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With smartphones becoming a crucial part of everyday life, a lot of individuals seldom go without their devices, even during meals, sleep, or bathroom visits. Research indicates that an increasing number of people stay on their phones while using the toilet, spending hours scrolling through social media or watching videos. Although this habit might not seem harmful at first, specialists caution that it could lead to significant health problems. A recent study has shown that using mobile phones in the restroom might heighten the chances of getting hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are enlarged blood vessels in or near the rectum and anus, often caused by ongoing constipation or straining during bowel movements. The study emphasizes the possible dangers of long phone usage in the bathroom, especially when paired with bad toilet posture.
A study reveals that individuals who use smartphones in the toilet have a 46% greater chance of developing hemorrhoids than those who do not. This research was carried out at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, a teaching hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School, where around 125 men and women were questioned about their phone habits while in the bathroom. Results showed that approximately 66% of the participants confessed to using their smartphones in the toilet. Colonoscopy findings indicated that only 38% of those who did not use phones experienced hemorrhoids, while the figure was 51% for smartphone users. Researchers pointed out that even after accounting for factors like age, gender, body mass index, physical activity, straining during toilet use, and fiber consumption, using smartphones in the bathroom still raised the risk of hemorrhoids by 46%.
Additional results showed that people who use smartphones spend more time in the restroom than those who don’t. Typical activities include reading newspapers (54%) and checking social media (44%). Experts state that sitting on the toilet without proper pelvic support raises the pressure on the hemorrhoidal cushions. Extended pressure can lead to the swelling of these cushions, which can result in hemorrhoids. Nutrition also significantly impacts digestive wellness. Current diets, usually low in fiber and high in unhealthy foods, contribute to constipation and other digestive issues. With increasing cases of hemorrhoids nationwide, professionals advise boosting fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, cutting down on junk and fast foods, and, most importantly, steering clear of smartphone use while using the toilet.
