HUMANS, as rule, don’t talk about poop.
We can just about tolerate conversations around other bodily fluids like pee and periods, but there is something about number two which, as a species, we really struggle with.
Dr Karen Raj (pictured) shared some tips on how to poop better
the squatting position relaxes the rectum muscle and straightens out your colon, giving the poop a straighter route out
But pooping is a normal occurrence for everyone.
And many experts say the way some of us sit on the loo can actually make the whole experience more difficult.
Plonking yourself on the loo the standard way can cause your colon to kink, leaving you straining in an attempt to empty them.
Instead, we should find a way to squat.
The NHS suggests resting your feet on a low stool so you’re knees are higher than your hips.
This is because the squatting position relaxes the rectum muscle and straightens out your colon, giving the poop a straight route out, NHS NHS surgeon Dr Karen Raj, explained.
But when we’re away from home, we don’t always have a stool to hand.
Taking to TikTok, the expert detailed another easy way you can help your bowels while on the move.
“The most important thing you can do is focus on angles – specifically the angle between your torso and thighs,” the expert said.
“Make this as small as possible,” he added.
1. Lean forward
To reduce the small between your stomach and thighs while sitting on the loo, make sure you lean forward, Dr Karan said.
One effective way of doing this is leaning forward.
2. Rest fit on towel
To make the angle even smaller, try combing this with raising your heels – so that you’re on the balls of your feet.
“Or you can sit your feel on a rolled up towel to get your legs higher than your hips,” he added.
NORMAL FOR YOU
When it comes to going for a number two, plenty of people aren’t really sure what’s normal.
Depending on your diet, age, and activity, regularity can mean anything from three bowel movements a day to three each week.
Keeping an eye on what’s ‘normal’ for you though is crucial, as is being aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer.
The five red-flag symptoms of bowel cancer include:
Bleeding from the back passage, or blood in your pooA change in your normal toilet habits – going more frequently for examplePain or a lump in your tummyExtreme tirednessLosing weight
If you notice any changes to your usual habits, don’t be embarrassed, speak to your GP.