A doctor has issued a serious health warning to those who scroll on their phones while on the loo.
You’re probably sitting on the porcelain throne right now reading this story, and I'm here to tell you why you should refrain from bringing a device near the toilet in future.
According to a Stanford and Harvard trained gastroenterologist, it could actually cause some pretty unpleasant health issues.
Dr. Saurabh Sethi regularly posts TikToks and YouTube videos for his followers, warning them about little-known complications that your body might create if you do common things.
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In a video posted a couple of days ago, he got anal about the anus, and is telling you why scrolling on your phone on the toilet can cause ‘strain’ on your rectum.
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He explained: “Don't scroll on your phone."
Why is it so bad, I hear you ask?
“Extra sitting time increases pressure on the rectal veins, which means higher risk of haemorrhoids. So keep it to less than five minutes," he shared.
Haemorrhoids are quite common, and they're a pain in the a** (literally).
According to the NHS, haemorrhoids are also known as piles, and ‘are swellings containing enlarged blood vessels that are found inside or around the bottom’.
While they may not cause symptoms at first, they can become itchy, irritated, painful, or even cause a mucus discharge after you pass a stool.
Scarily, they can even become strangulated, causing a lot of pain. Anal fissures are similar, but instead of a swelling, they are a crack or tear in the lining of your anal canal.
Sethi also revealed that a rectal prolapse could be on the cards if you decide to s(h)it and scroll.
Bupa UK reveals that this happens when ‘the end of your bowel (your rectum) slides out through your anus’.
It could even require surgery if not able to be treated at the doctors.
In an earlier TikTok video, Sethi said: “Another issue is that it can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
“Studies have found that an average smartphone is dirtier than a public toilet seat, so try avoiding scrolling while on the toilet,” he added.
But if you have to use your phone, he said: “But if you can’t help it, at least have a disinfectant wipe around to clean the phone after you’re done with the business.”
In the comments, people were quick to point out their own advice.
One person wrote: "And lastly don't forget the most important thing....washing your butt with water...don't be disgusting by just wiping and walking away."
Another said: "Posture also matters a lot..use of squat toilet is the natural and healthy way to poop..."
Someone else advised: "I remember when on Carnivore diet I strained so hard almost developed an anal fissure. Back to balance diet with lots of fibre!"
According to Dr Joseph Salhab - aka The Stomach Doc -he also gave advice on the poo issue.
"Definitely try to limit your phone use while you're using the bathroom, and you can use a stepping stool," he said.
"Because when you raise your feet it allows easier passage of stool - which is really beneficial."
Cheers doc!
Britt Jones