The squatty potty made a sensation on Shark Tank, and has generated Lori Greiner a fortune. Before the invention of the sit-down toilet, we were all squatters. Our ancestors squatted when they were trying to have a bowel movement. In fact, even in modern times, public bathrooms in East Asian countries such as China often have squat toilets instead of the typical sit-down Western style toilets.
Why is squatting potentially better than sitting? There is a muscle called the puborectalis that attaches to our pubic bone (located in our frontend) and wraps around our rectum (located in our backend). When we are in a squat position, our puborectalis is more relaxed such that it’s not pulling on our rectum as much. Subsequently, it’s easier for the stool to exit and leads to less straining. When we rest our feet on the squatty potty, we are elevating our thighs such that we form a squat position while sitting. By using a squatty potty, our puborectalis muscle is more relaxed.
Now a squatty potty is about $25 on Amazon. Fancier versions cost $40. A benefit of the original squatty potty is being able to slide it under the toilet bowel. However, foot stools cost much less and come in foldable forms such that they can be placed against the wall next to the toilet. I personally use a foldable foot stool. It is a more economical alternative.