1. How is Nature's Platform different from "toilet footstools" like the Welles Step, the Life Step, the Health Step or the Squatty Potty? Nature's Platform (below right) uses the natural squatting position, with the body's full weight on the feet. The pelvis is suspended like a cradle. The thighs compress the abdominal cavity, producing a natural laxative effect.





Sitting with your feet elevated (often described as "wishful squatting") is a crude attempt to imitate the natural position. It increases the constricting pressure of the toilet seat, since the body's weight is shifted to the rear. To compress the colon, you have to use the awkward posture pictured below on the left. You still need to hold your breath and push  which is not required when squatting correctly.





Straining in this way is the cause of hemorrhoids, diverticulosis and pelvic organ prolapse. The Israeli physician, Dr. Berko Sikirov, has published clinical research on the use of squatting to cure hemorrhoids. He is quoted in the Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients (October, 1996) as saying that only genuine squatting, with the body's full weight on the feet, offers any advantage over the conventional sitting position.

Finally, all the benefits of squatting have been identified by studying populations that use the natural position. There is no evidence that sitting with your feet propped up provides similar benefits.