Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be taken as medical advice, if in doubt, you should seek advice from your trusted medical professional.

It’s a very common habit nowadays—picking up the phone and taking it with us when nature calls. Is there anything better than scrolling through social media or playing your favourite game while taking care of business? As we know so well, modern technology is a beautiful blessing!

But, according to a recent video online on social media, what we thought of as an innocent activity may be far worse than we imagined.

California-based gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi warns that if you’re guilty of taking your phone to the bathroom, there may be serious health risks involved.

'First, using your phone while doing number two can lead to prolonged sitting on the toilet, which can cause strain and pressure on your rectum and anus,' Dr Sethi explains. 'This can lead to issues such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures and rectal prolapse.'

Taking time on the loo can lead to a bunch of serious health risks. Image: TikTok / @doctorsethimd

As explained by the Mayo Clinic, haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum and can be triggered by straining while going to the toilet. Pain, discomfort, and swelling may result.

While they may sound similar, anal fissures are, in fact, distinct from haemorrhoids and involve the skin around the anus becoming cracked due the passing of hardened stools. Rectal prolapse, on the other hand, is a much more serious condition caused when the large intestine’s lowest section, the rectum, slips outside the anus. All of these ailments can occur as a result of sitting on the toilet too long.

But it’s not just these physical health issues that we should be concerned about. According to General Practitioner Dr Kanita Krishnan, giving ourselves time away from our phones—even if just for a few moments—can be good for our mental health, too.

With all of these reasons in mind, maybe it’s time to put the phone away when nature calls—especially if you already suffer from poor digestion or a sedentary lifestyle. Dr Sethi also said that, ‘studies have found that an average smartphone is dirtier than a public toilet seat, so try avoiding scrolling while on the toilet’.

But if you can’t resist the urge to scroll, he then suggested ‘at least having a disinfectant wipe on hand so you can cleanse your device once you’re done’.

Dr Sethi said that your phone is dirtier than a public toilet. Image: TikTok / @doctorsethimd

If you suffer from constipation, there are plenty of ways to prevent it in the first place and ensure a quicker, more comfortable bathroom experience—such as eating more fibre, drinking more water, and getting more physical activity. Not to mention regular, natural remedies such as yoga postures, diaphragmatic breathing, and massage that may help release the bowels.

At the end of the day, these doctors’ advice has less to do with avoiding technology and more to do with mindful bathroom habits. Things like not using your phone on the toilet and avoiding straining are hygienic, important tips that we should all be paying attention to.

You can watch Dr Sethi’s full video below:

​

Key Takeaways

• Using a phone while on the toilet can lead to serious health issues such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures and rectal prolapse due to prolonged sitting, according to California-based gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi.
• General Practitioner Dr Kanita Krishnan also said that giving ourselves time away from our phones can be good for our mental health, too.
• An average smartphone is dirtier than a public toilet seat due to bacteria, emphasising the need for hygiene considerations while using smartphones in the toilet setting.
• The suggested solution includes focusing more on a healthier diet, increased water intake, daily movement as well as limiting time on the toilet for better mental health and reduced health risks.

After all, there are plenty of ways to enjoy our drastic technological advances without letting it take away from the basics—like old-fashioned bathroom etiquette! Are you also guilty of this toilet ‘crime’? Share with us your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[Tygie]

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be taken as medical advice, if in doubt, you should seek advice from your trusted medical professional.

It’s a very common habit nowadays—picking up the phone and taking it with us when nature calls. Is there anything better than scrolling through social media or playing your favourite game while taking care of business? As we know so well, modern technology is a beautiful blessing!

But, according to a recent video online on social media, what we thought of as an innocent activity may be far worse than we imagined.

California-based gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi warns that if you’re guilty of taking your phone to the bathroom, there may be serious health risks involved.

'First, using your phone while doing number two can lead to prolonged sitting on the toilet, which can cause strain and pressure on your rectum and anus,' Dr Sethi explains. 'This can lead to issues such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures and rectal prolapse.'

View attachment 35466

Taking time on the loo can lead to a bunch of serious health risks. Image: TikTok / @doctorsethimd

As explained by the Mayo Clinic, haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum and can be triggered by straining while going to the toilet. Pain, discomfort, and swelling may result.

While they may sound similar, anal fissures are, in fact, distinct from haemorrhoids and involve the skin around the anus becoming cracked due the passing of hardened stools. Rectal prolapse, on the other hand, is a much more serious condition caused when the large intestine’s lowest section, the rectum, slips outside the anus. All of these ailments can occur as a result of sitting on the toilet too long.

But it’s not just these physical health issues that we should be concerned about. According to General Practitioner Dr Kanita Krishnan, giving ourselves time away from our phones—even if just for a few moments—can be good for our mental health, too.

With all of these reasons in mind, maybe it’s time to put the phone away when nature calls—especially if you already suffer from poor digestion or a sedentary lifestyle. Dr Sethi also said that, ‘studies have found that an average smartphone is dirtier than a public toilet seat, so try avoiding scrolling while on the toilet’.

But if you can’t resist the urge to scroll, he then suggested ‘at least having a disinfectant wipe on hand so you can cleanse your device once you’re done’.

View attachment 35467

Dr Sethi said that your phone is dirtier than a public toilet. Image: TikTok / @doctorsethimd

If you suffer from constipation, there are plenty of ways to prevent it in the first place and ensure a quicker, more comfortable bathroom experience—such as eating more fibre, drinking more water, and getting more physical activity. Not to mention regular, natural remedies such as yoga postures, diaphragmatic breathing, and massage that may help release the bowels.

At the end of the day, these doctors’ advice has less to do with avoiding technology and more to do with mindful bathroom habits. Things like not using your phone on the toilet and avoiding straining are hygienic, important tips that we should all be paying attention to.

You can watch Dr Sethi’s full video below:

​

Key Takeaways

• Using a phone while on the toilet can lead to serious health issues such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures and rectal prolapse due to prolonged sitting, according to California-based gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi.
• General Practitioner Dr Kanita Krishnan also said that giving ourselves time away from our phones can be good for our mental health, too.
• An average smartphone is dirtier than a public toilet seat due to bacteria, emphasising the need for hygiene considerations while using smartphones in the toilet setting.
• The suggested solution includes focusing more on a healthier diet, increased water intake, daily movement as well as limiting time on the toilet for better mental health and reduced health risks.

After all, there are plenty of ways to enjoy our drastic technological advances without letting it take away from the basics—like old-fashioned bathroom etiquette! Are you also guilty of this toilet ‘crime’? Share with us your thoughts in the comments below!

Use your phone on the crapper? HOW DISGUSTING!!! PUT THE BLOODY THING DOWN GET IN THERE DO WHAT YOU GOTTA AND GET OUT HOPEFULLY WITHOUT LEAVING NOXIOUS FUMES FOR THE NEXT VISITOR TO THE ROOM. NO NEED TO SIT AND PLAY, READ OR SLEEP!!!

I never take my phone near there and i use it more for games than calls! That what freaking pause is for!! As for public loos well it goes in my bag and stays there until i'm out of the restrooms.

It is unhygenic and disgusting to use them while on the loo with all the yeeuch floating about and what not.

Besides i'm still alive and sane from not using the phone while on the dunny - so there's prrof people can survive doing this phone free! After all no one was born with a phone in their hands - yet!

 

[IAN3005]

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be taken as medical advice, if in doubt, you should seek advice from your trusted medical professional.

It’s a very common habit nowadays—picking up the phone and taking it with us when nature calls. Is there anything better than scrolling through social media or playing your favourite game while taking care of business? As we know so well, modern technology is a beautiful blessing!

But, according to a recent video online on social media, what we thought of as an innocent activity may be far worse than we imagined.

California-based gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi warns that if you’re guilty of taking your phone to the bathroom, there may be serious health risks involved.

'First, using your phone while doing number two can lead to prolonged sitting on the toilet, which can cause strain and pressure on your rectum and anus,' Dr Sethi explains. 'This can lead to issues such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures and rectal prolapse.'

View attachment 35466

Taking time on the loo can lead to a bunch of serious health risks. Image: TikTok / @doctorsethimd

As explained by the Mayo Clinic, haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum and can be triggered by straining while going to the toilet. Pain, discomfort, and swelling may result.

While they may sound similar, anal fissures are, in fact, distinct from haemorrhoids and involve the skin around the anus becoming cracked due the passing of hardened stools. Rectal prolapse, on the other hand, is a much more serious condition caused when the large intestine’s lowest section, the rectum, slips outside the anus. All of these ailments can occur as a result of sitting on the toilet too long.

But it’s not just these physical health issues that we should be concerned about. According to General Practitioner Dr Kanita Krishnan, giving ourselves time away from our phones—even if just for a few moments—can be good for our mental health, too.

With all of these reasons in mind, maybe it’s time to put the phone away when nature calls—especially if you already suffer from poor digestion or a sedentary lifestyle. Dr Sethi also said that, ‘studies have found that an average smartphone is dirtier than a public toilet seat, so try avoiding scrolling while on the toilet’.

But if you can’t resist the urge to scroll, he then suggested ‘at least having a disinfectant wipe on hand so you can cleanse your device once you’re done’.

View attachment 35467

Dr Sethi said that your phone is dirtier than a public toilet. Image: TikTok / @doctorsethimd

If you suffer from constipation, there are plenty of ways to prevent it in the first place and ensure a quicker, more comfortable bathroom experience—such as eating more fibre, drinking more water, and getting more physical activity. Not to mention regular, natural remedies such as yoga postures, diaphragmatic breathing, and massage that may help release the bowels.

At the end of the day, these doctors’ advice has less to do with avoiding technology and more to do with mindful bathroom habits. Things like not using your phone on the toilet and avoiding straining are hygienic, important tips that we should all be paying attention to.

You can watch Dr Sethi’s full video below:

​

Key Takeaways

• Using a phone while on the toilet can lead to serious health issues such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures and rectal prolapse due to prolonged sitting, according to California-based gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi.
• General Practitioner Dr Kanita Krishnan also said that giving ourselves time away from our phones can be good for our mental health, too.
• An average smartphone is dirtier than a public toilet seat due to bacteria, emphasising the need for hygiene considerations while using smartphones in the toilet setting.
• The suggested solution includes focusing more on a healthier diet, increased water intake, daily movement as well as limiting time on the toilet for better mental health and reduced health risks.

After all, there are plenty of ways to enjoy our drastic technological advances without letting it take away from the basics—like old-fashioned bathroom etiquette! Are you also guilty of this toilet ‘crime’? Share with us your thoughts in the comments below!

The job usually takes me about 5 minutes ..... why would you take your phone with you?

 

[MariaG]

The mind boggles.
I can see it now .. hello, yes I'm here. Hang on a second ... uggggggh plop. That's better. Hold on, I just have to change hands to wipe.
There is nothing so urgent that you need to have your phone with you 24/7.
I don't need an expert to spout common sense.

 

[chinkapook]

Why use your phone on the toilet? Surely things can wait until you are finished

 

[Barbara V]

Yuk never do that , I put phone on loudspeaker and lay it on top of washing machine not pick it up again until hands are washed

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be taken as medical advice, if in doubt, you should seek advice from your trusted medical professional.

It’s a very common habit nowadays—picking up the phone and taking it with us when nature calls. Is there anything better than scrolling through social media or playing your favourite game while taking care of business? As we know so well, modern technology is a beautiful blessing!

But, according to a recent video online on social media, what we thought of as an innocent activity may be far worse than we imagined.

California-based gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi warns that if you’re guilty of taking your phone to the bathroom, there may be serious health risks involved.

'First, using your phone while doing number two can lead to prolonged sitting on the toilet, which can cause strain and pressure on your rectum and anus,' Dr Sethi explains. 'This can lead to issues such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures and rectal prolapse.'

View attachment 35466

Taking time on the loo can lead to a bunch of serious health risks. Image: TikTok / @doctorsethimd

As explained by the Mayo Clinic, haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum and can be triggered by straining while going to the toilet. Pain, discomfort, and swelling may result.

While they may sound similar, anal fissures are, in fact, distinct from haemorrhoids and involve the skin around the anus becoming cracked due the passing of hardened stools. Rectal prolapse, on the other hand, is a much more serious condition caused when the large intestine’s lowest section, the rectum, slips outside the anus. All of these ailments can occur as a result of sitting on the toilet too long.

But it’s not just these physical health issues that we should be concerned about. According to General Practitioner Dr Kanita Krishnan, giving ourselves time away from our phones—even if just for a few moments—can be good for our mental health, too.

With all of these reasons in mind, maybe it’s time to put the phone away when nature calls—especially if you already suffer from poor digestion or a sedentary lifestyle. Dr Sethi also said that, ‘studies have found that an average smartphone is dirtier than a public toilet seat, so try avoiding scrolling while on the toilet’.

But if you can’t resist the urge to scroll, he then suggested ‘at least having a disinfectant wipe on hand so you can cleanse your device once you’re done’.

View attachment 35467

Dr Sethi said that your phone is dirtier than a public toilet. Image: TikTok / @doctorsethimd

If you suffer from constipation, there are plenty of ways to prevent it in the first place and ensure a quicker, more comfortable bathroom experience—such as eating more fibre, drinking more water, and getting more physical activity. Not to mention regular, natural remedies such as yoga postures, diaphragmatic breathing, and massage that may help release the bowels.

At the end of the day, these doctors’ advice has less to do with avoiding technology and more to do with mindful bathroom habits. Things like not using your phone on the toilet and avoiding straining are hygienic, important tips that we should all be paying attention to.

You can watch Dr Sethi’s full video below:

​

Key Takeaways

• Using a phone while on the toilet can lead to serious health issues such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures and rectal prolapse due to prolonged sitting, according to California-based gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi.
• General Practitioner Dr Kanita Krishnan also said that giving ourselves time away from our phones can be good for our mental health, too.
• An average smartphone is dirtier than a public toilet seat due to bacteria, emphasising the need for hygiene considerations while using smartphones in the toilet setting.
• The suggested solution includes focusing more on a healthier diet, increased water intake, daily movement as well as limiting time on the toilet for better mental health and reduced health risks.

After all, there are plenty of ways to enjoy our drastic technological advances without letting it take away from the basics—like old-fashioned bathroom etiquette! Are you also guilty of this toilet ‘crime’? Share with us your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[Barbara V]

Yuk never do that , I put phone on loudspeaker and lay it on top of washing machine not pick it up again until hands are washed

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be taken as medical advice, if in doubt, you should seek advice from your trusted medical professional.

It’s a very common habit nowadays—picking up the phone and taking it with us when nature calls. Is there anything better than scrolling through social media or playing your favourite game while taking care of business? As we know so well, modern technology is a beautiful blessing!

But, according to a recent video online on social media, what we thought of as an innocent activity may be far worse than we imagined.

California-based gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi warns that if you’re guilty of taking your phone to the bathroom, there may be serious health risks involved.

'First, using your phone while doing number two can lead to prolonged sitting on the toilet, which can cause strain and pressure on your rectum and anus,' Dr Sethi explains. 'This can lead to issues such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures and rectal prolapse.'

View attachment 35466

Taking time on the loo can lead to a bunch of serious health risks. Image: TikTok / @doctorsethimd

As explained by the Mayo Clinic, haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum and can be triggered by straining while going to the toilet. Pain, discomfort, and swelling may result.

While they may sound similar, anal fissures are, in fact, distinct from haemorrhoids and involve the skin around the anus becoming cracked due the passing of hardened stools. Rectal prolapse, on the other hand, is a much more serious condition caused when the large intestine’s lowest section, the rectum, slips outside the anus. All of these ailments can occur as a result of sitting on the toilet too long.

But it’s not just these physical health issues that we should be concerned about. According to General Practitioner Dr Kanita Krishnan, giving ourselves time away from our phones—even if just for a few moments—can be good for our mental health, too.

With all of these reasons in mind, maybe it’s time to put the phone away when nature calls—especially if you already suffer from poor digestion or a sedentary lifestyle. Dr Sethi also said that, ‘studies have found that an average smartphone is dirtier than a public toilet seat, so try avoiding scrolling while on the toilet’.

But if you can’t resist the urge to scroll, he then suggested ‘at least having a disinfectant wipe on hand so you can cleanse your device once you’re done’.

View attachment 35467

Dr Sethi said that your phone is dirtier than a public toilet. Image: TikTok / @doctorsethimd

If you suffer from constipation, there are plenty of ways to prevent it in the first place and ensure a quicker, more comfortable bathroom experience—such as eating more fibre, drinking more water, and getting more physical activity. Not to mention regular, natural remedies such as yoga postures, diaphragmatic breathing, and massage that may help release the bowels.

At the end of the day, these doctors’ advice has less to do with avoiding technology and more to do with mindful bathroom habits. Things like not using your phone on the toilet and avoiding straining are hygienic, important tips that we should all be paying attention to.

You can watch Dr Sethi’s full video below:

​

Key Takeaways

• Using a phone while on the toilet can lead to serious health issues such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures and rectal prolapse due to prolonged sitting, according to California-based gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi.
• General Practitioner Dr Kanita Krishnan also said that giving ourselves time away from our phones can be good for our mental health, too.
• An average smartphone is dirtier than a public toilet seat due to bacteria, emphasising the need for hygiene considerations while using smartphones in the toilet setting.
• The suggested solution includes focusing more on a healthier diet, increased water intake, daily movement as well as limiting time on the toilet for better mental health and reduced health risks.

After all, there are plenty of ways to enjoy our drastic technological advances without letting it take away from the basics—like old-fashioned bathroom etiquette! Are you also guilty of this toilet ‘crime’? Share with us your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[Veggiepatch]

All I wanted to do was change my RINGtone from a trumpet to a trombone.

Sorry folks....

 

[Colleen M]

Just like people who read in the toilet, dirty,disgusting habit, do the job and get the heck out of there!

 

[Tygie]

Like i said already I NEVER take my phone there but other family members who have passed on used to treat it like a bedroom and sleep on the toilet. You'd have to wake them to get them out to use the room yourself for things more urgent than their sleeping habits - why they thought it was so comfy they could sleep there i don't know!

 

[Veggiepatch]

Just like people who read in the toilet, dirty,disgusting habit, do the job and get the heck out of there!

Same as those magazines with pictures of naked women.

Just hang on....I'm guilty of that. Hypocrite!

 

[Veggiepatch]

Anyone who suffers a rectal prolapse from going to the toilet has SERIOUS dietary and/or digestive problems. It has absolutely NOTHING to do with mobile phone usage.

 

[Jest]

Use your phone on the crapper? HOW DISGUSTING!!! PUT THE BLOODY THING DOWN GET IN THERE DO WHAT YOU GOTTA AND GET OUT HOPEFULLY WITHOUT LEAVING NOXIOUS FUMES FOR THE NEXT VISITOR TO THE ROOM. NO NEED TO SIT AND PLAY, READ OR SLEEP!!!

I never take my phone near there and i use it more for games than calls! That what freaking pause is for!! As for public loos well it goes in my bag and stays there until i'm out of the restrooms.

It is unhygenic and disgusting to use them while on the loo with all the yeeuch floating about and what not.

Besides i'm still alive and sane from not using the phone while on the dunny - so there's prrof people can survive doing this phone free! After all no one was born with a phone in their hands - yet!

another load of shit.

 

[Veggiepatch]

another load of shit.

Literally....or lack of in this case!

 

[magpie1]

Just like people who read in the toilet, dirty,disgusting habit, do the job and get the heck out of there!

but that used to be what the pile of comics on the toilet floor was for when we were kids.....

 

[magpie1]

Like i said already I NEVER take my phone there but other family members who have passed on used to treat it like a bedroom and sleep on the toilet. You'd have to wake them to get them out to use the room yourself for things more urgent than their sleeping habits - why they thought it was so comfy they could sleep there i don't know!

got to admit that I am guilty of sleeping on the toilet during the night.....and believe me when I tell you that it can be very comfortable and restful....there are times that I have slept for over an hour on a number of occasions on the toilet, then finally waking and just sauntering off to bed for more sleep. No worries at all.

 

[Veggiepatch]

got to admit that I am guilty of sleeping on the toilet during the night.....and believe me when I tell you that it can be very comfortable and restful....there are times that I have slept for over an hour on a number of occasions on the toilet, then finally waking and just sauntering off to bed for more sleep. No worries at all.

I bet that you slept like a log....

 

[Luckyus]

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be taken as medical advice, if in doubt, you should seek advice from your trusted medical professional.

It’s a very common habit nowadays—picking up the phone and taking it with us when nature calls. Is there anything better than scrolling through social media or playing your favourite game while taking care of business? As we know so well, modern technology is a beautiful blessing!

But, according to a recent video online on social media, what we thought of as an innocent activity may be far worse than we imagined.

California-based gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi warns that if you’re guilty of taking your phone to the bathroom, there may be serious health risks involved.

'First, using your phone while doing number two can lead to prolonged sitting on the toilet, which can cause strain and pressure on your rectum and anus,' Dr Sethi explains. 'This can lead to issues such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures and rectal prolapse.'

View attachment 35466

Taking time on the loo can lead to a bunch of serious health risks. Image: TikTok / @doctorsethimd

As explained by the Mayo Clinic, haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum and can be triggered by straining while going to the toilet. Pain, discomfort, and swelling may result.

While they may sound similar, anal fissures are, in fact, distinct from haemorrhoids and involve the skin around the anus becoming cracked due the passing of hardened stools. Rectal prolapse, on the other hand, is a much more serious condition caused when the large intestine’s lowest section, the rectum, slips outside the anus. All of these ailments can occur as a result of sitting on the toilet too long.

But it’s not just these physical health issues that we should be concerned about. According to General Practitioner Dr Kanita Krishnan, giving ourselves time away from our phones—even if just for a few moments—can be good for our mental health, too.

With all of these reasons in mind, maybe it’s time to put the phone away when nature calls—especially if you already suffer from poor digestion or a sedentary lifestyle. Dr Sethi also said that, ‘studies have found that an average smartphone is dirtier than a public toilet seat, so try avoiding scrolling while on the toilet’.

But if you can’t resist the urge to scroll, he then suggested ‘at least having a disinfectant wipe on hand so you can cleanse your device once you’re done’.

View attachment 35467

Dr Sethi said that your phone is dirtier than a public toilet. Image: TikTok / @doctorsethimd

If you suffer from constipation, there are plenty of ways to prevent it in the first place and ensure a quicker, more comfortable bathroom experience—such as eating more fibre, drinking more water, and getting more physical activity. Not to mention regular, natural remedies such as yoga postures, diaphragmatic breathing, and massage that may help release the bowels.

At the end of the day, these doctors’ advice has less to do with avoiding technology and more to do with mindful bathroom habits. Things like not using your phone on the toilet and avoiding straining are hygienic, important tips that we should all be paying attention to.

You can watch Dr Sethi’s full video below:

​

Key Takeaways

• Using a phone while on the toilet can lead to serious health issues such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures and rectal prolapse due to prolonged sitting, according to California-based gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi.
• General Practitioner Dr Kanita Krishnan also said that giving ourselves time away from our phones can be good for our mental health, too.
• An average smartphone is dirtier than a public toilet seat due to bacteria, emphasising the need for hygiene considerations while using smartphones in the toilet setting.
• The suggested solution includes focusing more on a healthier diet, increased water intake, daily movement as well as limiting time on the toilet for better mental health and reduced health risks.

After all, there are plenty of ways to enjoy our drastic technological advances without letting it take away from the basics—like old-fashioned bathroom etiquette! Are you also guilty of this toilet ‘crime’? Share with us your thoughts in the comments below!

It's the other way with me I can virtually guarantee, that when I go for a pony, the bloody phone will ring?

 

[Angela Cockburn]

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be taken as medical advice, if in doubt, you should seek advice from your trusted medical professional.

It’s a very common habit nowadays—picking up the phone and taking it with us when nature calls. Is there anything better than scrolling through social media or playing your favourite game while taking care of business? As we know so well, modern technology is a beautiful blessing!

But, according to a recent video online on social media, what we thought of as an innocent activity may be far worse than we imagined.

California-based gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi warns that if you’re guilty of taking your phone to the bathroom, there may be serious health risks involved.

'First, using your phone while doing number two can lead to prolonged sitting on the toilet, which can cause strain and pressure on your rectum and anus,' Dr Sethi explains. 'This can lead to issues such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures and rectal prolapse.'

View attachment 35466

Taking time on the loo can lead to a bunch of serious health risks. Image: TikTok / @doctorsethimd

As explained by the Mayo Clinic, haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum and can be triggered by straining while going to the toilet. Pain, discomfort, and swelling may result.

While they may sound similar, anal fissures are, in fact, distinct from haemorrhoids and involve the skin around the anus becoming cracked due the passing of hardened stools. Rectal prolapse, on the other hand, is a much more serious condition caused when the large intestine’s lowest section, the rectum, slips outside the anus. All of these ailments can occur as a result of sitting on the toilet too long.

But it’s not just these physical health issues that we should be concerned about. According to General Practitioner Dr Kanita Krishnan, giving ourselves time away from our phones—even if just for a few moments—can be good for our mental health, too.

With all of these reasons in mind, maybe it’s time to put the phone away when nature calls—especially if you already suffer from poor digestion or a sedentary lifestyle. Dr Sethi also said that, ‘studies have found that an average smartphone is dirtier than a public toilet seat, so try avoiding scrolling while on the toilet’.

But if you can’t resist the urge to scroll, he then suggested ‘at least having a disinfectant wipe on hand so you can cleanse your device once you’re done’.

View attachment 35467

Dr Sethi said that your phone is dirtier than a public toilet. Image: TikTok / @doctorsethimd

If you suffer from constipation, there are plenty of ways to prevent it in the first place and ensure a quicker, more comfortable bathroom experience—such as eating more fibre, drinking more water, and getting more physical activity. Not to mention regular, natural remedies such as yoga postures, diaphragmatic breathing, and massage that may help release the bowels.

At the end of the day, these doctors’ advice has less to do with avoiding technology and more to do with mindful bathroom habits. Things like not using your phone on the toilet and avoiding straining are hygienic, important tips that we should all be paying attention to.

You can watch Dr Sethi’s full video below:

​

Key Takeaways

• Using a phone while on the toilet can lead to serious health issues such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures and rectal prolapse due to prolonged sitting, according to California-based gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi.
• General Practitioner Dr Kanita Krishnan also said that giving ourselves time away from our phones can be good for our mental health, too.
• An average smartphone is dirtier than a public toilet seat due to bacteria, emphasising the need for hygiene considerations while using smartphones in the toilet setting.
• The suggested solution includes focusing more on a healthier diet, increased water intake, daily movement as well as limiting time on the toilet for better mental health and reduced health risks.

After all, there are plenty of ways to enjoy our drastic technological advances without letting it take away from the basics—like old-fashioned bathroom etiquette! Are you also guilty of this toilet ‘crime’? Share with us your thoughts in the comments below!

Scaremongering rubbish. Nothing to do with technology. Books, magazines and newspapers used to be/still are read in the toilet, too.