Scrolling through social media while on the toilet may seem like a harmless activity, but scientists warn that it can seriously harm your health.
American scientists have found that people who take their phones to the toilet are 46% more likely to suffer from hemorrhoids. This disease is caused by swollen blood vessels in the rectum, which cause pain and discomfort.
The study, published in the journal PLOS One, involved 125 people. They were asked questions about their lifestyle and “toilet habits” and then underwent a colonoscopy. It turned out that two-thirds of the participants used their smartphones on the toilet, with the highest number of them being young people.
According to scientists, the problem is that people spend more time on the toilet than necessary with their phones in their hands. This creates unnecessary pressure on the tissues and increases the risk of developing hemorrhoids.
The study's senior author, gastroenterologist Trisha Pasrich, explained:
«Our results support the advice to leave your smartphone behind the bathroom door. It shouldn't take more than a few minutes to defecate.».
She emphasized that sitting on the toilet for a long time is often caused not by physiology, but by distraction by applications designed to keep attention. "Stuck" in your phone on the toilet can have unpleasant health consequences.
Experts recommend not lingering in the bathroom longer than necessary and leaving your smartphone at the door. This is a simple tip that can reduce the risk of digestive problems and maintain your health.
