SUFFERING from constipation is surprisingly common and pretty miserable for everyone experiencing it.
If you feel like you've tried every trick in the book to get things moving but are still left straining over the toilet, a TikTok doctor shared a bizarre sitting position that might work.
Daria Sadovskaya, 29, a nephrologist with seven years experience, often shares everyday health insights and medical facts with her 107,600 followers on TikTok (@sadoskaya_doctor).
She recently hit the headlines after sharing the side effects of not wearing socks and why you should put your hair up before going to the toilet.
The TikTok doctor left social media users stunned by revealing a bizarre position you should use while on the toilet to make it easier on your body to pass a poo.
“Constipation is an issue itself but it [using the wrong position] can also lead to haemorrhoids, anal fissures, urinary problems, even increases the risks of colorectal cancer,” Dr Sadovskaya, from Singapore, told NeedToKnow.co.uk.
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“In addition to all of the above, it can cause nutritional deficiencies, bowel dysfunction and even psychological issues.
“This hack works like a kind of self-massage, helping the stool to come out faster and easier.
“It’s quite effective in case of light constipation.
“As well as sitting in this position, you should increase your fibre intake, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, avoid caffeine and alcohol.”
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In the clip, which has over 26.5 million views, Dr Sadovskaya can be seen sitting on a toilet while wearing a black dressing gown.
She then grabs her left leg and puts her foot on her right knee.
After this, she turns her body to face the opposite side.
Dr Sadovskaya captioned the clip: “What to do if you’re constipated and can’t poop? Try this position, it will help you to poop fast.”
The post has so far gathered 1.8 million likes and 39,100 comments from followers.
One user said: “I’m pooping right now and it worked bless your soul.”
Someone else joked: “Sending this to my dad so i can go to school on time.”
“Saving for later,” added one fan.
“Oh yeah I’ll just become a gymnast in the bathroom,” wrote another.
It comes after Dr Sadovskaya said she would never use the toilet with her down, claiming it could contribute to bad skin.
According to the Independent, she said: “The most important reason to wear your hair up in the bathroom is to prevent germs and bacteria from spreading around.
“You may face unpleasant consequences such as acne, if you don’t do it.”
More tips to ease constipation
Contorting yourself on top of your toilet bowl isn't the only way to get things in your body moving.
According to the NHS, if you're finding yourself struggling to poo quite often, some simple diet and lifestyle changes might help ease the struggle.
Firstly, drinking plenty of water and fluids will make your poop softer and easier to pass. Alcohol, on the other hand, might only be adding to your woes.
Aside from trying to stick to healthy and balanced diet, the NHS also recommended eating certain foods to add a helping hand.
It said fruit that contain sorbitol such as apples, apricots, grapes, raisins, raspberries and strawberries could make it easier for you to poop.
It's also worth gradually increasing the amount of fibre you eat.
Foods that contain this constipation-easing nutrient include pulses like beans, lentils or chickpeas, wholemeal bread and pasta, potatoes with the skin on, Weetabix or porridge oats.
Fresh fruit and veg, rye crackers and unsalted nuts or seeds will also give you a fibre kick.
There are also a few changes you can make to your toilet routine that might help ease your constipation.
It's helpful to give yourself enough time to complete your task, the NHS.
And one of the worst things you can do is delay going to the loo when you feel the urge to poo.
As Dr Sadovskaya suggested, changing your pooing position might be helpful.
The NHS suggests resting your feet on a low stool while you sit on the loo, ideally raising your knees above your hips.
Finally, being active can get things going – a daily walk or run might help you poop more regularly.
How do I know I'm constipated?
You'll know you're constipated if:
- You have not had a poo at least three times during the last week or you're pooing less often than usual
- The poo is unusually large or small and is dry, hard or lumpy
- You are straining or in pain when you have a poo
- You feel like you haven't fully emptied your bowels
- You have a stomach ache
- You feel bloated or sick
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According to the NHS, common causes of constipation include:
- Not eating enough fibre, which is found in fruits, vegetables and cereals
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not moving enough and spending long periods sitting or lying down
- Being less active and not exercising
- Often ignoring the urge to go to the toilet
- Changing your diet or daily routine
- A side effect of medicine
- Stress, anxiety or depression
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