Medical Studies
A recent 2010 Japanese study on the Influence of Body Position on Defecation in Humans, taken together with earlier findings, suggest that the greater the hip flexion achieved by squatting the straighter the recto-anal canal will be, and accordingly, less strain will be required for defecation.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1757-5672.2009.00057.x/abstract

A 2003 Israeli study by doctor Dov Sikirov discovered it took ‘squatters’ an average of 51 seconds for a bowel movement while ‘sitters’ took an average of 130 seconds.
http://www.springerlink.com/content/rlu7151837n07562/

Infants instinctively squat
Infants instinctively squat to poo, as does the majority of the world's population. Studies* confirm that the most effective posture for urination and defecation is the squat position. Squatting is as basic to good health as drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. Given this knowledge, is it worth letting infants squat over a potty longer?

With assistance young children can use the step of the Lillipad to gain access to the lowered toilet seat which they can squat on. The step is also useful for children accessing the hand basin.

“Thank you. It arrived today and have already caught my 4 year old squatting on it! He was very excited and it looked completely natural for him.” ⎯ Sara, NZ

Squatting experience
People who are new to squatting will tell you that they urinate and defecate more effectively, and are gaining flexibility. This personal experience convinces them that squatting is beneficial. For example;

“I was having real problems with my bowels, I have diverticulosis and a prolapsed bowel. I was having bowel movements at least 3 or 4 times a day and passing a small amount of fluid that stained my underwear, also a small amount of fresh blood. Well I purchased a book called Happiness is a Regular Complete Bowel Motion and that is where I got the idea to look on line for the Lillipad. I have been using the Lillipad since August (5 months) and now most days I have a complete regular bowel motion, no more stained underwear, it is absolutely amazing. i still prefer to pass urine sitting.” ⎯ Pam, (NZ)

“I had been bleeding with every single BM for six months. The first time I squatted, no blood, and no blood since then. It is amazing. This is how they use the toilet in developing countries, and it is how our bodies are made to defecate. It is so much easier on our bodies to do it this way.” ⎯ Anonymous.

“I am so happy for what you guys are doing. Squatting is the natural way to excrete, and the sit toilet is the reason why there are so many gastrointestinal ailments in this world. I have lived in China where they have very comfortable squat toilets. I know the difference between sitting and squatting. I'm so glad you guys are encouraging the Western world to finally come out of the dark ages and revert back to the more civilized natural way to excrete! Keep up the good work!!!” ⎯ J. Liu, USA

“It’s working out real well. No more bothersome hemorroids!" ⎯ E.S, (California)

“It is my feeling squatting of this kind helps in rehabilitation of knee conditions...at times (it has helped my knees after bilateral arthroscopic surgery).” ⎯ Witold Falkowski, MD. Orthopedic and trauma surgeon (retired) Hemel Hempstead G.H. 

“I’ve been using this baby for about a year..I don't get a lot of exercise - but nature calls a few times a day and my legs; ankles and knees especially, are in better shape then they've possibly EVER been! (ok, they were pretty good when I was 12, 63 almost now!!)” ⎯ Mike, (US)

“And most of all, thanks for your product which has saved me from so much pain!” ⎯ Simon, (UK)

“I am now happily squatting and enjoying the already obvious benefits — along with my wife and two kids, who are now former skeptics.” ⎯ Bruce, (Germany)

“Been using the Lillipad for couple weeks now, and all i can say is....EUREKA !!!” ⎯ Carlos, (Australia)

Read more reviews under the ‘about the Lillipad’ tab above and please feel free to send any other anecdotal or scientific evidence for the benefits of the squat position and we will post them to be shared on this website.

Be proactive in avoiding diverticulitis
The effective removal of excrement from the colon is vital, failure to do so can cause constipation which may increase the risk of diverticulitis.
 
Alleviate haemorrhoids
In the squat position the large intestine aligns correctly. The thighs supporting the abdomen prevent hernias and massage the intestine into action. The muscular contractions that push food along the digestive tract are hindered by the sitting position, yet assisted by squatting. The squat position eliminates the need for excessive straining alleviating haemorrhoids.
 
Optimum birthing position
During birth the squatting position gives a greater increase of pressure in the pelvic cavity with minimal muscular effort. The birth canal will open 20—30% more in a squat than in any other position. Squatting will prevent haemorrhoids which often plague pregnant women. Squatting each day on the Lillipad will help prepare the body for this excellent birthing position.
 
Beneficial spinal stretch
Squatting is a difficult position to adopt straight away, be patient and give yourself a couple of weeks to get used to squatting. The muscles we use to defecate are exercised by getting down into, and up out of, the squat position. Squatting is an excellent exercise for strengthening knees and thighs. Not only will your balance improve, you will also give your spine a beneficial stretch.

Promote squatting
You can squat on the rim of a toilet, but be careful and check for cracks and sturdiness first. The squatting platform offered in the plans and the Lillipad are safer options, they also promote the healthy concept of squatting to others. You can promote squatting by informing your friends on social media or linking to this website.

Visit our links page for more health benefit info.

 
*References
2010 Japanese study on the Influence of Body Position on Defecation in Humans.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1757-5672.2009.00057.x/abstract
Dr. Dov Sikirov, Digestive Diseases and Sciences, Vol. 48, No.7 (July 2003)
http://www.springerlink.com/content/rlu7151837n07562/
Sikirov, B.A. Israel Journal of Medical Sciences, 1987: 23
Alexander Kira. The Bathroom. New York: Penguin, 1976
Janet Balaskas. New Active Birth. London: Thorsons, 1991
Joseph Heller and William Henkin. Body Wise. New York: J.P. Tarcher Inc./St Martin's Press, 1986
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the British Commonwealth, 1969
Jacobs, E.J. and White, E. Epidemiology, 1998 July, 9 (4)