November 12th 2024.
It's no secret that many of us have a tendency to take our phones with us to the bathroom. What starts as a quick three-minute trip can easily turn into a 15-minute session of reading, scrolling, and posting on social media. It may seem like a harmless way to pass the time, especially when you're doing your business, but experts are now warning that this habit may actually have negative effects on our health.
According to Lai Xue, a colorectal surgeon at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre, spending too much time on the toilet can lead to problems like hemorrhoids and weakened pelvic muscles. Xue says that when patients come to him with complaints, one of the first things he investigates is how much time they spend on the toilet. It may seem like a minor issue, but it can actually have serious consequences.
So, what exactly happens when you spend too much time on the toilet? Well, for starters, gravity plays a big role. While it keeps us firmly planted on the ground, it also makes our bodies work harder to pump blood back up to our hearts. This can lead to increased pressure on our blood vessels, especially in the lower half of our bodies. Add in the fact that sitting on a toilet seat compresses the buttocks and keeps the rectum in a lower position, and you have a recipe for trouble.
Xue explains that this one-way pressure can cause blood vessels in the anus and lower rectum to become enlarged and engorged, increasing the risk of hemorrhoids. Additionally, sitting and straining for extended periods of time can also weaken our anal muscles and lead to other problems like rectal prolapse. And it's not just our backside that is affected – the pelvic floor muscles, which play a crucial role in bowel movements, can also become strained from prolonged toilet sitting.
To avoid these issues, experts recommend limiting your time on the toilet to no more than five to 10 minutes. Farah Monzur, an assistant professor of medicine, advises against using your phone or bringing reading material into the bathroom, as it can lead to losing track of time and straining your muscles to have a bowel movement. If you're having trouble, Xue suggests quitting after 10 minutes and trying to move around a bit, as physical motion can stimulate gut muscles and help you go. It's also important to stay hydrated and eat high-fibre foods to promote regular bowel movements.
While spending too much time on the toilet may not seem like a big deal, it can actually be a symptom of more serious health issues. Monzur warns that worsening constipation or prolonged toilet sitting can be a sign of gastrointestinal problems or even colorectal cancer. In fact, the American Cancer Society has reported an increase in colorectal cancer rates among younger people in recent years. Lance Uradomo, an interventional gastroenterologist, has noticed a trend of young people coming to him with issues like hemorrhoids and constipation, only to be later diagnosed with rectal cancer.
If you've been experiencing these symptoms for more than three weeks, experts suggest talking to your doctor. Depending on the severity, they may refer you to a specialist for further examination. It's important to pay attention to our bathroom habits and not ignore any signs that something may be wrong. Maintaining a healthy diet and staying mindful of our bathroom time can help prevent potential health issues in the future.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
