Doctor's Simple Toilet Stool Trick for Better Digestion

Lisa Bos · 2026-03-27

You know that feeling. You sit down, and nothing seems to move right. It's frustrating, uncomfortable, and honestly, it can ruin your whole day. Well, a gastroenterologist—that's a stomach, intestine, and liver doctor—has shared a surprisingly simple tip that might just change everything. And no, it doesn't involve a complicated diet or expensive supplements. It's about your posture. Specifically, your posture on the toilet. ### The Squatting Position Secret Modern toilets are designed for comfort, but they're not exactly designed for optimal digestion. When you sit straight up at a 90-degree angle, your colon has a kink in it. Think of it like a garden hose with a sharp bend—the flow just isn't as good. The doctor's advice? Use a footstool. A simple, low stool about 7 to 9 inches high that you place your feet on while you're seated. This raises your knees above your hips, putting your body into a more natural, squat-like position. This isn't some new-age trend. It's basic anatomy. The squatting position straightens the rectum and relaxes the puborectalis muscle, which acts like a sort of kink-holder. When that muscle relaxes, everything can pass through much more easily and completely.  ### Why This Little Change Makes a Big Difference It sounds almost too simple to work, but the logic is solid. Here’s what happens when you elevate your feet: - It aligns your colon for a straighter path. - It reduces straining, which is better for your pelvic floor. - It can help prevent that lingering "not quite finished" feeling. You don't need a fancy, branded "poop stool." Any stable, short stool will do. The goal is just to get your knees up. Some people even use a stack of old books. The point is to make the position work for your body, not against it. ### Beyond the Stool: Holistic Tips for Digestive Health While the footstool is a fantastic mechanical hack, true digestive wellness comes from a combination of habits. Here are a few other things to keep in mind. - **Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate:** Aim for about half your body weight in ounces of water daily. If you weigh 150 pounds, that's 75 ounces. Dehydration is a prime culprit for sluggish digestion. - **Move Your Body:** Regular exercise, even just a 30-minute walk most days, gets everything moving internally, too. - **Fiber is Your Friend:** Focus on getting fiber from whole foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Sudden, massive increases can cause bloating, so ramp up gradually. - **Listen to Your Gut:** Literally. Don't ignore the urge to go. When your body signals it's time, try to make time for it. It’s easy to overcomplicate health. We search for complex solutions when sometimes, the answer is as straightforward as changing the angle of your knees. This tip from a digestive specialist is a reminder that small, practical adjustments can have a profound impact on our daily comfort and long-term health. So maybe it's time to look at that bathroom setup not just for style, but for function. Your gut will thank you.