Doctor warns against common toilet mistake that could end up doing some damage

Is constipation giving you a hard time on the porcelain throne?

You might not be alone.

According to the NHS, toilet issues are common and often caused by things like not eating enough fibre, a change in diet, lying or sitting for too long among other things.

But one expert thinks that it‘s not the whole picture, and that it could have something to do with the country you live in.

Harvard-trained gastroenterologist Dr Sethi believes that the way that our toilets are designed lead to uncomfortable experiences when on the loo.

He explained the reasons you may have constipation could boil down to the shape of our seats.

Dr Sethi said in a TikTok video: "A Western toilet may be the primary reason for your constipation."

He went on the share that Eastern toilet seats encourage a squatting posture, 'aligning the anus and rectum for easier stool evacuation'.

He continued: "Western toilet seats, on the other hand, due to semi-flexed hips and thighs, may require more straining, potentially aggravating constipation, and eventually haemorrhoids and fissures.“

Well, that’s not what you want to hear.

However, before you rush down to the store to purchase a new toilet seat, the doctor suggested that you could simply 'optimise your posture‘ when sitting on the throne.

There are many ways that you can do this, such as by using a stool to lift your feet up.

In the caption to his TikTok video, he shared: "For patients who are older or with joint issues or pain, Western toilets are reasonable.“

However, there were mixed reviews about his suggestions in the comments.

One person was against the use of Eastern toilets after a negative personal experience.

They wrote: “I used to use EASTERN TOILET, but now knees do not bend properly, it's to painful.“

Another penned: "I've been doing it wrong for 62 years! Wow."

Others were more interested in what the doctor was saying and enjoyed the informative video.

Someone wrote: "Wonderful as always.“

Another comment vouched for people to 'invest in a stool.'

Other videos the doc shared included one listing red flag symptoms of bowel cancer to look out for.

He said that the top things to note down include:

· Changes in your poo

· An increase in the need or poo, or even a decreased need

· Blood in your poo and bleeding from your bottom

· Feeling like you need to poo, even if you have just gone

· Bloating

· Unexplained weight loss

· A lump in your stomach

If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your GP for advice.