Could the way we sit on the toilet affect the occurrence of cancer? A doctor reveals what we can do to ease constipation while preventing colon cancer
About 4 million Americans are affected by constipation, an otherwise common but painful condition, while one in five Greeks has faced this problem at least once in their life, according to research by the Hellenic Foundation of Gastroenterology and Nutrition. Of course, the fact that it has been associated with her is considered more worrying occurrence of colon cancer.
Although there are different ways to deal with it, such as increasing fiber or taking some medicine, a nephrologist from Singapore gives an easier solution: to change the way we sit on the toilet bowl when defecating. Through the video she uploaded on TikTok, which has already received millions of views and positive comments, she shows a guaranteed way to relieve constipation.
All you have to do is cross one leg over the opposite knee and bring it towards the thigh, turning the torso towards the bent knee and looking back:
@sadovskaya_doctor What to do if you’re constipated and can’t poop? Try this position, it will help you to poop fast. #healthypooping #poopfast #constipationhelp ♬ original sound – Jazzzz
According to the comments, the movement has already been tried by many viewers of the video, confirming that this sitting position is extremely effective in relieving constipation.
How is constipation related to colon cancer?
As for its association with the occurrence of colon cancer, evidence has emerged, but the conclusions are ambiguous.
A report published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that constipation, defined as fewer than three reported bowel movements per week, was associated with more than double the risk occurrence of colon cancer. Accordingly, a different report in the same journal found that the risk of developing colon cancer was 1.78 times higher for patients with chronic constipation and the risk of developing benign tumors was 2.7 times higher. Additionally, a different study in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology reported 10% increased chance of colon cancer associated with constipation.
This association, however, was eliminated when compared to siblings of study subjects who also had constipation but had not been diagnosed with colon cancer, suggesting that part of the association could be due to genetic factors.
The condition is of course also related to psychological factors, as another study concluded that people with frequent constipation had an increased risk of anxiety and depression.