The Surprising Bathroom Habit That Could Hurt Your Health
For many of us, the bathroom has become a retreat—a place to unwind and scroll through social media feeds. However, according to recent research, this habitual behavior may be doing more harm than good. A shocking study published in PLOS One finds that spending extended periods scrolling on your phone while on the toilet can increase your risk of developing hemorrhoids by a staggering 46%.
Understanding the Risks
Hemorrhoids, swollen veins in the lower rectum, affect nearly half of all U.S. adults over 50 and lead to millions of healthcare visits annually. This new research sheds light on bathroom habits that contribute to this uncomfortable condition. On average, participants in the study spent five times longer on the toilet if they were scrolling on their phones, creating increased pressure on sensitive anal tissues.
Old Habits Die Hard—Or Do They?
While bathroom reading is not a new concept—think of flipping through a magazine or a shampoo bottle—smartphones engage our attention in ways that extend bathroom time significantly. With content designed to captivate, it’s easy to lose track of time. The survey indicated that 54% of respondents typically read news or engage on social media while on the toilet.
Simple Solutions for Smarter Bathroom Habits
Experts recommend a straightforward approach: leaving your phone outside the bathroom or, if that's not feasible, limiting your scrolling to just a couple of clips on TikTok. Dr. Trisha Pasricha from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center suggests paying attention to how long you're taking. If your time on the toilet seems excessive, it might be worth exploring why—was it a tough bowel movement or simply aimless scrolling?
The Bottom Line
It might be time to rethink your bathroom routine. Limiting phone usage could not only help decrease your risk of hemorrhoids, but can also encourage more mindful practices in your day-to-day life—contributing positively to your overall health. Adopting these small changes could lead to significant health benefits and help improve productivity elsewhere in your life.
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