- Gastroenterologist Dr. Joseph Salhab said it can lead to hemorrhoids
- He also drew attention to the way your phone is exposed to bacteria from the toilet
- The doctor then gave his advice on how to avoid spending so long on the toilet
A gastroenterologist has warned people about the risks of using phones in the toilet and offered advice on how to break the habit.
Dr. Joseph Salhab confirmed that sitting for long periods of time and straining on the toilet – perhaps encouraged by taking your phone into the bathroom – can lead to an increased risk of developing hemorrhoids, also called hemorrhoids.
He also commented on how this can lead to unwanted bacteria on your device.
Dr. Salhab, who goes by the name ‘dermatologist’ on TikTok, said: ‘Exercising and sitting for long periods of time while trying to go to the toilet puts you at risk of developing haemorrhoids, which can be painful and bleed.’
He then offered tips on how to shorten the time for a runner-up, including limiting your cell phone use.
A gastroenterologist has warned people about the risks of using phones in the toilet
Dr. Joseph Salhab (pictured) confirmed that prolonged sitting and stretching on the toilet can lead to an increased risk of developing hemorrhoids
“Definitely try to limit your phone use while going to the bathroom, and you can use a step stool,” he added, “because lifting your feet allows stool to pass more easily — which is very beneficial.”
Another piece of advice he gave was to change your diet and eat more fruit if a trip to the bathroom takes so long that you might as well be scrolling through your social media.
“Increase your fiber with fruits which can help stimulate bowel movements,” he advised.
‘This includes things like kiwis, dragon fruit, apples, pears, plums and the vitamin C helps too.’
Dr. Salhab also added the option of using supplements, such as psyllium husk, which can be added to drinks.
Speaking of which, he reminded people to “make sure you drink enough water because that’s how water and fiber go (he said with intertwined fingers).”
Magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate were picked as other supplements to opt for.
And dr. Salhab went back to discussing phone use in the bathroom in the comments below his original TikTok.
In response to someone who said you can’t “do anything these days,” he wrote, “That should be exactly poop time though! Cleaner. Easier. Imagine the bacteria on your phone.”
Bacteria from both human and cockroach feces are among the secret germs lurking on our phones, experts warn.
This made 100 percent of smartphone screens home to E.Coli and fecal streptococci, according to a study into the harmful microbes plaguing our devices.