A doctor has warned that taking your phone to the toilet can be very bad for your health, and it’s probably best to avoid it at all costs – no matter how bored you are
For years, the joke about having a mini library in the loo for some reading material during those longer trips was a common one.
But these days, it seems many Brits are more likely to take their smartphones with them to the toilet for a bit of scrolling while attending to nature’s call. However, you might want to rethink this habit after a doctor’s health warning. TikTok’s Dr Joseph Salhab has highlighted the risks associated with prolonged sitting and straining on the toilet, which could lead to a rather painful condition.
His advice might just have you leaving your phone behind next time you head to the bathroom. In his video, he warns: “Straining and prolonged sitting when you’re trying to use the restroom puts you at risk for developing haemorrhoids, which can be painful and bleed.”
Thankfully, Dr Salhab offers tips to help prevent this uncomfortable issue, including keeping your mobile out of the bathroom, reports the Express. He suggests boosting your diet with fibre-rich fruits like kiwis, apples and pears to “stimulate bowel movements”. Staying hydrated is crucial too, as drinking water aids regularity. Additionally, he stresses the importance of not delaying a toilet visit when the urge arises.
Ignoring the need to go or postponing it can lead to complications, so it’s best to heed nature’s call without delay. Dr Joseph insisted: “Definitely try to limit your phone use when you’re using the bathroom to avoid prolonged sitting. Finally, you can use a stepping stool like this, because when you raise your feet it allows easier passage of stool, which is really beneficial.”
This eye-opening video has now racked up over 200,000 views, leaving netizens staggered at the potential health faux pas of scrolling while on the loo. Shock resonated in the comments section, with one person confessing: “Me watching this while on the toilet.” Another shared their experience: “I had the surgery – it was horrible.”
Others acknowledged the advice with positive results, as one commenter testified: “Yes. Love the good poo position. Knees above hip level – we see it help so many.” Echoing the sentiment of phone dependence, someone else said: “I stopped doing it purely because I wanted to lessen my attachment to my phone, and now I’m a lot better.”
Despite the stark warning, some die-hard phone users admitted they wouldn’t abandon their phones, arguing it “helps them” during their bathroom breaks. Clearly, for some, smartphones are an essential part of the toilet routine.