There is something we should avoid at all costs when we sit on the throne and go about our business, and most of us do it anyway.
Going to the toilet is probably a more interesting activity today than ever before and we have one thing to thank for that: social media.
Of course, you could put it back and pull out a magazine or book to browse through while you answer nature’s call, but the point is that we are often busy in there.
But it turns out that it could harm us for several health reasons.
There is one thing you must not do while doing your big business. (Getty Stock Photo)
Sitting on the toilet for too long can cause hemorrhoids. Anyone who has ever suffered from this knows the pain and discomfort this can cause.
Although you probably consider it a common problem, you could actually avoid the pain, itching, irritation, and occasional bleeding that comes with this health problem if you could.
The only silver lining is that it is easily treatable, so a visit to the doctor should help you get this condition, also known as hemorrhoids, under control.
But there is a reason why a certain habit can reduce the risk of hemorrhoids, and you can probably guess what that habit is.
Gastroenterologist Dr. David L. Schwarzbaum told the Huffington Post that many young people are doing something that can cost them dearly if they are not careful.
It’s all too easy to get carried away when we’re scrolling through our phones on the toilet. (Getty Stock Photo)
The medical expert explained that spending long periods of time on the toilet is not a good idea and that apps like Instagram and TikTok do not help many of us either.
He explained to the outlet: “Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the lower rectum and anus. Although everyone has these blood vessels, they only become symptomatic when they become enlarged or inflamed, which can occur due to a variety of factors.
“A common cause is sitting on the toilet for long periods of time.
“This is because blood pools at the lowest point when the butt is in the area of the toilet seat, creating increased pressure in the blood vessels in the anus, which leads to hemorrhoids.”
Dr. Schwarzbaum added, “Trying to ‘push out’ stool also increases pressure in the anorectal blood vessels and is another common cause of hemorrhoids.”
If you stay there for more than 15 minutes, you increase your risk of getting hemorrhoids. (Getty Stock Photo)
“I often advise my patients to avoid straining when they feel the urge to go to the bathroom. If they cannot relieve themselves at that time, then they should get up and try again at a later time when they feel the urge again.”
So how much time should you ideally spend on the toilet to avoid all this hassle?
The number is quite surprising, as the gastroenterologist reveals: “I would generally recommend limiting bowel movements to a maximum of 10 to 15 minutes in order to reduce the risk of hemorrhoids.”
Looks like it’s time to put an end to doomscrolling! At least in the toilet.
