Squatty Potty Blog
How to fix everyday toilet problems
If you're on a regular pooping schedule, the toilet is the most important appliance in your home. If your indoor outhouse is out-of-order, it's more than a simple inconvenience when nature calls. From clogs to slow-filling tanks, toilet problems can range from minor annoyances to serious issues that could damage your home and health. Fortunately, common toilet problems can be easily fixed in a few quick steps. As part of our mission to help improve bathroom experiences worldwide, we've gathered a list of the most common toilet issues and researched simple solutions to resolve them. Whether you're a seasoned DIY-er or just looking to save money on plumbing repairs, this guide will give you the knowledge and tools you need to tackle toilet problems confidently. So, bust out your plunger, pull up a stool, and read on to keep your toilet flushing smoothly. Shop toilet stools How to fix a clogged toilet Clogs happen. Pipes get jammed with toilet paper, toys get flushed, and dumps overwhelm the bowl. It’s normal and lucky for you, there are several easy ways to unclog a toilet. Here are a few effective solutions: Take the plunge The plunger is the go-to tool for toilet unclogging. Place the plunger directly over the drain and pump it up and down several times to create suction that can help break up the clog. Mix it up Mix 1/3 cup of baking soda with 1/3 cup of vinegar in the toilet bowl. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then pour a bucket of hot water into the toilet to flush out the clog. Get yourself in hot water Pour a bucket of hot water into the toilet, which can help break up the clog and clear the drain. Break out the snake A plumbing snake is a long, flexible tool that can reach deep into the toilet and break up the clog. To help clear blockage deep down in the pipes, Insert the snake into the drain and twist it until the clog clears. Don’t lose soap Pour a generous amount of dish soap into the toilet and let it sit for 15 minutes. The soap can help break up the clog, making it easier to remove. Hang it up If you lack the proper tools and time, you can use a wire hanger to clear a clog as a last resort. Go to your closet, get a wire hanger, straighten it out, gently push it down into the bowl, and loosen the clog. Be careful not to damage or scratch the porcelain bowl. How to fix a running toilet A running toilet is a toilet that continues to flush or refill on its own, even after the flush handle is released. This constant flow of water into the toilet bowl causes water levels to rise and fall and makes a continuous sound of running water. Hence the name. Not only can a running toilet be annoying, but it can also waste a significant amount of water and lead to higher water bills. Here's how to fix it: Check the flapper The flapper is usually the culprit in the case of a running toilet. What's a flapper? It's a rubber valve that opens and closes to regulate water flow into the toilet bowl. If the flapper is not sealing properly, water will continue to flow indefinitely. To fix this, adjust the chain or lift the flapper to ensure a tight seal. If the flapper is worn or damaged, it may need to be replaced. Adjust the float The float is a ball-shaped device that goes up and down with the water level in the tank. If the float is set too high, water will continue to flow into the bowl, causing the toilet to run. To fix this, adjust the float to the proper level—no big deal. Replace the fill valve If your toilet is still running after checking the flapper and adjusting the float, you may have a defective fill valve. The fill valve controls the flow of water into the toilet tank. If the fill valve is faulty, it may need to be replaced. Check the flush handle If the handle is loose or not functioning properly, it can cause the toilet to run. To fix this, tighten the nut under the handle or replace the handle if necessary. How to fix a leaky toilet A leaky toilet can be frustrating and lead to higher water bills and floor damage. Toilets can leak for a variety of reasons and issues, but here are some common culprits and ways to fix them: Check the tank bolts Tank bolts are responsible for holding the toilet tank onto the bowl. If the bolts are loose, water may leak from the tank onto the floor. To fix this, simply tighten the bolts. Easy! Check or replace internal parts If the flapper is worn or damaged, it may need to be replaced. Changing out a faulty flapper is a simple and inexpensive procedure that involves just a few basic tools. Check the fill valve if it's not the flapper's fault. If the fill valve isn't working properly, water may leak into the bowl. To fix this, simply replace the fill valve. Again, easy! Check the wax ring The wax ring is a seal that sits between the bottom of the toilet and the top of the drain pipe. If the wax ring is damaged or worn, it can cause water to leak around the base of the toilet. To fix this, you will need to remove the entire toilet and replace the wax ring. Not so easy! If you’re not comfortable with removing your toilet, call a plumber. How to fix a slow-filling toilet Slow toilet? It can be annoying (and boring) to wait for your toilet to fill completely before flushing again. Ain't nobody got time for that. Here are some steps you can take to fix a slow-filling toilet: Check the water supply If the water pressure in your home is low, it can affect the speed at which your toilet fills. You can check your home’s pressure by turning on a faucet and measuring it with a pressure gauge. If the water pressure is low, you may need to have a plumber increase it. Clean the fill valve If the fill valve is dirty or clogged, it can slow down the flow of water into the tank. To clean the fill valve, simply remove it from the tank and rinse it with water. Check the float The float is a ball-shaped device that rises and falls with the water level in the tank. If the float is too low, it can prevent the fill valve from opening fully, slowing water flow into the tank. To fix this, adjust the float back to the proper level. Check the inlet valve The inlet valve is responsible for controlling the flow of water into the fill valve. If the inlet valve is clogged, it can slow down the flow of water into the tank. To clean the inlet valve, simply remove it from the wall and rinse it with water. Shop toilet stools The final turd These are the most common toilet problems and simple solutions to keep your toilet flushing. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help keep your toilet functioning properly and prevent more serious and costly repairs down the line. Using your properly maintained toilet and trusty Squatty Potty to put you in the right pooping posture will help you have more satisfying eliminations every time. Shop Stools
Learn moreThe lowdown on loose stool: Understanding diarrhea
Everything you never knew you wanted to know about diarrhea We all know the feeling. You’re relaxing or working when the symptoms hit out of nowhere: stomach cramps, bloating, and the sudden urge to use the bathroom. Uh oh. It’s diarrhea. Batten down the hatches, prepare your Squatty Potty, and hold onto your butt—you’re about to have a liquid bowel movement. Diarrhea is a common digestive disorder that affects everyone at some time or another. The experience, much like the symptoms, can be painful and unpleasant. Try as you might to avoid the squirts, chances are some errant hot dog, or unwashed hand will upset your stomach at some point this year and leave you with unwanted waterworks. That's why it's important to understand the causes, symptoms, and methods for prevention and treatment.Shop toilet stools What is diarrhea? Diarrhea is a condition in which a person has multiple loose or liquid bowel movements in a day. It’s basically when your #2 looks and feels more like a #1, with no solid pieces and a watery consistency. It is a widespread condition and affects people of all ages. Diarrhea symptoms are loose, watery stools, abdominal cramps, stomach pain, bloating, gas, nausea, and vomiting. What causes diarrhea? Diarrhea is a common digestive disorder, and various factors can cause it. Acute diarrhea is a short-term condition that usually lasts a few days. The average adult experiences this type of diarrhea four times per year. Here are a few of the ways the rumbly in your tummy can start: Infection Viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections are the most common causes of acute diarrhea. People can contract these infections through contaminated food or water or close contact with an infected person. Examples of these infections include norovirus, salmonella, E. coli, campylobacter, and Shigella. Infections cause diarrhea by disrupting the normal functioning of the gut. When harmful microorganisms enter the body, they wreak havoc, creating inflammation, inciting imbalances, and damaging the stomach lining or intestines. Food Poisoning Consuming contaminated food or drink can cause food poisoning, which can lead to diarrhea. Toxins or pathogens in the contaminated food can irritate the lining of the stomach or intestines, causing inflammation and increased contractions of the muscles in the gut. These extra contractions result in loose, watery stools, abdominal cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, and vomiting Symptoms of food poisoning usually appear within a few hours to a few days after consuming the contaminated food or drink. In most cases, the symptoms will clear up within a few days, but in some cases, they can last longer and require medical attention. Medications Certain medications can cause diarrhea as a side effect. Antibiotics can kill off harmful and beneficial bacteria in your gut, disrupting the sensitive balance in your digestive system. Overuse of laxative medication can also cause the runs. They increase the water content in stool by stimulating the muscles in the gut to contract more frequently, leading to loose, watery stools. Chronic diarrhea, on the other hand, is long-term diarrhea that lasts more than a few weeks. It can be caused by various factors such as gastrointestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), food allergies or intolerances, and certain medications. People with chronic diarrhea may also experience weight loss, fatigue, and malnutrition. If you have chronic diarrhea, you should contact your doctor to get to the root of the issue. What can I do to prevent diarrhea? Diarrhea can be a crappy experience (pun intended). It’s painful, embarrassing, and disruptive to your daily routine. With that in mind, here are a few steps you can take to prevent muddy collywobbles in the future. Practice good hygiene Keeping your hands and body clean can reduce the risk of exposure to harmful microorganisms that cause diarrhea. One of the most effective ways to prevent diarrhea is to wash your hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. Cleaning your hands helps remove harmful microorganisms that can cause diarrhea when ingested. Maintain a balanced diet A healthy diet that includes enough fiber and fluids can help prevent diarrhea. Adding an extra glass of water for hydration or a daily probiotic can help your stomach maintain a healthy balance of bacteria. Foods like bananas, ginger, and boiled potatoes are easily digested and can help your body prevent dehydration and bind loose stools. Foods high in fat, sugar, and caffeine can worsen diarrhea symptoms. Street food may not be prepared in the most hygienic conditions, so it's best to avoid that bratwurst ala carte if you're trying to avoid the big D. Practice safe food handling Consuming contaminated food or liquids is the easiest way to punch your ticket to diarrhea town. To prevent this, avoid untested tap water and raw or undercooked food in countries where sanitation is poor. Make sure that food is cooked thoroughly, especially meat and eggs. Whenever possible, use separate cutting boards for raw meat and produce and wash them thoroughly before using them again. What can I do to treat diarrhea? Even when you’ve done everything you can to avoid it, diarrhea is certain to rear its nasty head at least a few times a year. Here’s what you should do to treat diarrhea once you start experiencing symptoms. Stay hydrated Diarrhea can cause dehydration, so drinking plenty of fluids is essential. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol, as they can worsen diarrhea symptoms. Eat clean Restrict your diet to easily digested foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods will calm your stomach and firm up loose stools. Avoid any goods that you're sensitive to, or that could irritate the stomach lining. Get rest Diarrhea can be draining (literally), so getting plenty of rest is vital to help your body recover. Use a toilet stool While a toilet stool can’t help your body fight infection or alleviate symptoms, it can make your pooping experience more pleasant. By assuming a squatting position on a Squatty Potty, the angle between the rectum and the anus is optimized, making it easier for you to let every last drop into the bowl. Shop stools Take medications As a last resort, you can try over-the-counter medications like Imodium and Pepto-Bismol. These medicines can help to reduce diarrhea symptoms by slowing down the contractions of the muscles in your gut. Consult with a doctor If your diarrhea persists for more than a few days or you experience severe symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention. A doctor can help determine your diarrhea's cause and recommend appropriate treatment options. The Final Turd While diarrhea is common, it can be dangerous in some instances, especially in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. It's important to stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and seek medical attention if necessary. Taking the time to understand the causes and symptoms of diarrhea is the first step in preventing and treating it. Shop Stools
Learn moreHow To Find The Best Toilet For Your Home
When purchasing a new toilet, there are many factors to consider before committing to a specific model of crapper. Budget, size, and design should weigh into your research and preparation while searching for a new commode. Before you purchase a new toilet, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons of different models to ensure you're making the right choice. As part of our passion for helping the world poop better, we've compiled a list of the positives and negatives that come with purchasing a new porcelain throne. From size, shape, and design, here are some essential factors to consider before buying a new toilet. Shop Stools What makes a good toilet? A high-quality toilet is made from durable materials, has an efficient flushing mechanism, and is easy to clean. It should also have a comfortable seat, good water pressure, and remain quiet when flushing. Quality toilet fixtures should be made from materials that won't corrode, such as stainless steel or porcelain. The bowl and tank should also be well-sealed to prevent leaks. Budget: Determine how much you want to spend on your new toilet. Toilets come in a wide range of models and prices. Basic models can cost around $100, while high-end toilets with extra features can cost $400 or more. Decide what kind of toilet you want and how much you are willing to spend. It's important to remember that the more expensive models may not necessarily be the best for your needs. While an expensive toilet can provide comfort and a sleek design, it can also be costly and require regular maintenance. Size: Find a toilet that fits your space. You'll want to find a toilet that comfortably fits in your space. The size of your toilet will determine your bathroom's comfort, convenience, and overall aesthetic, so it's essential to get it right. Measure your bathroom before you start shopping and look for a toilet that will fit with room to spare. You may also want to consider if your toilet stool has enough room to fit around the bowl. Design: Find a toilet that matches your style. A toilet is one of the most visible bathroom fixtures, so having a toilet with a style that matches your aesthetic is essential. For example, if you have a contemporary bathroom, look for a modern, streamlined toilet with smooth lines and a minimalist design. If your bathroom is more traditional, you may want a more ornate toilet with a classic shape and decorative features. Premium toilets can also be customized with different colors, finishes, and styles to help match the look of your bathroom. Comfort: Find a toilet that helps you poop in peace. You should look for toilets designed for maximum comfort and convenience. Many models come with features like ergonomic seats and adjustable heights so that you can find the perfect fit for you. Ergonomic designs will help reduce strain and discomfort while sitting. If you want to save money on ergonomic features, using a Squatty Potty can help you poop with pleasure. Beyond being more comfortable, squatting with the help of a toilet stool is proven to relax your puborectalis muscle—the muscle that helps hold in your poop. This muscle relaxes when you squat on the toilet, and your poop flows more freely. Throwing your feet up on a Squatty Potty and letting gravity do the work will help you have happier, healthier poops, no matter which toilet design you choose. Not sure which toilet stool will put your pooper in the proper position? Use our handy guide to find the stool that works for your body type. Find the Right Squatty Potty for You Installation: Ensure your new toilet will work with your plumbing. If you're replacing an existing toilet, you may be able to use the existing plumbing. However, it's still important to know how much work will be involved and the cost of any additional materials or labor. You may also need to consider any structural modifications or additional fixtures that may be necessary. Lifespan: Better materials, better pooping, better life. When buying a new toilet, the material construction of your porcelain throne might be the most critical factor to consider. Not only will the materials used affect the look and feel of your bathroom, but they will also determine the longevity and durability of your toilet. Quality toilets are made from durable materials that withstand regular use and resist corrosion. Flushing: Find a toilet that uses less water and puts more money in your pocket. Toilets account for a huge portion of the average household's water usage, so it's important to look for water-efficient models. Try to find models with lower flush volumes and dual flush mechanisms. These conserve water by using different amounts of liquid for different types of waste. Toilets with quality flushing systems also use less water per flush to save money on your water bills in the long run. The Final Turd Your porcelain throne should make you feel like the king or queen you are. Considering price, size, materials, design, and water usage will help you find the best toilet for your bathroom. Much like your Squatty Potty, your toilet's ultimate job is to make pooping a more enjoyable experience. Find one that helps you have happier poops. Shop Stools
Learn moreSquatty Potty vs. other toilet stools: What makes Squatty Potty best?
Toilet stools are designed to give poopers better posture during elimination, which can help improve digestion and reduce strain on the colon. While several options are available on the market, Squatty Potty remains the most popular and recognized toilet stool. What makes Squatty Potty stand out among the competition? In this post, we will compare Squatty Potty with other toilet stools and examine the unique features that make it the best choice for toilet posture and overall health. What are the benefits of using a toilet stool? Before we dive into the Squatty Potty advantages, let's talk about the general benefits of using a toilet stool. Proper pooping posture involves a slight forward tilt of the pelvis, which helps to straighten the colon and facilitate the passage of waste. Without a stool, your feet are positioned flat on the floor, which can cause your knees to be bent and your pelvis to be tilted back. Flat-footed pooping can lead to constipation and other unfortunate digestive issues. Using a toilet stool allows the feet to be elevated and the pelvis to be tilted forward, creating a natural squatting position that can help improve bowel movements and overall digestive health. Introducing a toilet stool into your bathroom routine has several practical benefits, including: Better bowel movements Squatting can help to straighten the rectum and make it easier to pass stool. Studies have shown that squatting on the toilet provides a more efficient and effective way to launch your brown torpedoes. Using a toilet stool to elevate your feet and bring your body into a squatting position may relieve constipation and reduce the need for straining. Improved digestive health Squatting can help to prevent fecal stagnation and reduce the risk of hemorrhoids. You may improve your overall colon health by maintaining a natural squatting position. Reduced straining Straining while pushing out a bowel movement can put a lot of pressure on the muscles and joints of the lower body, which can lead to injuries such as hernias and prolapses. Using a toilet stool to alleviate strain can help to reduce the risk of these types of injuries. With these benefits in mind, it's still important to find the right toilet stool for you. By comparing different toilet stools, you can determine the best fit for you based on your needs and preferences. Need help determining which toilet stool is right for your feet and cheeks? Check out our guide or shop stools in various sizes and styles. What makes the Squatty Potty better than other toilet stools? When shopping for toilet stools, it is essential to consider factors such as height and angle, material, and price. Comparing the Squatty Potty to other toilet stools on the market will help you determine the best choice for your needs and preferences. A few factors contribute to the Squatty Potty being perceived as better than other toilet stools on the market. Here are just a few of the Squatty Potty advantages: Ergonomic design The Squatty Potty was designed with comfort in mind. Squatty Potty builds each model with a height and angle, allowing for optimal relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles. Not only will the Squatty Potty help put you in the natural squatting position, but it can reduce strain on the lower back and improve overall posture while using the toilet. Other toilet stools may not be designed with ergonomics in mind and may not provide the same level of support. Quality materials Squatty Potties are made of high-quality materials and are built to last. Squatty Potties are constructed of durable wood, acrylic, or plastic, so they are easy to clean and resistant to bacteria and odors. This makes the Squatty Potty a better investment than cheaper, lower-quality toilet stools that may break or wear out quickly. Adjustability Squatty Potties are available in two sizes (7-inch and 9-inch) to accommodate different heights of toilets and people. The Bamboo Flip Squatty Potty is adjustable in height, allowing users to customize it to their individual needs and preferences. This flexibility makes it a more versatile and suitable option for a wider range of users compared to toilet stools that are fixed in height. Usability The Squatty Potty is designed to be easily slipped under the toilet when not in use, taking up minimal space in the bathroom. Foldable stools like the Oslo Bamboo and Fold-N-Stow fit perfectly beneath your toilet or can be easily collapsed to stow out of the way. Other toilet stools may be bulkier and more difficult to store. Style Unlike other toilet stools, Squatty Potties are available in a variety of colors and styles to suit different bathroom decors. The Slim Teak Contempo, Carrara Marble, Frosted Ghost stools are great choices for users who want more modern or aesthetically pleasing designs. Squatty Potty reputation Squatty Potty is a well-known and trusted brand in the toilet stool industry. The product has been featured on popular TV shows such as Shark Tank and has received numerous positive reviews from satisfied customers. Squatty Potty also has a trusted customer support team that is available to answer questions and address any issues. Not all toilet stool brands offer this level of support, making Squatty Potty a more reliable choice. Price Squatty Potties are available at a range of price points, depending on the size and style of the stool. The wide range of stools make it easy to find a stool that fits your budget. Other toilet stools may vary in price based on factors such as the materials, features, and design. The benefits of using a toilet stool like the Squatty Potty may vary from person to person, so it’s important to compare and contrast each model. Different Squatty Potty toilet stools have different features and benefits, and it is important to consider factors like budget, size, and features when deciding which stool is best for you. The Final Turd Toilet stools can be a valuable tool for improving toilet posture and digestive health. While several options are available, the Squatty Potty stands out with its ergonomic design, adjustability, quality construction, and brand reputation. Whether you want to improve your pooping posture or digestive health, the Squatty Potty is reliable and effective. Please don't take our word for it; try it out for yourself and experience the benefits firsthand.
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The ultimate bathroom gift guide for poopers
Nothing in this world is certain except for death, taxes,…and poop. Everybody poops. There's no escaping it—every human on earth bears the burden of defecation. With that in mind, why not start in the bathroom if you're looking for gift ideas this holiday season? Good holiday gifts are thoughtful, practical, and unexpected. What’s more thoughtful, practical, and unexpected than a gift designed to help your friend or family member poop better? The average person spends thirty minutes using their bathroom each day. No matter how cool the gadget or tchotchke is, nobody will spend 30 minutes using it every day, but they will if you get them the right bathroom gift. As part of our mission to help the world do the doo, we've compiled gift ideas to brighten your loved one’s bathroom. Get out your wrapping paper, prop your feet up on a stool, and read on to make someone’s bathroom a place of relaxation and comfort. Shop stools Squatty Potty We may be biased, but Squatty Potty makes an incredible holiday gift. Sending someone a Squatty Potty can directly improve their quality of life. Give someone a candle and it provides pleasant aromas for a few weeks (maybe). Give someone a Squatty Potty and you'll help them have better eliminations for life. The Squatty Potty toilet stool will help your loved one reduce strain, defecate smoother, and help them get off the toilet faster. Sitting upright causes the pelvic floor to choke the rectum which slows down the whole process. Squatting on a toilet stool puts your body and colon at a better angle to push out poop. This improved angle allows for smooth evacuation of feces with minimal straining effort on your end. A Squatty Potty won’t only help your loved one have amazing-feeling poops, it could also help them avoid serious bowel issues down the line. Unlike exercise gear or a cute mug, Squatty Potty is a gift they will actually use. The average American poops over 300 times a year. That’s 300 times where they’ll prop their feet up on your stool and think of what a thoughtful, kind, and cool person you are. Shop stools Bathroom scent diffuser Help your friend or family create a relaxing, spa-worthy environment while they poop with a scent diffuser. Diffusers spread a subtle fragrance through the room to mask unpleasant smells and keep your bathroom feeling fresh. Not only will a well-placed diffuser make their bathroom feel more luxurious, but it can improve their mood and make them feel more comfortable while they pinch their holiday loaf. Add essential oils and your bathroom will be refreshed. Cozy bath rugs and mats There’s nothing better than stepping onto a soft bath rug after using the toilet. Pamper your loved one’s feet with a fluffy, clean bathroom rug. Gifting your friend or family member an ultra-soft bath mat provides a cozy surface for them to stand while also protecting their floors from puddles and mildew. A new bathroom mat is also a great way to help them freshen up their bathroom decor and spruce up their space. Pootanical Spritzers Portable potty spritzers make a great stocking stuffer. The scent industry has come a long way from overpowering air fresheners and sprays, which often made matters worse by mixing with bad smells instead of concealing them. Pootanical oils trap odors beneath the water to leave rooms smelling fresh. Unlike other sprays, they're also specifically designed for the bathroom, meaning they're sewer and septic safe. Shop Pootanicals Bathroom Bluetooth speaker Know somebody that likes to take their time on the toilet? Consider getting them a Bluetooth bathroom speaker. A wireless speaker can help keep your loved one entertained and mask nasty sounds while they throw down the brown. New Bluetooth speakers are smarter, more durable, and connect quicker than ever. With recent technological advancements, you can find great options regardless of your budget. Are you worried about water in the bathroom? They make waterproof Bluetooth speakers that keep them safe from unexpected splashes. Motion-activated toilet light Have a clumsy friend or know someone afraid of the dark? A motion-activated toilet light turns itself on whenever someone walks into a dark bathroom. It can protect children or the elderly from falling at night when searching for the bathroom or being blinded when you turn on the bathroom light in the middle of the night. You can even get a Squatty Potty with a motion-activated light built in! Two turds, one stone. Toilet Bidet Help your loved ones keep their poopers pristine by giving them a bidet. Bidets aren’t only better for your behind, but they’re growing in popularity. They use a gentle stream of water to rinse excess fecal matter from your behind. According to science, spraying your tush with a fresh blast of clean water is nearly twice as effective at cleaning your butt compared to using toilet paper alone.Innovative products like the Refresh-It Dual Stream Bidet easily attach to standard toilets in less than 10 minutes. Surprisingly easy to use, afford, and install, bidets make for a fun and different holiday gift. Shop bidets The Final Turd There's nothing worse than a dull, impractical gift. Surprise and delight your friends and family by giving them a gift they will actually use this year. Products like Squatty Potty toilet stools, bathroom diffusers, or toilet bidets make for thoughtful, practical, and unexpected presents. Improve someone's life by improving their pooping experience this holiday season.
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Six tips for better Thanksgiving bathroom experiences
Let's face it: You're going to overeat this Thanksgiving. That's the point of the holiday. You eat until you're full, then push through it until you're sick. While delicious foods like turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy go down easy, they can wreak havoc coming out the other side. Overeating can cause digestive issues such as abdominal pain, bloating, and belching. And an uncomfortable gut leads to unhappy bathroom experiences. Luckily, there are ways to enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner without paying for it on the toilet. As part of our mission to help you have happier, healthier eliminations, we've scoured the web to bring six tips to help you avoid constipation, diarrhea, and other stomach troubles this holiday season. Use these simple tips to prevent toilet and tummy trouble after turkey day. Want to have your green bean casserole and digest it too? Grab some cranberry sauce, pull up your stool, and read on. Add digestion-friendly foods to your meal If you're already going to overeat, plan on mixing in some food to help you digest it. Ingredients like carrots, cabbage, peas, broccoli, and green beans can soothe the stomach and alleviate bloating. If you’re going to add one food to avoid heartburn and uncomfortable gas this Thanksgiving, go with ginger. Ginger has been proven to ease acid reflux symptoms and increase gastric emptying. Consider buying a package of ginger chews or making a strong cup of ginger tea after your meal. It will aid digestion and keep you from feeling overly bloated or full. Drink plenty of water Drinking water before, during, and after your Thanksgiving meal will help reduce your risk of indigestion and heartburn. Starting your day with a full glass of water flushes your system and sets you up for later success. Sipping water during your dinner will slow down your eating process and make you feel fuller faster, which helps you avoid overstuffing on stuffing. Having a glass of water before you go to bed will keep your digestive system lubricated as it breaks down food. If you want to get fancy with it, we suggest squeezing a lemon into your water. The citric acid in lemon stimulates stomach acid production and helps flush toxins from your system. Add a probiotic Ingesting a probiotic on the big day can keep your gut microbiome balanced while it works through the mountain of food you just inhaled. Probiotics support the production of good gut bacteria and create optimal digestive conditions inside your stomach. You can add healthy probiotics into your system through supplements or foods like kefir yogurts, kimchi, and sauerkraut. And yes, we understand the irony of suggesting you put even more things in your stomach to battle a full belly. But if you want to avoid bloating that slows digestion, you should be pro-probiotics. Use a Squatty Potty Want your post-turkey poo to slide right out of you? Use a toilet stool. Squatting with your feet on a specially designed bathroom stool puts your body in a more natural position, making it easier to let your leftovers loose. Squatting makes it easier to poop because it tilts your colon forward to align with your anus. The better the alignment and higher the release angle, the more your rectum opens up to deliver the goods. If you want to eliminate exhausting eliminations, try popping a squat. The more food you eat, the more waste you make. Cut down on unnecessary bathroom trips and get everything out in one smooth go by adopting the proper pooping position. When you use a Squatty Potty, your muscles relax and your sphincter loosens, making more space in your rectum, letting your evacuations slide out smoother. Not sure which toilet stool will put your pooper in the proper position? Use our guide to find the stool that works for your body type. Fight the urge to sleep The tryptophan effect is real. Once you scarf down seconds and thirds, it can be hard to think about anything but sleep. If you can push past the sleepy post-Thanksgiving haze, your gut will thank you. Instead of lying on the couch, try to find an activity to do with your friends or family. Movement is proven to aid digestion. Go for a walk, play charades, or work the room. Do anything you can to increase your heart rate after you eat. The more you get your blood pumping, the faster your food moves through your intestines. The less time your stool sits in your digestive system, the less your intestines have to absorb water from it. This movement leads to softer, easier-to-pass poop. Avoid heartburn triggers While ingredients like ginger are known to improve digestion, some foods and beverages are sure to make things worse. Ingredients like chocolate, coffee, mints, and acidic fruits can trigger heartburn or acid reflux. These foods loosen the sphincter that connects your stomach and esophagus, letting acid to make its way up inside you.If you can manage, go easy on the alcohol as well. Booze can irritate the GI tract, slow your system, and increase the chances of overeating. The Final Turd When it comes to Thanksgiving, we’re not telling you to eat less. That’s half the fun! We want to help you avoid spending the next day holding your stomach and running to the toilet. If you add digestion-friendly foods, drink plenty of fluids, and get your blood pumping after the big meal, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying better Thanksgiving bowel movements. And when the time comes to let your leftovers loose, remember to assume the proper squatting position with a Squatty Potty for a happier, healthier experience.
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5 Amazing Poop World Records
Cracking open the Guinness Book of World Records is a classic American pastime and one we highly encourage you to do while on your Squatty Potty. But rather than leaf through endless pages to find the most amazing poop World Records, we’ve curated them here for your reading pleasure. So pull up a stool and digest the great lengths humankind has gone to in the name of pooping superlatives. World’s Longest Stool The Vikings ruled from about 793 to 1066 AD, and during that time, one constipated Northman squatted on the ground near modern-day York in the UK and pinched off a loaf brewing inside for several days. In 1972, when archaeologists excavated an area known to have been a Viking settlement, they unearthed a 7.9-inch fossilized turd. Subsequent dissections confirmed their suspicions, and the 2-inch dookie instantly became the stuff of legend. It mainly contained meat and bread, which makes sense. Without more fiber in his (or her) diet, this Viking was likely plugged up, giving the massive stool time to solidify in his lower intestine. Should you be curious to see it for yourself, you’re in luck. The turd is currently on display in York’s JORVIK Viking Centre. World’s Largest Toilet Paper Roll Believe it or not, the holder of this title is not your annoying neighbor who hoarded all the good stuff during the pandemic lockdown. The winner of this title goes to none other than Charmin. On August 26 (otherwise known as National Toilet Paper Day) in 2011, the cushy cotton connoisseurs unveiled a toilet paper roll that was 9-ft, 9-inches in diameter and 8-feet, 6-inches tall with a 17-inch thick cardboard core diameter. For comparison purposes, this toilet paper roll is about the height of a U-Haul truck and weighs two tons, the equivalent mass of a blue whale. Imagine storing this in your home. You’d never be short on rolls in the heat of the moment, but we think you’d have a tough time installing an appropriately-sized toilet paper holder next to the john. Best in the world at using the poop emoji There’s one country that uses the poop emoji more frequently than any other. Any guesses? Eh? Eh? It’s Canada! The friendliest group of people we know may be hiding a lot behind that smiling pile of poo. British touch-screen keyboard developer SwiftKey searched their data to discern which countries use which emoji the most. The poop emoji accounted for 48% of all emoji posted by Canadians, which begs the question—what’s in that maple syrup after all? The second-largest poop emoji user is Australia at 38%, followed by the US at 34% and the UK at 25%. This world record was established in 2015, so if Americans truly put their minds to it and bring their phones with them onto their Squatty Potties, this title could still be in play. Using a toilet stool, like the poop emoji, can help brighten your day. Propping your legs up on a Squatty Potty has been proven to help you have easier, more satisfying eliminations. Not sure which toilet stool is right for you? Use our guide to find the stool that best suits you. Find The Right Squatty Potty For You The First (and Only?) Groom of the Stool Pooping in the olden days was nary a pretty sight and oft an indicator of health (as it is today) due to lack of modern-day testing capabilities. In the 16th century, England’s King Henry VII used his royal powers to name advisor Hugh Denys of Osterley, the Groom of the Stool. What a gig! Osterley was the earliest known holder of the title. His doo-ties included monitoring the king’s bowel movements and even cleaning the king after his royal hiney took to the porcelain throne. So accomplished was Osterley in the role he was promoted to Manager of the Privy Chamber in 1495 and eventually advised the king on treasury matters. If you dream it, kids, you can do it. First Hollywood Movie to Feature a Toilet The iconic slasher film and groundbreaking horror movie Psycho is known for its chilling shower scene, but we’re scratching our heads here. Did the Academy of Motion Pictures not care that it was also the first Hollywood movie to feature an on-screen toilet? Furthermore, was there no acclaim for being the first movie to feature a toilet flush sound? The inclusion of the toilet in those days was more controversial than it sounds. The Hays Code, a set of industry content guidelines established by the then-president of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America (MPPDA) prohibited “distasteful” content in films, such as nudity, profanity, and even kissing for longer than three seconds. As time passed, foreign films grew in popularity, and directors got creative working around Hays Code standards. Hitchcock took a risk by setting a killer scene in the loo, but the choice of sneaking up on a victim in the shower proved too thrilling to be cut. We’re not sure what’s scarier—the lack of respect for bathrooms or the fact that Psycho didn’t take home an Academy Award. Hopefully, Hitchcock took comfort in knowing that he opened the door for toilets to grace the silver screen in all their glory. The Final Turd There you have it. Five weird and wacky poop records. Are you inspired? Could you claim a number one world record for a number two someday? We’re rooting for you—the same way we’re rooting for you to adopt the proper squatting position with our toilet stools to have happier, healthier bowel movements.
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The real reason you’re disgusted by poop
Poop. Some people find it funny, some find it fascinating, but almost everyone finds it gross. As a species, we’re disgusted by almost everything about it. We don’t like looking at it, we don’t like smelling it, and we certainly don’t enjoy touching it. But, have you ever wondered why we are so grossed out by our own feces?It turns out there are good reasons why humans avoid and detest their waste—reasons beyond basic cleanliness concerns and have implications on our own evolution. Our instincts, culture, and plumbing subtly push us to do our business and walk away. That's why many people use toilet stools for quicker and healthier eliminations. Using a Squatty Potty puts your body and colon at a better angle to push out waste, so you can get in and get out without lingering. The longer you're around your number two before flushing it down, the more likely you'll grow disgusted by the odor. Humans are hardwired to hate poop To understand why we’re sickened by the thought of poo, we have to look at the origins of disgust from an evolutionary standpoint. Psychologists believe disgust evolved to prevent our ancestors from eating spoiled food that might kill them. Darwin hypothesized that early humans revulsed by things like decayed meat, feces, and blood survived to pass on their genes, while those immune to their grossness died off. Poop is waste, after all. There’s a reason why your body wanted to remove it from your system in the first place. While the process isn't gross in itself—it's really just the way your digestive tract works—the physical result is usually pretty nasty. Our excrement is made up of three essential ingredients: water, undigested fiber, and bacteria, much of it potentially harmful. The closer you are to feces, the more you open the door to serious illnesses. Hepatitis, cholera, norovirus, polio, E. coli, tapeworms, and rotavirus are all spread via waste. Our dislike of the smell and consistency of poop likely evolved to keep us from coming into contact with infection and disease. So, the next time you catch a whiff of wafting poo while using your Squatty Potty, thank your sense of disgust for keeping you safe. Poop is gross; pooping is not Our minds are naturally disgusted by the idea of poop, but the shame that comes along with defecating is uniquely human. Mankind is the only species on the planet that passes poop in private. This practice likely originated for sanitary and practical reasons, but over time it’s become coupled with a sense of embarrassment. We pretend it’s a secret. We’re ashamed that someone might know we also expel waste from our bodies. We avoid public bathrooms, hide our Squatty Potties, and turn on fans to mask the sounds and smells. Pooping is a sign that our bodies are healthy and working properly. Yet the thing that comes naturally to every man, woman, and child is often confused as disgusting. No other animal is embarrassed by the act of pooping. Take dogs, for instance—they let nature take its course without any concern for how it might make others feel or whether it might cause them embarrassment or discomfort later on down the line. They just squat, dump, and keep it moving. If you find yourself disgusted by the idea of someone else pooping or even talking about it, you can blame your revulsion on our culture, not nature. There’s nothing inherently nasty about pooping if you're having healthy bowel movements. Good bowel health comes with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and a specially designed toilet stool to help undo the kink in your digestive system. Without all three, the grosser your poops will be. Not sure which toilet stool is right for you? Use our guide to find the stool that best suits you. Find The Right Squatty Potty For You The final turd Our relationship with poop is complicated. It's not just a bodily function. It's an essential part of our existence. And while there is no denying that this substance can be unpleasant to see or smell, nothing is disgusting about having happy, healthy poops (with the help of a Squatty Potty).
Learn more4 Reasons Everyone Should Squat To Poop
You probably don’t give your poop routine much thought these days. You sit, you poop, you flush. If you’re old enough to be reading this, your poop process has already become an unconscious, automatic habit. But, if you learned there was a better way to go number two, would you try it? Most people don't realize there's a healthier, more practical method to take care of business. Squatting. Rather than pooping with your feet flat on the floor, squatting with your feet on a toilet stool puts your body in a natural position, making it easier to let your goods loose.If you’re an American, you might be surprised to learn squatting is a universally accepted pooping practice worldwide. While sitting during defecation is common due to the design of our toilets, many countries use low toilets that allow people to squat over the commode. The easiest way to assume the proper squatting position is by resting your feet on a specially designed toilet stool. A Squatty Potty, scientifically known as a DMPD (Defecation Postural Modification Device) can help you have healthier and happier eliminations. There are hundreds of reasons why squatting with a stool could help your stool, but we’ve whittled the list down to the top 4 advantages. SHOP TOILET STOOLS Here’s how using a Squatty Potty can help you poop better: Squatting reduces strain while pooping Squatting on a toilet stool puts your body and colon at a better angle to push out waste. This improved angle allows for smooth evacuation of feces with minimum straining effort on your end. The less you struggle, the faster and more convenient your defecations will be. When you decrease stress and strain on your body, you’re more likely to avoid bowel issues. After all, strain is a main cause of hemorrhoids. Researchers at Ohio State University found that 90% of people who used a Squatty Potty strained less than those who pooped with their feet on the floor. They also found that 71% of toilet stool users had faster bowel movements. 85% of stool users experienced increased emptiness.Straining caused by sitting on the toilet flat-footed is not healthy. Don’t push it. Effortlessly shoot your shot with a squat. Squatting unkinks your colon You probably don’t feel it, but there’s a slight bend between your colon and anus. When you’re sitting on a toilet, this bend can become kinked, making it harder for waste to pass through. Studies show squatting straightens out this “kinking'' and allows for easier eliminations. When you use an ordinary toilet and sitting position, the rectum does not align with the colon, which means you’ll have to apply more force to expel poop, no matter how healthy you are. We don’t mean to kink shame—the bend in your colon is actually pretty helpful at times. It helps keep poop in before it’s ready for release, saving you from unwanted accidents. When you squat, you realign the colon and straighten the rectum. This alignment sends a signal to your digestive system that you’re ready to go. Squatting removes the clotting if you want to give your poop a smooth ride and straight route out. Using a Squatty Potty is the most effective and popular way to put your body in the correct pooping position. That's because Squatty Potties are specially designed to lift your knees into a squat-like position and conveniently tuck in under the toilet when out of use. Browse Squatty Potty’s collection of designs to put yourself in the right position. Shop stools Squatting to poop helps you feel more empty Squatting while pooping makes it easier to empty your lower colon completely. Remember that study from OSU? It also proved “toilet stoolers” experienced increased bowel emptiness. Bringing up your knees puts you into the proper crouching position and helps you to pass the stool more efficiently, allowing it to flow out with less pushing. Pooping with your hips parallel to the floor, the way most American toilets are designed, makes it harder to have complete evacuation of your bowels. Squatting makes it easier to poop because the colon is tilted forward towards the anus. Toilet stools like the Squatty Potty increase the rectal canal angle from 100 degrees to 120 degrees. The higher the release angle, the more your rectum opens up to deliver the goods. If you want to eliminate exhausting eliminations for good, try popping a squat. Not sure which toilet stool will put your pooper in the proper position? Use our handy guide to find the stool that works for your body type. Find the Right Squatty Potty for You Squatting on the toilet allows your body to relax Humans were naturally designed to squat on the toilet. Propping your feet on a footstool is a more relaxing position for your body to be in when pooping. Beyond being more comfortable, squatting is proven to relax your puborectalis muscle—the muscle that helps hold in your poop. This muscle relaxes when you squat on the toilet, and your poop flows more freely. The more your muscles and sphincters loosen, the more space you make in your rectum, and the easier your evacuations will be. Additionally, when you're in a squatting position, the pressure in your lower colon is higher than when seated or standing. This increased pressure encourages stool to migrate through the colon. Give your anus permission to chill by throwing your feet up on a Squatty Potty and letting gravity do the work. The final turdThe science is in: squatting is the better way to poop. Squatting over the toilet can help eliminate straining and even allow your body to relax. If you’ve ever wished pooping were easier, using a Squatty Potty toilet stool could help.
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