Scrolling on the loo could be causing more issues than you’d think
Browsing social media on your mobile whilst sat on the loo is something most of us are guilty of. However, researchers have cautioned that it could dramatically heighten the chances of experiencing uncomfortable symptoms.
An American study discovered that individuals who used their smartphone whilst on the toilet were 46 per cent more prone to developing piles. Also referred to as haemorrhoids, piles are painful bumps triggered by inflamed blood vessels surrounding the bottom.
The research, published in the journal PLOS One, examined 125 individuals who were questioned regarding their lifestyle and lavatory practices before receiving screening colonoscopies, reports the Express.
Two thirds confessed to using their smartphones on the toilet, with elevated rates of loo-browsing amongst younger participants. The scientists theorised that smartphone usage might extend the duration people spent seated on the toilet, potentially heightening pressure on tissues and resulting in haemorrhoids.
Senior author Trisha Pasricha stated: “This study bolsters advice to people in general to leave the smartphones outside the bathroom and to try to spend no more than a few minutes to have a bowel movement. If it’s taking longer, ask yourself why. Was it because having a bowel movement was really so difficult, or was it because my focus was elsewhere?”
She added: “It’s incredibly easy to lose track of time when we’re scrolling on our smartphones – popular apps are designed entirely for that purpose. But it’s possible that constantly sitting longer on the toilet than you intended because you’re distracted by your smartphone could increase your risk of haemorrhoids.”
Ms Pasricha continued: “We need to study this further, but it’s a safe suggestion to leave the smartphone outside the bathroom when you need to have a bowel movement.”
Reduce your risk of haemorrhoids
The NHS has plenty of tips on reducing your risk of piles, including:
- Drinking plenty of water and eating foods high in fibre
- Wiping with soft or moist toilet paper
- Keeping the area clean and dry
- Exercising regularly
- Cutting down on alcohol and caffeine intake
Using a bidet system is another way to reduce irritation to the area rather than using toilet paper. Sitting on the toilet with your feet in an elevated position using a foot stool is also helpful, as it creates a more natural ‘squatting’ position for the body. If you don’t have a foot stool, even using a box works to slightly elevate your leg position.
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