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Topics: Health
Callum Jones
We all have toilet habits that work for us, right? Many of us are guilty of scrolling through the likes of TikTok, while some of us keep it old-school by reading a book while answering nature's call.
But I have some news for you... it's doing more harm than good.
Those who have had problems in that area may have heard of haemorrhoids, and those who are or have suffered from them in the past will know how nasty they really can be.
They may be a very common toilet issue, but nobody wants to experience things such as pain, itching, irritation and sometimes even bleeding down there.
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Thankfully, haemorrhoids are easily treated so you should certainly pay the doctors a visit if you are experiencing such symptoms.
However, there is one habit many are guilty of that you can cut out to reduce the risk of haemorrhoids altogether.
One gastroenterologist has told the Huffington Post it's never a good idea to spend prolonged periods going for a number two, and scrolling through TikTok while on the loo is only going to increase that toilet time.
Dr. David L Schwarzbaum told the outlet: "Haemorrhoids are engorged blood vessels in the lower rectum and anus. While everyone has these blood vessels, they only become symptomatic when they become enlarged or inflamed, which can occur due to several factors.
"One common cause is due to sitting on the toilet for a prolonged time. This is because when one’s bottom is in the space of the toilet seat, the blood will pool in the lowest point and cause increased pressure in the blood vessels in the anus, leading to haemorrhoids."
He added: "Trying to ‘push out’ a bowel movement also increases pressure in the anorectal blood vessels and is another common cause of haemorrhoid.
"I often counsel my patients that when they feel the urge to defecate to go to the toilet, avoid straining, and if they cannot relieve themselves at that time, then to get up and try again at a later time when they have an urge again."
The doctor then revealed how long is the ideal amount of time to spend on the toilet, and it's a lot shorter than you think.
Schwarzbaum added in the conversation with the Huffington Post: "I would generally recommend trying to limit bowel movements to 10-15 minutes at most to reduce the risk of haemorrhoids."
So there you have it, no more scrolling on the toilet please folks!