Put down the phone next time you head to the loo. That's the urgent message from health professionals, who have identified a modern-day habit wreaking havoc on our rectal health: toilet scrolling.
A recent health alert underscores that spending excessive time on the toilet with a smartphone is a significant and growing cause of haemorrhoids, also known as piles. The condition, involving swollen blood vessels in and around the anus, can cause itching, discomfort, and bleeding.
Why Your Smartphone Is The Problem
The issue isn't the device itself, but the behaviour it encourages. "The design of the toilet seat means we are sitting in a position that puts extra pressure on our blood vessels in the anus," explain experts. This pressure is dramatically increased the longer we sit.
Ordinarily, a bowel movement should take only a few minutes. However, getting engrossed in social media feeds, emails, or articles leads people to remain seated for far longer—often 10 to 15 minutes at a time. This prolonged sitting and straining significantly heightens the risk of developing painful piles.
Breaking The Habit For Better Health
Doctors advise a return to basics for optimal bowel health:
- Leave your phone outside the bathroom. This is the single most effective change you can make.
- Listen to your body. Go to the toilet only when you feel the natural urge, don't go 'just in case'.
- Avoid straining. If a bowel movement doesn't happen quickly, get up and try again later.
- Increase fibre and water intake. A healthy diet prevents constipation, which reduces the need to strain.
By ditching the digital distraction, you allow your body to follow its natural rhythm, reducing strain and protecting your health from this common and preventable condition.
