Do you take your phone with you when you go to the toilet? It can be tempting to sit there scrolling or playing a game while going to the loo – but this could actually be more harmful than you think.
Experts have warned spending too long on the toilet can lead to a number of health conditions – and bringing your phone into the bathroom with you could make this worse. Dr Amir Khan, a familiar face on ITV’s Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, where he regularly dispenses expert health guidance, has revealed how the duration of your bathroom visits could have a far greater impact than you might anticipate, reports the Mirror. He revealed all in a video on TikTok.
Speaking in the social media clip, he said: “Do you know someone who spends far too long on the toilet? I think we all do.
“Well, send them this video to see if it gets them out quicker. Sitting on the toilet for too long can have negative effects on your health, even if it seems fairly harmless.”
“Firstly, a relaxed slouch position puts some extra pressure on your rectal veins, which can increase the risk of haemorrhoids, or worsen existing ones,” said Dr Khan. “And sitting for extended periods on a hard toilet seat can reduce blood flow to the lower body, leading to numbness or tingling in the legs and, in the long run, that can increase your risk of varicose veins.
“Straining for long periods can also weaken the pelvic floor muscles, leading to difficulty passing stool over time. And it doesn’t stop there.”
Gesturing towards the back of his thighs, Dr Khan continued: “If you are prone to ingrowing hairs on the backs of your legs, sitting for too long can reduce blood flow to the legs, cause sweat and bacteria to build up in this area here as you sit down, and that can irritate your hair follicles, which can cause them to grow inwards, causing inflamed or infected ingrowing hairs.
“And if you spend too long in the bathroom, especially a public bathroom, it can increase your exposure to bacteria, especially if you like scrolling through your phone whilst you do it, because these bacteria can get onto your phone onto your hands or even onto your face.”
“Limit your time on the toilet to five to 10 minutes per visit,” Dr Khan said. “Avoid straining. If nothing happens naturally, try again later.
“Sometimes putting a footstool to elevate your feet can improve posture making, it easier to pass motions. And always stay hydrated and stay active, keep your phone out of the bathroom, and make sure you wash your hands every time you visit the bathroom.”
Dr Khan’s guidance is supported by specialists from throughout the field. Men’s Health says 10 to 15 minutes is the absolute maximum amount of time you should spend on the loo.
It also says focusing on using your phone could actually make it harder to go to the toilet and result in constipation. It also advises you should only make a trip to the bathroom when you actually need to go, and not to strain, as this can lead to haemorrhoids.
If you have any concerns regarding your toilet habits, it is advisable to consult your GP.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
