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Doctors have issued a stern warning about the dangers of spending too much time on the toilet, with the habit linked to health problems such as hemorrhoids and weak pelvic muscles. Experts have warned that this common practice, which is often made worse by using the phone or reading in the bathroom, can lead to serious complications.
Colorectal surgeon Dr. Lai Zou of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center has said that sitting on the toilet for more than 10 minutes increases the gravitational pressure on the lower part of the body.
This pressure affects blood circulation, causing the veins around the anus to swell, increasing the risk of hemorrhoids.
“It becomes a one-way value where blood enters, but blood can’t actually go back out,” CNN quoted Zou as saying.
Sitting for long periods of time weakens the pelvic floor muscles, which are necessary for bowel movements. It can also cause rectal prolapse, a condition where part of the intestine slips out of place.
Dr. Farah Monzoor of Stony Brook Medicine recommends limiting bathroom time to 5-10 minutes. According to him, people often get distracted by using phones or books, due to which they do not realize how long they are sitting.
Forcibly straining during a bowel movement can make the condition worse, damaging the muscles and increasing the chance of long-term problems.
To prevent these problems, doctors recommend keeping distractions like smartphones and reading material away from the bathroom.
“You don’t want to go in with the mindset that you’re going to be there for a long time. Because then you will want to bring something to keep your mind occupied. Make sitting on the toilet bowl as unpleasant as possible, Farah said.
it can cause cancer
Gastroenterologist Dr. Lance Uradomo emphasizes that the bathroom shouldn’t feel like a place to spend long periods of time. Experts suggest staying hydrated and consuming high-fiber foods like beans and oats for better digestion and regular bowel movements.
However, persistent constipation or a prolonged need to toilet may indicate underlying health concerns, including irritable bowel syndrome or, in some cases, colorectal cancer.
“If a growth inside the colon becomes large enough, it can block the flow of your stool, causing constipation and bleeding,” Uradomo said.
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