Study reveals hidden dangers while using the bathroom

We use Our smartphones Almost everywhere, even in the bathroom, even though we may not want to talk about it. A Recent study Of the colonoscopy patients revealed that most of them used a colonoscope Phones On the toilet at least once a week – and that phone users on the toilet showed a 46% increased risk of developing hemorrhoids.

The cause and effect are clear. By following the news, games or social media, bathroom users stay seated longer, as research has shown that phone users tend to spend more than 5 minutes doing their work. The study says that hemorrhoids are associated with prolonged sitting on the toilet, as well as constipation and increased stress.

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What the study reveals

The 125 colonoscopy patients in the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center study in Boston who participated in the study answered questions about their bathroom habits, and endoscopists assessed their hemorrhoids (just in case you think you have a bad one). Of all participants, 66% used smartphones while sitting on the toilet, and these participants tended to be younger than those who did not. More than a third (37.3%) of smartphone users spent more than 5 minutes sitting on the toilet per visit, while only 7.1% of those without smartphones spent that much time sitting.

When the numbers were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, exercise activity, stress and fiber intake, the results showed a 46% increase in the risk of developing hemorrhoids. Men were more likely than women to spend 6 or more minutes on the toilet, in case you were wondering.

Those who used smartphones while on the toilet also admitted they did less exercise than those who did not, which the researchers said “may indicate a higher level of engagement with technology and a more sedentary lifestyle outside of the toilet environment.” (Yes, “toilet environment.” Also known as “just the toilet.”)

The most common toilet phone activity was reading the news, with 54.3% admitting to doing so, and 44.4% saying they were engaging in social media while on the toilet.

The study did not directly link constipation to time spent on the toilet, but Dr. Eamonn Quigley, chief of gastroenterology at Houston Methodist, said: He told the New York Times It is possible that those who sit hunched over their phones while on the toilet may be more susceptible to constipation.

What does all this mean for you?

If you’re annoyed by the idea of ​​your phone being so closely connected to toilet time, you’re not alone. Doctors told the New York Times the obvious: Fecal material can get on your hands while wiping and transfer it to your phone, and flushing with the toilet lid open can also spray feces onto your phone. Sure, you wash your hands, but now things are on your phone, so they jump back on your hands after you dry them and start scrolling again.

In short, you’ll probably be scrolling through your phone while you’re busy in the bathroom. But this study suggests that you should be aware that fun phone distractions may leave you sitting there longer than you planned, and that could have painful consequences.