Changing the way you poop could lower your risk of contracting a range of health problems, from anal fissures to urinary issues and even colorectal cancer.
A kidney doctor from Singapore took to TikTok to demonstrate a guaranteed way to ease constipation, by pooping in a specific position.
It involves crossing one leg over your lap, resting your foot on the opposite thigh and rotating your torso to face the back of the toilet.
Dr Daria Sadovskaya, who hails from Singapore, posted her video in the spring and since then it has garnered more than 26 million views, with many saying the revised sitting position has been extremely effective at helping ease their constipation.
The 29-year-old nephrologist told millions the revised position ‘will help you to poop fast.’
Constipation is more than just uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Some studies have shown links between the common condition that affects around four million Americans, and an increased likelihood of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Constipation affects around four million Americans, and comes with an increased likelihood of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer
Constipation is fairly common and entails infrequent and uncomfortable bowel movements.
Links between constipation and colorectal cancer (CRC) have been uncovered, but conclusions are mixed.
A 2003 report in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found constipation, defined as fewer than three reported bowel movements per week, was associated with a greater than two-fold risk of colon cancer.
A separate 2012 report in the same journal found the risk of developing CRC was 1.78 times higher for patients with chronic constipation and the risk of developing benign tumors was 2.7 times higher.
Another 2022 study in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology reported a 10 percent increased odd of developing colorectal cancer associated with constipation.
Pelvic health therapist reveals how to cure constipation on vacation
Oriana Barger, 31, from San Diego shared her favorite moves for stimulating a bowel movement. It’s been viewed more than 6.9 million times since it was posted on April 27 — it has been so popular that she turned it into an ongoing series.
That link disappeared, though, when compared to the study subjects’ siblings who also had constipation but had not been diagnosed with CRC, suggesting some of the association could be caused by hereditary factors.
In addition to causing physical pain, chronic constipation can hurt a person’s mental health.
A 2011 study conducted by Iranian researchers found people with frequent constipation had an increased risk of anxiety and depression.
Commenters on Dr Sadovskaya’s video were grateful for the helpful tip. One person said: I’m pooping [right now] and it worked bless [your] soul.’
Another person said: ‘I’m pooping right now and it works.’
Lifelong constipation has a series of potential causes, including a fiber deficit in the diet, eating a diet made up largely of processed foods, dairy, sugar, and fat, a lack of exercise, drinking too much alcohol or caffeine and ignoring the urge to go to the bathroom.
One way to combat chronic constipation is to change one’s diet. Nutritionists recommend eating between roughly 25 to 35 grams of fiber every day.
Eating whole foods such as vegetables and fruits has also been shown to decrease constipation.
Doctors recommend avoiding frequent use of laxatives, which help in the short term but can cause dehydration and reduce the body’s electrolyte balance, as well as worsen constipation in the long-term.