The Toilet Habit You Might Want to Rethink, According to Doctors
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We all know the drill—pooping is just part of life. It’s one of those natural things we all do without giving it much thought. But here’s the kicker: there’s one bathroom habit that might actually be doing more harm than good.
Gastroenterologists say there’s a sneaky little habit most people have in the bathroom that could be causing more trouble than you realize. It’s something we don’t even think twice about, but maybe we should. Let’s dive into why you might want to rethink your bathroom routine—and what you can do to keep things moving a little more smoothly!
When nature calls, it’s easy to grab your phone or a magazine to pass the time. But gastrointestinal (GI) doctors are urging us to reconsider this seemingly harmless routine. The issue at hand? Spending too much time seated on the throne.
Dr. Robynne Chutkan, a well-known gastroenterologist, warns that staying on the toilet too long can mess with the natural signals between your brain and the muscles that help with bowel movements. This can lead to a variety of problems, like hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, and even issues with your pelvic floor muscles. So, it’s best not to linger too long!
The culprit behind these extended toilet sessions? Our smartphones and reading materials. Dr. Lance Uradomo, another expert in GI health, advises setting a time limit of 5-10 minutes. If you haven’t gone by then, try again later. Avoiding distractions like your phone helps you stay aware of your time on the toilet, preventing unnecessary strain on your pelvic floor and blood vessels.
So, what’s the takeaway here? It’s all about training your body. Sit for a short time, try to go, and if it’s not happening, move on. No need to linger!
While it’s important to avoid distractions, there are also proactive steps you can take to
promote a healthier gut:
1. Fiber Up Your Diet: Fiber helps keep things moving. Women should aim for about 25 grams of fiber daily, and men should go for 38 grams. If you're over 50, you'll need a bit less. Gradually increase your fiber intake to avoid any digestive discomfort.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough fluids is essential for digestion. Women need about 11.5 cups of fluid a day, and men need 15.5 cups. This includes fluids from things like coffee, tea, and fruit and veggies.
3. Embrace Probiotics: Probiotics help maintain regular bowel movements and are especially useful for those with conditions like Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). You can find probiotics in foods like yogurt or in supplement form.
4. Heed the Call: When you feel the urge to go, don’t wait! Ignoring it can lead to constipation and other issues. “Every time you ignore the urge, you’re training your digestive system to be unresponsive,” warns Dr. Chutkan.
5. Reconsider Your Position: Surprisingly, your pooping position matters more than you might think! Squatting is the most effective way to go. If that’s not comfortable, try elevating your feet on a small stool. This helps align your body in a way that makes it easier to go.
6. Get Moving: Physical activity is key to preventing constipation and supporting digestive health. Regular exercise helps maintain muscle tone, including muscles that help with defecation. Staying active also reduces the risk of colorectal cancer, which has been linked to a sedentary lifestyle.
If you notice any changes in your bathroom habits, like blood in your stool, ongoing diarrhea or constipation, or unexpected weight loss, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. These could be signs of something more serious.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends colon cancer screenings for adults aged 45 to 75. If you're over 75, speak with your doctor about whether to continue screening.
Next time you feel the urge to go, keep it quick and easy! Take care of business and get on with your day. Adding a few simple healthy habits to your routine can help keep your digestive system running smoothly.
We at The GrayVine are dedicated to sharing tips and information that help you live a healthier, more fulfilling life. So, let’s talk—have you discovered any strategies that help you maintain good digestive health? Got any tips for kicking the phone habit on the toilet? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Let’s continue supporting each other on our journey to better health.
Gastroenterologists say there’s a sneaky little habit most people have in the bathroom that could be causing more trouble than you realize. It’s something we don’t even think twice about, but maybe we should. Let’s dive into why you might want to rethink your bathroom routine—and what you can do to keep things moving a little more smoothly!
When nature calls, it’s easy to grab your phone or a magazine to pass the time. But gastrointestinal (GI) doctors are urging us to reconsider this seemingly harmless routine. The issue at hand? Spending too much time seated on the throne.
Dr. Robynne Chutkan, a well-known gastroenterologist, warns that staying on the toilet too long can mess with the natural signals between your brain and the muscles that help with bowel movements. This can lead to a variety of problems, like hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, and even issues with your pelvic floor muscles. So, it’s best not to linger too long!
Long bathroom breaks with distractions can disrupt your digestive health—keep it short and sweet! Image Source: Miriam Alonso/Pexels.
The culprit behind these extended toilet sessions? Our smartphones and reading materials. Dr. Lance Uradomo, another expert in GI health, advises setting a time limit of 5-10 minutes. If you haven’t gone by then, try again later. Avoiding distractions like your phone helps you stay aware of your time on the toilet, preventing unnecessary strain on your pelvic floor and blood vessels.
So, what’s the takeaway here? It’s all about training your body. Sit for a short time, try to go, and if it’s not happening, move on. No need to linger!
While it’s important to avoid distractions, there are also proactive steps you can take to
promote a healthier gut:
1. Fiber Up Your Diet: Fiber helps keep things moving. Women should aim for about 25 grams of fiber daily, and men should go for 38 grams. If you're over 50, you'll need a bit less. Gradually increase your fiber intake to avoid any digestive discomfort.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough fluids is essential for digestion. Women need about 11.5 cups of fluid a day, and men need 15.5 cups. This includes fluids from things like coffee, tea, and fruit and veggies.
Fiber up your diet with heart-healthy oats and creamy avocado. Image Source: Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels.
3. Embrace Probiotics: Probiotics help maintain regular bowel movements and are especially useful for those with conditions like Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). You can find probiotics in foods like yogurt or in supplement form.
4. Heed the Call: When you feel the urge to go, don’t wait! Ignoring it can lead to constipation and other issues. “Every time you ignore the urge, you’re training your digestive system to be unresponsive,” warns Dr. Chutkan.
5. Reconsider Your Position: Surprisingly, your pooping position matters more than you might think! Squatting is the most effective way to go. If that’s not comfortable, try elevating your feet on a small stool. This helps align your body in a way that makes it easier to go.
6. Get Moving: Physical activity is key to preventing constipation and supporting digestive health. Regular exercise helps maintain muscle tone, including muscles that help with defecation. Staying active also reduces the risk of colorectal cancer, which has been linked to a sedentary lifestyle.
Running is a great way to keep your digestive system in motion. Image Source: Nathan Cowley/ Pexels.
If you notice any changes in your bathroom habits, like blood in your stool, ongoing diarrhea or constipation, or unexpected weight loss, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. These could be signs of something more serious.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends colon cancer screenings for adults aged 45 to 75. If you're over 75, speak with your doctor about whether to continue screening.
Next time you feel the urge to go, keep it quick and easy! Take care of business and get on with your day. Adding a few simple healthy habits to your routine can help keep your digestive system running smoothly.
We at The GrayVine are dedicated to sharing tips and information that help you live a healthier, more fulfilling life. So, let’s talk—have you discovered any strategies that help you maintain good digestive health? Got any tips for kicking the phone habit on the toilet? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Let’s continue supporting each other on our journey to better health.
