SAEDNEWS: Doctors Say You Should Spend 5 to 10 Minutes in the Bathroom
According to Saed News’ Community Service, citing Digiato, some people have the habit of taking their phones with them to the bathroom and spending long periods of time there. While this may seem harmless, specialists warn that sitting on the toilet for more than 10 minutes can be detrimental to your health.
CNN reports that Dr. Lai Xue, a colorectal surgeon at the University of Texas Medical Center, says: “When patients come to me, one of the key areas I need to check is how much time they spend on the toilet.” Similarly, Farah Monzur, an assistant professor of medicine and director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center in Long Island, New York, advises that people should spend an average of 5 to 10 minutes on the toilet.
The risks of prolonged toilet sitting stem from the laws of physics. Dr. Xue explains that gravity keeps us grounded but also forces the heart to work harder to pump blood. Toilet bowls also position the rectum—the final part of the large intestine—lower than it would be when sitting on a couch.
In other words, gravity pulls on the lower half of the body, increasing blood pressure in that area. As a result, veins and blood vessels around the anus and rectum swell, raising the risk of hemorrhoids.
Straining further increases the likelihood of hemorrhoids. People who get distracted by their phones may lose track of time, remaining longer on the toilet and placing more stress on the lower muscles.
Prolonged sitting can also weaken the anal muscles and stretch them, while increasing the risk of rectal prolapse—when the rectum slips downward and protrudes from the anus.
Pelvic floor muscles can also weaken from extended toilet sessions. Dr. Xue explains that these muscles play a crucial role in coordinating bowel movements to ensure proper evacuation.
Doctors recommend walking around after long toilet sessions. Staying hydrated and eating fiber-rich foods, such as oats and beans, helps maintain regular bowel movements and reduces straining. The National Academy of Medicine suggests drinking 2.7 to 3.7 liters of water daily, while the U.S. Department of Agriculture advises consuming 14 grams of fiber per 1,000 calories.
