Most people will enter a toilet and naturally sit while facing in front while doing their business. Not according to a TikToker by the username @AmyWoahh. In a viral video posted on TikTok, she claims we have been doing it wrong and that sitting on the toilet backwards is actually a better way to go about your business.
Is sitting on toilet backwards a good idea? Let’s find out.
Why Might a Person Want to Sit on Toilet Backwards?
Sitting on a toilet backwards is a strange position, not common to many people, and that is why when Amy fronted the idea, not all of her followers were on board with it. However, she had a few reasons for suggesting this position.
The main reason was that it is comfortable to engage in other activities, especially eating. Would you want to eat while seeing your poop? Probably not. Watching Netflix might not be that bad, but eating and drinking are two things you might not want to do while sitting on the toilet.
The toilet space is a breeding ground for germs, bacteria, and other nasty things. One of these bacteria is E. Coli, a type of pathogen that causes food poisoning. This can make you very sick and even put your life at risk in extreme cases.
Apart from the bacteria, sitting facing backwards allows for maximum hit by the odor from your urine or poop. When you sit facing forward, you are facing away from the toilet bowl; therefore, your nose is not directly above the smell.
Is There Any Scientific Support for Sitting on a Toilet Backward?
At the moment, None. No single scientific study supports the idea of sitting on a toilet backwards. However, there are some scientific studies that advise on the best toilet posture for optimum health.
What Is the Right Toilet Sitting Position
Just before Christmas of 1978, the president of the USA, Mr. Carter, came down with a bad case of hemorrhoids. This is a condition where the veins in your anal area become swollen and often painful. The main cause of the disease is defecating in a wrong posture. So, what is the right position?
Dr. Dov Sikirov conducted a study in 2003 that concluded squatting was the best position for relieving oneself. His study included several dozen patients that were divided into three groups.
The first group was instructed to sit on a 16-inch-high toilet when going to the bathroom. The second group was told to sit on a 12-inch-high toilet, and the third group was instructed to squat when using the toilet. The subjects were then asked to record how difficult it was to relieve themselves on a four-point range scale.
According to Sikirov, respondents took just 51 seconds on average to squat on a toilet as opposed to 130 seconds when they were sitting. Additionally, respondents were more likely to judge the experience as easy when they went from a sit to a squat.
Squatting does not strain the rectum as much as sitting, preventing the veins around the anal area from swelling with blood, and causing hemorrhoids. When squatting, the alignment of the anus and rectum is straight, making it easier for waste to pass through.
I Have a Sitting Toilet; How Can I Squat?
Most American toilets are designed for sitting, and it can be challenging to squat on them. However, there is a way you can improvise and achieve the squatting position even while sitting.
To achieve the squat look-a-like position, your knees need to be raised, inclining your hips roughly at 35 degrees against your body. All you need to achieve this position is a footstool.
After sitting on the toilet, place your feet on the footstool to raise your knees.
The following are step-by-step instructions to follow.
- Use a toilet footstool
- Sit on the toilet and place all your feet on the stool to raise your knees
- Rest your hands or elbows on your thighs
- Lean forward to make a 35-degree angle
- Straighten your spine as you lean forward
- Relax
Final Thoughts on Sitting on Toilet Backwards
Sitting on toilet backwards is not a good idea. It is uncomfortable to many, and the odor is stronger and unhealthy. If you want a better experience in the toilet, consider sitting on the toilet the right way, including using a stool to achieve a squatting position.
The toilet is not ideal for eating, using your phone, and reading. It is advisable you use the toilet for its intended purpose.
Remember to wash your hands after using the toilet. If you still feel uncomfortable while sitting on a toilet seat, consider replacing it with one your body will be comfortable using. Consult a professional plumber to get the best advice.
