The Hidden Dangers of Using Phones In The Toilet: Insights from Medical Experts

, ,

 / 

Using phones in the toilet may seem harmless, but it can have adverse health effects, warns Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at Stanford and Harvard.

Prolonged sitting on the toilet while scrolling through social media can lead to rectal and anal issues, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and even rectal prolapse, where the rectum protrudes through the anal opening, potentially requiring surgery.

Using Phones In The Toilet: A Risky Habit According to Gastroenterologists

Hemorrhoids, characterized by swollen veins or blood vessels around the anus, are painful and common. Anal fissures, on the other hand, involve cracks or tears in the anal canal lining. Dr. Sethi also cautions that using a phone in the bathroom can expose it to harmful bacteria.

Studies indicate that smartphones are often dirtier than public toilet seats. Thus, it’s advisable to avoid scrolling while in the restroom.

For those who can’t resist using their phones in the bathroom, Dr. Sethi recommends having disinfectant wipes on hand to clean the phone after use.

However, he strongly advises against this practice. In the comments on the TikTok video where he shared these insights, some viewers humorously admitted to watching while on the toilet, highlighting the prevalence of the habit.

Dr. Sethi is not the only medical professional using social media to share bathroom-related advice. Dr. Janine Bowring, a naturopathic doctor from Canada, suggested tips for relieving constipation, including incorporating figs and coffee with olive oil into one’s diet.

In another instance, Dr. Karan Rajan posted a video on TikTok, revealing that many people have been using the toilet incorrectly. He offered guidance on achieving a comfortable bathroom experience without the use of a “squatty potty,” a floor-level toilet commonly found in Asian countries.

These TikTok revelations from medical experts shed light on the potential health hazards associated with phone use in the bathroom and provide valuable tips for maintaining digestive health.

As the popularity of such advice continues to grow on social media, it is essential for individuals to consider the implications of their bathroom habits on their well-being.


— Share —

— About the Author —

Leave a Reply

Up Next

Managing Autoimmune Disorders Through Yoga: Effective Practices to Consider

In recent years, the intersection between holistic practices like yoga and conventional medicine has garnered significant attention, particularly in the realm of managing autoimmune disorders.

A burgeoning body of research suggests that incorporating yoga into treatment plans can offer tangible benefits for individuals grappling with autoimmune conditions. From rheumatoid arthritis to lupus, yoga’s gentle yet powerful techniques hold promise in alleviating symptoms and improving overall quality of life.

Yoga, with its emphasis on mindful movement, breathwork, and relaxation, provides a multifaceted approach to managing autoimmune disorders. The practice not only addresses physical symptoms but also targets the underlying stress and inflammation that often exacerbate these conditions.

Up Next

Pregnancy Linked to Accelerated Aging Process in Women, Study Finds

In a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers shed light on a compelling connection between pregnancy and the aging process in women.

The study, led by Calen Ryan, an associate research scientist at the Columbia University Ageing Center, suggests that women who have experienced pregnancy may exhibit more signs of biological aging compared to those who haven’t. Intriguingly, the research also indicates that the aging process may accelerate with multiple pregnancies.

Ryan commented on the findings, stating, “We’re discovering that pregnancy leaves lasting effects on the body. While not all are negative, it appears to heighten the risk of certain diseases and overall mortality.”

Stud

Up Next

Unlocking Hoarding Disorder: Understanding, Support, and Effective Solutions

Hoarding disorder, a mental health condition characterized by persistent difficulty in parting with possessions and accumulating excessive clutter, affects millions of individuals worldwide. Here’s what you need to know about this often misunderstood disorder and how to support those who struggle with it.

Defining Hoarding Disorder:

Hoarding disorder is a complex mental health condition marked by a compulsive urge to accumulate possessions, leading to overwhelming clutter and difficulty discarding items.

According to experts like Brad Schmidt and Gregory Chasson, individuals with hoarding disorder often experience distress at the thought of parting with their belongings and may also have a strong desire to acquire new items.

Up Next

Understanding Cherophobia: Signs, Causes, and Coping Strategies

Cherophobia, a condition characterized by an aversion to happiness, has garnered attention for its impact on mental well-being.

Derived from the Greek word “Chairo,” meaning “I rejoice,” cherophobia manifests as an irrational fear of experiencing joy. Therapist Carolyn Rubenstein explains that this fear often stems from anxious thoughts associated with past trauma or childhood experiences linking happiness to negative outcomes.

Signs of Cherophobia

Recognizing the signs of cherophobia is crucial for identifying individuals who may be struggling with this condition:

Feelings of Guilt and Unworthiness: Those with cherophobia experience guilt and unwor

Up Next

Stress Can Lead to Cortisol Belly: Here’s How to Fix It

Stress can affect our lives in many ways, from our mental health to our relationships, but it can also lead to physical symptoms such as โ€˜cortisol bellyโ€™. Cortisol belly, named after the stress hormone, has been widely discussed on social platforms such as TikTok, with users and experts explaining how it occurs, and theorizing what could be done about it.

While you may not have heard of the term โ€˜cortisol bellyโ€™ before, you might have heard of stubborn belly fat or stress belly, which are essentially the same thing. This is because it refers to the accumulation of visceral adipose tissue around the stomach, which has been linked to prolonged exposure to elevated levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.

What Is Cortisol Belly?

According to dietitian

Up Next

Sleep Apnea Linked to Air Pollution, Suggests New Study

A new study published in the journal NeuroToxicology suggests that air pollution could add to the risk and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts.

The study, led by Bijaya Kumar Padhi from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, claims that although there is no conclusive evidence, there are several plausible pathways to link the two.

For example, the Neuro Toxicology study says, that exposure to persistently high levels of air pollution can cause systemic inflammation or inflammation throughout the body,

Up Next

Aster DM Healthcare Identifies Top Foods to Combat PCOS Symptoms

Google searches related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) reached an all-time high in April 2024 globally, indicating a growing concern and interest in understanding and managing this condition.

PCOS is a widespread hormonal disorder that mainly affects women between the ages of 12 and 51, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalances. Fortunately, dietary modifications can significantly mitigate these symptoms and enhance overall well-being.

With this in mind, Global Healthcare Innovator Aster DM Healthcare has put together a list of the top foods to combat PCOS symptoms.

Top Foods to Combat PCOS Symptoms

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: