Hemorrhoids – Toilet – Squatty Potty

Hemorrhoids, everyone has them. Or at least at some point in your life just about all of you will. For those who aren’t exactly sure what a hemorrhoid is… hemorrhoids are also known as piles which are blood vessels and masses of supporting tissue inside the anal canal. Everyone technically has anatomical hemorrhoids, but sometimes they can become inflamed, which can be both irritating and painful.

Both men and women get them equally and while only about 1 in 25 people has them at any one point in time in the U.S., over 50% of those aged over 50 has to enjoy the annoyance that hemorrhoids provide.

Why do we get inflamed hemorrhoids?

• Poor diet that is not high enough in fiber or water (constipation aggravates hemorrhoids)

• Poor form while pooping (Yes, the modern day toilet is convenient, but has one major fault)

Interestingly, the reason that some 2nd and 3rd world countries have virtually zero inflamed hemorrhoids is likely because they eat better and squat while pooping.

Other risk factors associated with hemorrhoids:

• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Obesity and being overweight
• Age
• Pregnancy
• Liver disease
• Prolonged sitting
• Heavy lifting

So how do we fix the pain-in-the-ass?

• Eat plenty of veggies, fruit, and water
• Poop while squatting

Other ways to avoid hemorrhoids:

• Avoid foods that cause constipation like dairy, processed grains, and too much meat
• Avoid dehydrating caffeine or alcohol
• Use natural stool softeners whenever constipated (i.e. psyllium husk fiber with lots of water)
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid sitting for too long (this includes sitting in front of TV)
• Don’t hold in bowel movements (go when nature calls!)
• Do not strain during a bowel movement
• Do not sit on the toilet for extended time periods (no reading on the throne!)
• Void – I mean avoid heavy lifting

Back to squatting… Who wants to squat while pooping? That seems like too much of a hassle.

Introducing SQUATTY POTTY. Clean, comfy, and effective.

 The way to go natural, but not too natural.

And who wouldn’t want the bag on our right each morning instead of the left???

This video is a couple minutes long butt teaches us so much about Squatty Potty (and so much more that I was never able to explain about rainbow soft serve ice cream).

The haiku mentioned in it sums it all up quite well:

“Oh squatty potty,

you fill me with endless joy,

yet leave me empty.”

If you care to purchase one, here’s the Squatty Potty website. 

Other of my favorite natural remedies include:

• Witch hazel (commonly used to clean hemorrhoids naturally and help reduce pain & itching)
• Warm showers (warm water relieves pressure; use conditioner rectally to soften – no soaps as they can further inflammation)
• Sitz bath involves a small tub (bought at local pharmacy) that fits over a regular toilet and is used to easily soak hemorrhoids in warm water (can add witch hazel to it)
• Cold compress (witch hazel sprayed on soft tissue then frozen is great) to the anus can relieve swelling, pain and itching.
• Bottoms Up Balm
• Homeopathic Avenoc suppositories

And, because I can…


Man, this blog was a pain in the butt to write. Cha-ching.



Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Yoshi Rahm, DO. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other health care professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. 

Do not use the information provided in this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other health care professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.

Information provided in this article and the use of any products or services related to this article by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Yoshi Rahm, DO or any other physician featured in this article. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.