Dr Amir Khan has shared five common toilet habits that could be negatively affecting overall health. In a recent TikTok video, he urged people to change their behaviour, saying: “Trust me, your bum will thank you.”
Scrolling and Sitting Too Long
Dr Khan warned against “sitting and scrolling forever” on the toilet. “Instagram is not meant to [be] consume[d] on the loo,” he said. “Sit too long and you're basically giving yourself a one way ticket to piles or haemorrhoids. Do your business, wipe, wash, and save the memes for the sofa.”
Sitting Position and Straining
He also advised against “hovering above the lid like you're landing a helicopter”. While acknowledging that public toilets can be unhygienic, he said: “Otherwise you must sit properly. Hovering weakens your pelvic floor over time and no one wants a wobbly pelvic floor, trust me.” A weakened pelvic floor can lead to incontinence, bowel problems, and pelvic organ prolapse, according to Spire Healthcare.
Dr Khan also cautioned against “straining like you're in the Olympics”. “If it won't come, don't force it,” he said. “Straining puts pressure on your heart, your blood vessels, and your poor backside. Eat more fibre, drink more water, and let nature take its course. If you're really struggling with constipation, speak to your doctor.”
Unnecessary Trips and Lid-Up Flushing
He discouraged going to the toilet when not needed, saying it “trains your bowel into thinking it should empty on command, not when it's ready. Long term, that can really mess with your natural rhythm and leave you more constipated.”
Finally, Dr Khan urged people to flush with the lid down to avoid spreading bacteria. “Think of what's in that toilet bowl,” he said. “Now imagine it misting all over your bathroom and toothbrush. Lid down, flush, then breathe easy.” Concluding, he said: “Stay regular, stay hygienic, and for goodness sake, keep the scrolling out of the bathroom.”
