Is sitting on an Indian commode good for you or bad? A health analysis

September 25, 2025 •

3 min read

A 2025 review in the journal BMC Public Health suggests that toilet posture can significantly affect bodily functions and long-term health outcomes. This expert guide dives deep into the question: Is sitting on an Indian commode good for you or bad?, exploring both the traditional benefits and modern risks associated with the squatting position.

Quick Summary

Using an Indian commode promotes a more natural squatting posture that aids in better digestive alignment and pelvic floor function, potentially reducing constipation and hemorrhoids. However, it can strain joints and may be unsuitable for individuals with mobility issues or certain health conditions, making the answer depend on personal circumstances.

Key Points

Digestive Benefits: Squatting on an Indian commode straightens the anorectal angle, facilitating smoother and more complete bowel movements.
Reduced Straining: This natural posture minimizes straining during defecation, lowering the risk of developing hemorrhoids and other related conditions.
Mobility and Joint Strain: The deep squat can be difficult or painful for the elderly, individuals with arthritis, or those with knee and hip problems.
Cardiovascular Risks: Some studies suggest squatting may cause temporary blood pressure spikes, which could be a concern for people with hypertension.
Hygiene and Accessibility: Indian commodes offer a no-contact, often water-based, hygienic approach, while Western commodes provide comfort and accessibility, especially for those with physical limitations.
Hybrid Solution: A footstool can be used with a Western toilet to achieve the digestive benefits of squatting without the physical strain.

Understanding the Biomechanics of Toilet Posture

From a physiological standpoint, the human body is naturally better equipped for a squatting position during elimination. The design of the Indian commode facilitates this ancient and anatomically correct posture. The sitting position on a Western-style toilet, on the other hand, creates a kink or bend in the anorectal canal. This angle makes complete bowel evacuation more difficult and can necessitate straining.

The Digestive Advantage of Squatting

When you squat, the puborectalis muscle, which forms a sling around the rectum, is more relaxed. This allows the anorectal angle to straighten, creating a more direct path for stool to exit. The benefits of this include:

Smoother Bowel Movements: The body's natural alignment in a squat reduces the effort needed for evacuation, which can help prevent constipation.
Reduced Straining: Less straining means less pressure on the veins of the rectum, significantly lowering the risk of developing hemorrhoids.
More Complete Evacuation: The straightened angle ensures the bowel can be emptied more effectively, which experts say contributes to better overall gut health.
Improved Bladder Emptying: For women, squatting promotes more complete bladder emptying, which is linked to a lower risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Potential Risks and Limitations of the Squat Position

While the digestive benefits are compelling, the practice is not without its drawbacks, especially in a modern context where many people are unaccustomed to squatting.

Musculoskeletal and Mobility Issues

The squatting position can place significant stress on the knees, ankles, and hips. This makes the Indian commode a poor choice for certain individuals:

The Elderly: Older adults often have reduced joint mobility and muscle strength, making squatting painful and increasing the risk of falls.
Individuals with Arthritis or Joint Pain: People with pre-existing knee or hip conditions may experience exacerbated pain and damage from deep squatting.
Post-Surgery Patients: Those recovering from certain surgeries may find the movement difficult or impossible.

Cardiovascular Concerns

Some research has linked the act of squatting during defecation to temporary spikes in blood pressure. While not an issue for most healthy individuals, this could pose a risk for people with pre-existing hypertension or heart conditions. For a deeper scientific understanding of toilet postures, refer to research findings on the biomechanics of defecation here.

Comparison Table: Indian vs. Western Commode


Feature	Indian Commode (Squat)	Western Commode (Sit)
Posture	Natural squatting, promotes ideal alignment for evacuation.	Perpendicular sitting, creates a kink in the anorectal canal.
Digestive Health	Generally better. Reduces straining, constipation, and risk of hemorrhoids.	Can hinder complete evacuation and may contribute to digestive issues over time.
Musculoskeletal Impact	Strains knees and hips. May improve leg strength with regular use.	Easier on joints; less physically demanding.
Hygiene	Minimal skin contact with surfaces, reducing germ spread. Use of water is traditional.	Direct contact with seat. Requires diligent cleaning to prevent infection.
Accessibility	Difficult for elderly, pregnant women, and those with mobility issues.	Highly accessible and comfortable for most people, especially those with limited mobility.
Space & Cost	More compact and cost-effective.	Requires more space and is generally more expensive.

The Hybrid Approach: Mimicking Squatting on a Western Toilet

For those who prefer the comfort and accessibility of a Western toilet but want the digestive benefits of squatting, hybrid solutions offer a practical compromise. Using a footstool to elevate your knees while sitting on a Western commode mimics the natural squatting posture. This simple adjustment can help straighten the anorectal angle, promoting easier and more complete elimination without the joint strain of a full squat.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

Ultimately, whether using an Indian commode is good or bad for you depends on a balance of your digestive health needs and your physical capabilities. The traditional Indian commode offers clear digestive and pelvic health advantages through its natural squatting posture, but poses significant challenges for those with joint issues, mobility limitations, or cardiovascular concerns. The Western commode provides comfort and accessibility but may contribute to certain digestive problems. The best solution for many is a personalized one, whether it's opting for a footstool with a Western toilet or carefully considering the pros and cons based on your individual health profile. Consultation with a healthcare provider can help you make the best choice for your long-term wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While Indian commodes offer digestive benefits due to the squatting posture, they are not suitable for individuals with mobility issues, joint pain, or cardiovascular concerns. The 'better' option depends on personal health and physical abilities.

Yes, for many people. The squatting position relaxes the puborectalis muscle and straightens the anorectal angle, which can lead to easier and more complete bowel movements, thereby helping to alleviate constipation.

For some individuals, yes. The deep squatting required can put significant pressure on the knees and other joints. People with pre-existing arthritis or limited joint mobility may experience pain or discomfort.

Not inherently bad, but its sitting position can create a kink in the anorectal canal, which may require more straining for bowel movements. This can contribute to issues like constipation and hemorrhoids over the long term, though it is more comfortable and accessible for many.

You can use a footstool or a specialized stool designed to elevate your knees while you sit on a Western toilet. This raises your knees above your hips, effectively mimicking the squatting posture to straighten the elimination path.

In some ways, yes. The design minimizes skin contact with the toilet surface, reducing the potential for germ transfer, which can be a concern in public or shared facilities. The traditional use of water for cleansing is also considered by many to be more hygienic than paper.

This varies. While some sources suggest it can strengthen pelvic muscles, the deep squatting motion can become difficult and unsafe as pregnancy progresses. Pregnant women should consult their doctor for personalized advice.