Jo Kwon installs a small stool under the toilet…For bowel movements?

K-pop singer Jo Kwon shares his tips for smooth bowel movements.

Recently, Jo Kwon posted a video titled "I revealed everything, even the things you didn’t ask for! My real, personal bathroom essentials" on his YouTube channel, "MuJoKwon (KEEP GOING)". In this video, he gave fans a glimpse of his bathroom and shared the products he regularly uses.

Standing in front of his toilet, Jo Kwon shyly mentioned, "This may be TMI (too much information), but this chair is a must when I go to the bathroom." He then pointed to a bathroom stool and added, "Do you know? This position helps with bowel movements. You can look it up online."

Using a stool helps relax the pelvic floor muscles for easier bowel movements
Jo Kwon explained that he uses a bathroom stool as a footrest to aid in smoother bowel movements. This technique is actually quite effective. The best position for defecation is a squat, as it helps relax the pelvic floor muscles (puborectalis muscle) that typically contract and hinder the process. This makes it easier to pass stools when squatting, compared to sitting on a regular toilet.

However, it’s difficult to achieve this position when sitting on a traditional toilet. Sitting at a right angle on the toilet causes the puborectalis muscle to remain tight, which means more force is needed to pass stool.

To replicate this squatting position while sitting on a toilet, using a footrest is recommended. Placing a footstool under the feet raises the knees above the level of the hips and pelvis, helping the rectum relax. By leaning the body slightly forward (about 45 degrees), the weight shifts to the anus, allowing stool to pass more naturally.

Deep breathing also helps increase intra-abdominal pressure

If a footrest is unavailable, Jo Kwon suggests leaning forward slightly and standing on tiptoe while sitting on the toilet. The forward bending helps increase intra-abdominal pressure, which promotes bowel movement. Breathing deeply in a way that moves the diaphragm up and down can also massage the intestines, making it easier to pass stool.

However, people with cardiovascular conditions should exercise caution when using these techniques. Straining while holding your breath, especially when inhaling deeply, can trigger a sudden loss of consciousness in some individuals due to a phenomenon called the "Valsalva effect." While this isn't typically dangerous for healthy people, those with conditions like angina or arteriosclerosis should avoid straining too much during bowel movements, as it can lead to heart attacks or ruptured blood vessels.

Other tips for smoother bowel movements

In addition to using a stool and proper posture, there are other ways to promote healthy bowel movements. Drinking plenty of water, consuming fiber-rich foods, and taking probiotics can all help. Maintaining regular meals and chewing food thoroughly is also important. A light walk after meals (about 30 minutes to an hour) can stimulate bowel activity, helping to keep digestion smooth and regular.

Jo Kwon’s personal tip for better bowel movements shows that small changes in posture and breathing can significantly improve digestive health.