Why You Shouldn’t Take Your Phone to the Bathroom
The Habit of Using Mobile Phones in the Bathroom Could Harm Your Health
Spending extended time in the bathroom can negatively affect blood circulation and pelvic muscles, making this habit risky for your health.
Our smartphones have become an extension of our hands, and many of us struggle to part with them—even in the bathroom. Some use them to browse social media or reply to messages, turning a few minutes into 15 or more. However, experts warn that this habit can have significant health consequences.
What are the risks of prolonged bathroom stays?
Sitting on an open toilet seat puts pressure on the lower part of the body while gravity pulls blood downward, making it harder for blood to return to the heart. Dr. Lai Xue, a surgeon at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, explains that increased pressure can cause veins around the anus to swell, raising the risk of hemorrhoids.
Additionally, extended sitting negatively affects pelvic muscles. Research indicates these muscles play a vital role in regular bowel movements by working with the body to facilitate smooth elimination. Prolonged pressure can weaken these muscles, impairing their ability to control bowel function effectively.
How much time is “healthy”?
Experts recommend limiting bathroom time to 5-10 minutes. According to the American Medical Association, spending more time than this increases the potential for blood flow disruption and excessive pressure on pelvic muscles.
Dr. Xue cautions that prolonged bathroom sessions, combined with the pressure from sitting, may elevate the risk of developing hemorrhoids or related conditions.
Tips to Reduce Bathroom Time
To minimize time spent in the bathroom, experts advise avoiding distractions like phones, magazines, or books. If you can’t completely avoid prolonged sitting, it’s best to stop after 10 minutes, get up, and walk around to stimulate bowel muscles.
Additionally, staying hydrated and consuming fiber-rich foods, such as oats and beans, can support regular bowel movements and prevent straining. Drinking 2.7 to 3.7 liters of water daily and consuming 14 grams of fiber per 1,000 calories in your diet can soften stool, making it easier to pass.
