You’ve Been Pooping Wrong — Here’s How to Do It Better

Contrary to popular belief, the way most people poop is not just awkward—it's actively harming their health. Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a Harvard gastroenterologist and author of *You've Been Pooping All Wrong*, reveals that the modern toilet setup is fundamentally at odds with human anatomy, leading to constipation, hemorrhoids, and even long-term digestive issues. She argues that the key to effortless, joyful bowel movements—what she calls 'puforia'—lies in three simple but overlooked factors: proper pelvic floor relaxation (the 'cap' on the toothpaste tube), stool pliability (achieved through high fiber and fermented foods), and optimal timing and positioning. The most transformative insight? Squatting, not sitting, is our natural posture for pooping—and using a footstool to elevate your knees can dramatically improve your ability to pass stool without straining. Beyond posture, she debunks myths about poop color, explains why Barnes & Noble triggers bowel movements (it's Pavlovian conditioning), and warns against smartphone use on the toilet, which increases hemorrhoid risk by 46%. Her ultimate prescription: eat 60 grams of fiber daily, incorporate fermented foods like sauerkraut and Greek yogurt, and install a bidet—because wiping is not just inefficient, it's damaging to delicate skin. The episode dismantles the taboo around bowel health with scientific rigor and humor, turning a deeply personal topic into a public health imperative. Dr.