Don’t sit on the toilet for more than 10 minutes, doctors warn | CNN
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As people spend more time in the bathroom with their devices, doctors share their concerns about the possible negative health effects of prolonged sitting.

Summary

Experts warn that prolonged toilet sitting, often due to phone use, can harm health by increasing the risk of hemorrhoids, weakened pelvic muscles, and rectal prolapse.

Sitting too long compresses blood vessels and puts strain on the pelvic floor, leading to potential complications.

Doctors advise limiting bathroom time to 5-10 minutes, avoiding distractions like phones, and managing bowel health with hydration and fiber.

Persistent constipation or long toilet times may signal serious issues, including colorectal cancer, and should be discussed with a doctor if symptoms last over three weeks.

  • irish_link@lemmy.worldEnglish
    15·
    9 days ago

    I thought this was known for years. Like more than 40 years as I heard this frowning up. Not phones at that time but comics and books were the distraction.

    Edit- I clearly meant growing up but my phone sucks. Still a good funny comment I guess

    • awwwyissss@lemm.eeEnglish
      4·
      9 days ago

      I’ve been frowning up too. Also down. In fact, I’ve been frowning in various directions for some time now.

  • gramieEnglish
    121·
    9 days ago

    How is sitting on a toilet physiologically different than sitting on a chair?

    • snooggums@lemmy.worldEnglish
      18·
      9 days ago

      Most chairs are not a hard ring with an open space in the middle that we associate with pooping and the physical movements out body makes to expel waste.

      Most

    • Ashelyn@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
      9·
      9 days ago

      As another person mentioned, the ring in the middle of a toilet lid strains the muscles differently. That said, prolonged sitting in chairs/etc as part of a sedentary lifestyle also carries an increased risk of hemorrhoids. Sitting down for too long is not great on the body.