Scrolling through TikTok, Instagram or any other social media and watching videos on the toilet seat has become a common habit for many people, often leading to long periods of time spent in the bathroom, but even though it may seem a harmless way to pass the time. .

Sitting on the toilet for a prolonged period of time can have several negative health effects, both physical and psychological.

Understanding these effects and recognizing how long is too long can help prevent potential harm.

How long is too long?

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Gleneagles Hospitals, Parel Mumbai, said, “Taking your mobile to go to the toilet is a strict no-no. Many people also tend to read books or newspapers, which is In addition, many people spend hours on the phone in the toilet, which can cause hemorrhoids or hemorrhoids. This is because the pressure created by resting on the toilet seat can clog the veins in the rectal area, leading to painful swelling and irritation. and bleeding during bowel movements. You may also suffer from constipation or difficulty emptying the intestines.

She added: “One can also suffer from gastroenteritis, cholera, typhoid and hepatitis. One should refrain from spending 30-45 minutes in the toilet, as many people have been doing in recent times, which has become a growing concern today. spend more than 7 minutes in the toilet. The maximum will be 10 minutes, but do not exceed this time.

Does changing position really help?

Dr Manjusha Agarwal replied: “Sitting for prolonged periods, in a conventional sitting posture, can cause straining or difficulty initiating a bowel movement. This is largely because the angle of the hips and knees does not facilitate optimal alignment for easier elimination. or use a footrest to elevate your feet, creating a more natural pathway through which the body can efficiently expel waste.

Lending his expertise, Dr Rajeev Premnath, general laparoscopic surgeon and endoscopist at Hitech Hernia Center at Ramakrishna Hospital, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, explained, “Swollen and inflamed veins in the lower rectum and around the anus, known under the name hemorrhoids, are a common source. pain, discomfort and bleeding. These troublesome veins often develop due to pressure, which can result from a variety of factors, including prolonged periods of sitting/straining, particularly while using the toilet.

Pointing out that not all types of sitting have the same impact, he explained: “For example, sitting on a hard surface puts more pressure on the rectal area than sitting on a padded surface. However, the most problematic scenario is prolonged sitting on the toilet. The design of a toilet seat positions the rectum lower than the rest of the buttocks, creating an unnatural posture, combined with the force of gravity, causing blood to pool in the veins, significantly increasing the risk of developing hemorrhoids. In addition, straining during bowel movements, often due to constipation, further increases pressure on the rectal veins. This combination of prolonged sitting and straining exacerbates the problem, leading to the development of new hemorrhoids and the worsening of existing ones.

Prolonged sitting is frequently linked to a sedentary lifestyle. Dr Rajeev Premnath said: “Whether due to work or personal habits, sitting for long periods without moving leads to poor blood circulation and slow bowel function. This inactivity increases the risk of hemorrhoids by disrupting the regularity of bowel movements and increasing the risk of constipation. Hemorrhoids, on the other hand, can be avoided by leading an active lifestyle. Regular exercise strengthens the muscles surrounding the rectum, improves blood circulation and promotes healthy colon function. Together, these benefits contribute to the healing of pre-existing hemorrhoids and help. avoid constipation. Your chances of experiencing this annoying problem can be significantly reduced by including physical activity in your routine.

He recommended avoiding hemorrhoids, especially those caused by prolonged sitting, and suggested: “Walk to increase circulation during your hourly breaks.” Don’t get distracted and limit your time using the toilet to five minutes or less. If you are constipated, try again later. . Avoid straining during bowel movements. To help maintain good bowel function and avoid constipation, stay hydrated and eat a high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have regarding a health problem.