New Delhi, Oct 18, 2023: Sending a text or having a quick scroll on your mobile while sat on the toilet comes with a myriad of health risks, an expert has warned, and it’s something that too many people are doing.
It might be a seemingly “harmless” habit when you find yourself unthinkingly watching a video, checking your emails or scrolling through social media to relieve the boredom of your time on the toilet, but one Harvard trained stomach doctor is begging the public to stop – or at the very least adapt their mobile usage whilst visiting the bathroom.
Mobile can disrupt your poop
Using your phone in the toilet can disrupt your body’s response to stools. Spending more than 10 minutes on the toilet is not recommended, but with a cell phone, this time can extend to 20-30 minutes, potentially causing issues with your pooping process. Prolonged sitting can lead to straining and incomplete bowel movements. Avoid using your phone during bathroom breaks to maintain a healthy pooping routine. Instead, focus on your body’s natural signals, and ensure efficient bowel movements without unnecessary delay or strain.
Mobile can become germ carrier
After leaving the washroom, your mobile retains the germs, which can be transmitted to others at home or work. When you place your phone somewhere or show something to someone, you unknowingly pass on the germs. This inadvertent transmission poses a risk of spreading infections. To prevent germ transmission, it’s vital to regularly clean and disinfect your phone and avoid using it in the restroom. Practising good hygiene, like washing hands and sanitising your phone, helps protect yourself and others from potential infections.
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Taking your cell phone to the toilet exposes it to germs from various surfaces, such as the toilet seat, paper roll, and door knob, leading to potential health risks. Germs are widespread in the restroom, increasing the likelihood of contamination and resulting in issues like diarrhea, intestinal illnesses, and urinary tract infections. To minimize these risks, it’s best to avoid using your phone in the toilet and practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing and proper disinfection of your phone.
It can make you constipated
Using your phone in the bathroom can contribute to constipation, as it trains your body to operate within an extended and unnatural time frame. Over time, the habit of spending prolonged periods on the toilet while distracted by your phone can disrupt your body’s natural bowel movements. This can lead to difficulties in passing stools and an increased risk of constipation. To maintain healthy bowel habits, it’s essential to limit phone use in the bathroom and focus on efficient and timely elimination without unnecessary delay.
It can cause stress
The time spent in the toilet might be the only break you get from your hectic work and busy life. However, bringing your phone along can deprive your brain of this much-needed break. Constantly consuming information while on the toilet can lead to additional stress, as your brain remains engaged and occupied. To truly relax and recharge during these moments, consider leaving your phone outside and embracing the opportunity for mental rejuvenation and a brief respite from the demands of daily life.
It can lead To hemorrhoids
Spending casual 30-minute sessions in the washroom can lead to hemorrhoids, as the body adapts to prolonged bathroom use. Hemorrhoids are inflamed veins near the anal area, causing bleeding, intense itching, and pain. Extended periods of sitting on the toilet can strain the rectal area and worsen hemorrhoidal issues. To prevent this condition, it’s crucial to avoid spending excessive time on the toilet. Maintaining shorter and efficient bathroom breaks, along with proper hydration and a fiber-rich diet, can help alleviate the risk of hemorrhoids and promote better bowel health.
