are the person who owns that house has mastered the art of the perfect poop. A footstool isn’t just a quirky accessory—it actually improves your posture, reduces straining, and optimizes your rectoanal angle for a smoother, quicker bathroom experience. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to level up your toilet game!

While You’re At It, Check Out zuPOO

​If you're seeking additional support for regular bowel movements, UMZU's zuPOO may be a beneficial option. This supplement is designed to aid in waste elimination and promote a healthy digestive tract. Users have reported experiencing significant waste elimination within 12-48 hours of starting the 7-day cleanse, potentially leading to feelings of lightness and reduced bloating.

Please note that this product isn’t intended to be taken everyday. This is a 7 day cleanse that can help increase bowel movements and help your body flush out toxins. After the cleanse we recommend incorporating a probiotic, like Floracil50, to further support gut health and elimination. 

Incorporating zuPOO into your routine every 3-6 months may assist in achieving smoother digestion and a cleaner gut, especially when combined with proper posture techniques during bowel movements. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it aligns with your individual health needs.

References

1. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. In brief: How do bowel movements work? [Updated 2021 Dec 13]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279481/

2. Modi, R. M., Hinton, A., Pinkhas, D., Groce, R., Meyer, M. M., Balasubramanian, G., Levine, E., & Stanich, P. P. (2019). Implementation of a Defecation Posture Modification Device: Impact on Bowel Movement Patterns in Healthy Subjects. Journal of clinical gastroenterology, 53(3), 216–219. https://doi.org/10.1097/MCG.0000000000001143 (overall)

3. Lustig, M., Levy, A., Kopplin, K., Ovadia-Blechman, Z., & Gefen, A. (2018). Beware of the toilet: The risk for a deep tissue injury during toilet sitting. Journal of tissue viability, 27(1), 23–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtv.2017.04.005

4. Sikirov D. (2003). Comparison of straining during defecation in three positions: results and implications for human health. Digestive diseases and sciences, 48(7), 1201–1205. https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1024180319005 (Poop time)