Scrolling through your smartphone while visiting the could cost you your health. A new study has revealed that this habit increases the risk of developing hemorrhoids by 46%, according to the Daily Mail.
People who take their phones into the bathroom tend to spend significantly longer sitting on the toilet. Researchers from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in the U.S. explain that prolonged sitting creates additional pressure on the veins in the anal area, leading to painful hemorrhoids.
“We are just beginning to understand how modern habits affect our bodies. However, using in the bathroom could have unforeseen consequences,” says study author Dr. Trisha Pasrich.
How the Study Was Conducted
The study involved 125 adults who had previously undergone screening for .
- Two-thirds of participants admitted to using their smartphones in the bathroom.
- 37% of them spent more than five minutes on the toilet, compared to just 7.1% among those who did not use their phones.
- The most common activities included reading news, social media, checking emails, playing games, and watching videos.
Interestingly, the stress factor, previously considered the main trigger for hemorrhoids, did not show a significant impact this time.
Doctor’s Advice
Experts recommend leaving phones outside the bathroom.
“If you find yourself spending more than a few minutes in there, it’s worth asking yourself: is it a bowel issue or just mindlessly scrolling through social media?” emphasizes Dr. Pasrich.
How to Reduce Risks
According to the National Health Service in the UK, nearly half of Britons will experience at some point in their lives. Risk factors include:
- constipation,
- pregnancy,
- aging.
Increasing your fiber intake and drinking plenty of water can help reduce the likelihood of developing these issues.
Photo: pixabay.com
