You may feel there's "no problem" simply because you have not yet experienced the ease and completeness of natural elimination. Once you become familiar with squatting, your standards will be much higher.

3. I like to read on the toilet. Can you read while squatting?

The blocks can be left in place permanently, since they don't interfere with people using the toilet in the conventional way. Just lift the platform and set it aside. Some people prefer to tape some padding to the blocks, to avoid bumping against a hard surface.

A few additional points:

1. When you buy the blocks, measure them. The actual size is usually one-half inch less than the stated size. For example, 6 X 8 X 16 inch blocks (a good size to get) are actually 5-1/2 X 7-1/2 X 15-1/2.
   
   
2. The blocks should be even with the top edge of the toilet bowl. You may need to put boards on top of the blocks to get the right height.
   
   
3. Wash and paint the blocks so the floor does not get littered with concrete "crumbs". The plywood should also be painted.
   
   
4. For people with tight calves and achilles tendons, it may be necessary to add a slope to this platform, as described in the next question.

The following picture shows a slight variation on the above theme. The footpads are connected in back instead of in front, so they don't have to be removed when a man urinates.

If you build one of these and it looks nicer than the one pictured, please email a picture to us. We would like to inspire more people to use this simple, effective method. The email address is at the bottom of this page. Thanks!

8. If squatting is so natural, how did western civilization get off on the wrong track?

Although squatting is the most natural and effective posture for evacuation, the body is able to use other positions in emergencies (like a broken leg). For thousands of years, kings and queens have taken advantage of this option to distinguish themselves from the "commoners."

Then, in the mid-nineteenth century, at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, indoor plumbing became universally available. The early industrialists decided (rather arbitrarily) to install throne-like toilets everywhere – to allow ordinary people to feel like kings and queens. Knowing nothing about physiology, they sincerely believed that they were improving people's lives.

Those who felt uncomfortable with this decision were forced to keep silent. (In Victorian England, bodily functions were considered unmentionable.) From Great Britain, the most influential country in the world at the time, the fad quickly spread to the rest of Europe, and to North America and Australia. No country wanted to seem "backward" at a time when the world was making such rapid "progress."

13. Will squatting reduce the need for colonic irrigation?

The colonic irrigation industry sprang up to remedy the ill-effects of the "porcelain throne." Sitting toilets result in incomplete evacuation. The wastes accumulate and harden, constricting the colon and exposing it to toxic carcinogens. Colonics are very helpful to clean out the impacted wastes.

15. Do you have any comments about the popularity of the Squatty Potty?

For people who can't squat (due to physical or psychological barriers) a footstool like the Squatty Potty has some value. Since squatting is so powerful, even a small fraction of the benefit will impress those who have struggled their whole lives with the western toilet.

The company claims that it's not just a footstool, but can also be used to really squat. But genuine squatting, with the knees fully bent and the buttocks resting on the ankles, is impossible on this device, because your rear end bumps against the toilet. So, you have to hold your bottom suspended in the air and your arms stretched out as a counterweight. The term "stress position" comes to mind.

16. But isn't a footstool more convenient, since you don't have to remove your pants and underwear completely?

If your priority is convenience, use a footstool. If your priority is health, use the natural squatting position.

18. Converting the Western World to squat toilets seems impossible. How do you expect our society to make such a radical change?

Even if only 50% of the population can squat today, and even if we only increase the figure by 1% per year, then in 40 years, 90% will be able to squat. Children are the key because almost all children can squat with no problem. Just encourage them to keep doing it. They will retain their ability throughout their lives.

The other key is the medical profession, those responsible for improving health literacy. They can treat the western toilet just like cigarettes: discourage its use by spreading the word about its pernicious effects.

Making this change overnight would certainly be impossible -- but doing it gradually, over decades, is quite feasible.