Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Many people don’t realize they spend too much time in the toilet because they are carried away by using their cell phone. At first glance, spending too much time on the toilet sounds like a trivial thing. In fact, many experts have warned that sitting too long on the toilet can be dangerous to your health. How could that be?
Colorectal surgeon at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dr. Lai Xue revealed that sitting too long on the toilet is closely related to the risk of hemorrhoids and weakened pelvic muscles.
Dr. Xue explained that referring to physics, the gravitational force that keeps humans grounded on Earth also makes the body pump blood to the heart harder.
“When a patient comes to me with a complaint, one of the things that needs to be investigated is the habit of spending a lot of time on the toilet,” said Dr. Xue, quoted from CNN InternationalWednesday (13/11/2024).
According to Dr. Xue, an open oval toilet seat can squeeze the buttocks and keep the rectum lower than sitting on a sofa. Gravity pulling on the lower part of the body causes pressure to increase which can affect human blood circulation.
“It becomes like a one-way ‘value,’ where the blood comes in, but it’s hard to get back,” says Dr. Xue.
If blood circulation is disrupted, the body’s blood vessels and the blood vessels around the anus and lower rectum will enlarge and fill with blood. As a result, the risk of hemorrhoids increases.
Pelvic floor muscles are one of the muscles that can become weak due to sitting on the toilet for too long. Dr. Xue explained that the pelvic floor muscles coordinate many bowel movements and work with other parts of the body to ensure stool passes smoothly. Gravitational pressure on the pelvic floor places a burden on these muscles if you sit continuously for a long time.
“Currently, we can see an increase in the number of people who spend more time on the toilet. This habit is very unhealthy for the anorectal organs and pelvic floor,” explained Dr. Xue.
Assistant professor of medicine and director of the Center for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases at Stony Brook Medicine on Long Island, Dr. Farah Monzur revealed that forcing yourself to push can also increase the risk of hemorrhoids. According to Dr. Monzur, people who use cellphones while in the toilet will unconsciously strain their muscles by straining to expel feces.
In addition to weakened anal muscles and forced straining, Dr. Monzur said that sitting too long on the toilet can also increase the risk of rectal prolapse. For information, rectal prolapse is a condition when the rectum, which is part of the large intestine, descends and protrudes from the anus.
So, how long is the ideal time to spend on the toilet?
According to Dr. Monzur, the ideal time to defecate and spend time in the toilet is a maximum of 10 minutes.
In order to avoid the habit of spending too much time on the toilet, interventional gastroenterologist at City of Hope Orange County, Dr. Lance Uradomo advises individuals not to bring cellphones, magazines and books when going to the toilet.
If you feel forced to sit for more than 10 minutes on the toilet due to constipation, Dr. Xue suggests still stopping after 10 minutes.
Instead, try walking a little to stimulate the intestinal muscles to produce movement. Apart from that, Dr. Xue also advises each individual to regularly consume mineral water and eat foods high in fiber, such as oats and nuts to facilitate the bowel cycle and avoid straining.
(rns/rns)
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Ah, the toilet: humanity’s great equalizer! Where we can all pretend we’re being productive: scrolling social media, reading cat memes, and contemplating life in a delightful haze of solitude. But as it turns out, spending too long perched on your porcelain throne could be more perilous than you think!
In fact, Dr. Lai Xue, a colorectal expert from the University of Texas, has waded into the murky waters of toilet habits and come up with some alarming facts. Apparently, squeezing one’s cheeks for an extended period is not just a sign of deep thinking about the latest Netflix show but might also be inviting hemorrhoids for tea! Treat yourself, why don’t you?
So, what’s the deal? Gravity! Yes, that force that’s keeping us all grounded – well, it’s also doing a number on our posterior region. It turns out that while we’re busy trying to find the best angle for our bathroom selfies, the pressure on our blood vessels increases. Now that you’ve tried to take an artsy toilet pic, try explaining to your doctor why your “social media strategist” is also a part-time colorectal disease sufferer!
Dr. Xue elaborates, saying that it creates a situation where it’s “one-way traffic” for blood flow. Think of it like a post-concert crowd: everyone enters, but nobody leaves! If you’re thinking you’ve got your health in check because you can binge-watch a series in the loo, think again! Your veins might just explode from the pressure of trying to get the blood back to your heart!
And it gets worse! Not only does prolonged toilet time contribute to hemorrhoids but the pelvic floor muscles – which are superstars in coordinating bowel movements – can weaken too. Imagine asking your pelvic floor to get lifting weights at the gym and instead it’s doing a half-hearted squat on the toilet…
One of Dr. Xue’s colleagues, Dr. Farah Monzur, emphasized that scrolling through your phone can add to the strain. She mentions how these poor muscles might be trying to push out something that’s as stubborn as your relative at a family gathering who just won’t leave! And for those of you unaware, excess straining can lead to something called rectal prolapse – that’s when your rectum decides it wants a little vacation outside the body. Not quite the trip you want to take, is it?
So, how long is too long? Well, Dr. Monzur says that if you find yourself doing your best ‘hold it in’ impersonation for more than 10 minutes, it’s time to bail! But don’t just sit there, contemplating the universe; get up and do a little jig! A bit of activity can really get the gut moving.
Now, here’s the good news: it seems the solution is to leave your beloved cell phone, magazine, or any distractions out of the ‘bathroom zone’. Yes, I know, it’s a big ask in today’s world, but think of it as a detox for your behind! Dr. Xue suggests some good old-fashioned minerals and dietary fiber to keep things moving in the right direction! Oats, nuts – who knew that breakfast could save your backside?
In conclusion, while the bathroom can feel like a personal sanctuary, let’s not transform it into a sad seat of health crises. Spend less time scrolling through your latest social media drama and more time being aware of what’s happening to your body while you’re there. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go ponder life’s greatest mysteries. Preferably not while sitting.
(rns/rns)
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Unintentionally contract while you’re deeply engrossed in reading cat memes or watching videos. Instead of relaxing and allowing your body to do its thing, many find themselves unconsciously pushing, which just heightens the risk of hemorrhoids and even rectal prolapse – a condition as uncomfortable as it sounds, where the rectum makes an unscheduled appearance outside the body.
So how long should one responsibly linger on the porcelain throne? According to Dr. Monzur, the golden rule is a brisk **10 minutes max**! That’s right – no more marathon bathroom sessions!
To help avoid the temptation of prolonged stays, Dr. Lance Uradomo, a gastroenterologist with an eye for toilet habits, suggests leaving your phone and any reading materials behind. If nature calls and you’re still stuck after 10 minutes, it’s time to step away, take a little stroll, and get those intestinal muscles back in action.
Of course, maintaining an adequate intake of water and fiber is essential too; think hearty oats, crunchy nuts, and lots of hydration to make sure your visits are swift and efficient.
while the restroom may be a sanctuary for many, remember to keep your visits short, sweet, and devoid of distractions! Your body (and your posterior) will thank you for it!
