Why should you not take your mobile phone with you to the toilet?

The habit of using a cell phone in the toilet can be dangerous to health, as prolonged standing can affect blood circulation and pelvic muscles.

Our mobile phones have almost become an extension of our hand, so much so that we hardly ever leave them behind in the toilet. Many use them to browse social media or reply to messages, turning a few minutes on the toilet into 15 or more. But, according to experts, this habit can have significant effects on our health.

What are the dangers of standing on the toilet for a long time?

An open toilet seat can put pressure on the lower body, as gravity pulls blood down, making it harder for blood to return to the heart. Dr. Lai Xue, a surgeon at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, explains that increased pressure causes the veins around the anus to swell, which increases the risk of hemorrhoids.

In addition, prolonged sitting on the toilet has negative consequences for the pelvic muscles. According to research, these muscles are responsible for the normal functioning of the intestines, as they work with the rest of the body to ensure the smooth elimination of feces. When these muscles are overworked with prolonged pressure, they can weaken, which affects their ability to control bowel movements.

 

How long is "healthy"?

 

Experts emphasize that the time we spend in the toilet should be limited to 5-10 minutes. According to the American Medical Association, standing longer than that poses potential risks of cutting off blood circulation and putting too much pressure on the pelvic muscles.

 

Dr Xue warns that prolonged use of the toilet, especially in combination with the pressure exerted by sitting, can increase the risk of developing hemorrhoids or other related conditions.

 

How to reduce the time spent on the toilet

 

To limit the time we spend on the toilet, experts suggest avoiding the use of mobile phones, magazines and books. If we cannot relieve ourselves, it is better to stop after 10 minutes, get up and walk a little, as movement can stimulate the muscles of the intestines.

 

In addition, it's important to stay hydrated and eat fiber-rich foods like oats and beans to facilitate regular bowel movements and avoid straining. Drinking 2.7 to 3.7 liters of water a day and 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories of food helps soften stools, making them easier to pass.

 

Colon cancer risk

 

Prolonged difficulty or discomfort with bowel movements can be a symptom of gastrointestinal problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease. In addition, worsening constipation or having to sit on the toilet for a long time can be a sign of colon cancer. When a tumor inside the colon grows, it can block the flow of stool, causing constipation and bleeding.

 

According to the American Cancer Society, rates of colon cancer have increased in people under the age of 55 since the 1990s. In 2024, 106,590 new cases of colon cancer and 46,220 new cases of colorectal cancer are expected. thick.

 

Therefore, if you notice constipation or if staying on the toilet lasts more than three weeks, it is advisable to consult a doctor.