Actually forcing the whole thing in 1 minute will get you piles, afaik?

For anyone uninitiated to that particular term, apparently "piles" is another word for Hemorrhoids.

Also, these concerns can be mitigated with a a squatty-potty [1] or a small footstool to get you into the proper position. We've lost the flexibility for that in Western Culture [2]

[1] https://www.squattypotty.com/

[2] https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2018/03/can-you-d...

Give a Squatty Potty a try and you'll only need that 1 minute with no forcing.

For those wondering what "Squatty Potty" is, the company that makes it has a video that explains it well, featuring a pooping unicorn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbYWhdLO43Q

Thank you for making it worth getting out of bed today.

if you can't make a 1-min poop, apart from other specific physiological reasons, it means you should check your diet, in my opinion. If you get the right amount of fiber and enough water, the whole thing shouldn't take more than that. This and a squatty potty have been life changing for me.

Both true! Don't force it, but also don't spend more than 10 minutes there. (Source: med school, personal experience :\ )

If one isn’t actively forcing, what’s the difference between sitting on the loo and sitting on a chair?

Is there evidence that lingering on the loo in a relaxed state causes problems?

I can't find a good article, but my (albeit anecdotal) understanding is that the hole pulls down your butt muscles while the ring compresses the veins responsible for blood return.

For those in the US, piles=hemorrhoids.