Some people like to read newspapers while sitting on the toilet seat, while there are some people who remain glued to their mobile phones even in the toilet. Whatever may be the reason, this habit of yours can put you in trouble.
Although you may not think this is a matter of concern, but according to experts, sitting in the toilet for a long time can cause many health related problems.
According to Dr. Lai Xu, a colorectal surgeon at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, sitting on a toilet seat for a long time can cause hemorrhoids and weak pelvic muscles.
problem with bowel movements
According to Dr. Farah Mounjur, assistant professor of medicine and director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at Stony Brook Medicine on Long Island in New York, spending 5 to 10 minutes on the toilet is enough. The toilet seat compresses the buttocks and sitting on it causes gravity to pull the lower half of the body. Increased pressure affects blood circulation. Xu says that this causes blood to enter but not go back, resulting in the veins and blood vessels surrounding the anus and lower rectum becoming larger and clogged, causing piles.
Risk of hemorrhoids increases
Straining by sitting on the toilet seat for hours increases the risk of hemorrhoids. Monjur says that by using mobile while sitting on the toilet seat, people do not know the time and in such a situation they have to put pressure on the muscles to pass stool. Doctor Xu says that doing so is quite unhealthy for the anorectal organs and pelvic floor.
colorectal cancer
Sometimes due to some reasons, people have to stay in the toilet for a long time, but persistent problem in passing stool can be a sign of gastrointestinal problems like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease. Worsening constipation and the need to sit on the toilet for long periods of time can also be a sign of cancer. Colorectal cancer rates among people under the age of 55 have increased since the mid-1990s, according to a report by the American Cancer Society. The non-profit organization estimates that there could be 106,590 new cases of colon cancer and 46,220 new cases of rectal cancer this year.
How to avoid spending too much time in the toilet
To avoid spending too much time in the toilet, one should avoid carrying mobile phones, books etc. inside. According to Dr. Xu, if you are having problem in passing stool, then instead of sitting on the toilet seat for a long time, you should walk for at least 10 minutes. Apart from this, you should also take care of eating and drinking. You should include fiber rich things like oats and beans in your diet. To avoid this problem, it is also important to keep yourself hydrated.
How can I improve my bathroom habits to minimize health issues?
Title: Toilet Time: A Casual Habit or a Hidden Health Risk?
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a unique topic to discuss that affects many of us in our daily routines — our time spent on the toilet. Joining me is Dr. Lai Xu, a colorectal surgeon at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Thank you for being here, Dr. Xu.
Dr. Xu: Thank you for having me! It’s certainly an interesting topic.
Interviewer: Let’s dive right into it. Many people joke about their time on the toilet, often treating it as a haven for reading or scrolling through their phones. But according to your research, this casual habit might be more concerning than we think. Can you illuminate the potential health risks of prolonged toilet sitting?
Dr. Xu: Absolutely. While many see it as a harmless routine, sitting on the toilet for too long can lead to several health concerns, the most notable being hemorrhoids. When you sit for extended periods, especially with legs elevated, it can disrupt normal blood circulation in that area, leading to increased pressure on the veins surrounding the anus and lower rectum.
Interviewer: So, it sounds like gravity plays a bigger role than we might expect. Can you explain how this prolonged pressure affects our bodies?
Dr. Xu: Yes, indeed! When prolonged sitting compresses the buttocks, gravity pulls down the lower half of the body. This creates significant pressure, which affects blood flow. Blood can enter the area but has difficulty returning, causing the veins and blood vessels to enlarge and potentially become clogged, culminating in conditions like piles or hemorrhoids.
Interviewer: That’s fascinating — and somewhat alarming! Dr. Farah Mounjur also suggests that spending five to ten minutes on the toilet should be sufficient for bodily needs. What are some signs that you might be spending too much time on the toilet?
Dr. Xu: Great question! If you’re exceeding that five to ten-minute mark consistently and find yourself experiencing discomfort, straining, or the urge to push harder, those are clear indications. Symptoms such as itching, swelling, or even pain in the anal region could also suggest that you might be dealing with hemorrhoids or other digestive issues as a result of prolonged toilet time.
Interviewer: I think a lot of us will reflect on our routines after hearing that. Are there any recommendations you would give for people to avoid these health risks while still enjoying their time on the loo?
Dr. Xu: Definitely! First and foremost, try to limit your time on the toilet. Instead of bringing in your phone or reading material, perhaps schedule shorter bathroom breaks. Also, maintaining a healthy diet rich in fiber can encourage regular bowel movements, which may reduce the urge to sit excessively. If you’re experiencing frequent issues, it’s always wise to consult a healthcare professional.
Interviewer: Those are very practical tips, Dr. Xu! Lastly, as societal norms change and many of us continue to multitask in the bathroom, how do you think this will affect our overall health in the long run?
Dr. Xu: That’s a compelling concern. If we continue to prioritize our phones and other distractions over listening to our bodies, we might see an increase in gastrointestinal and pelvic floor disorders. It’s crucial to strike a balance between our habits and our health, ensuring that we recognize when it’s time to finish up and prioritize our wellness.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Xu, for illuminating this rather overlooked aspect of our daily lives! It’s a reminder that there’s always more to consider, even in the most private of spaces.
Dr. Xu: Thank you for having me! Let’s all embrace healthier bathroom habits!
Interviewer: And to our readers, remember: while bathroom time might feel like a little escape, let’s not let it turn into a health hazard. Until next time!