Don’t Sit on the Toilet for More Than 10 Minutes, Doctors Warn! (Yes, You’re Doing It Wrong)

We’ve all been there: you’re scrolling through your phone, catching up on social media or texting friends while seated on the throne. But hold on! Did you know that sitting on the toilet for too long could be bad for your health?

Here’s a quick, must-know health tip: Don’t sit on the toilet for more than 10 minutes.

It’s easy to get caught up in your phone, but that extra-long bathroom break could be doing more harm than good. In fact, experts say it’s better for your body and even your teeth to take care of business and get up quickly.

What’s the Big Deal with Toilet Time?

You might be thinking, “It’s just a little extra time on the toilet, right?” Well, not exactly! Spending too much time sitting on the toilet can create some serious health issues.

1. Pressure on Your Rectum

When you sit for too long, your body is under pressure, especially your rectum. This extra pressure can cause hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins around the rectum. Not cute, right? According to the American Journal of Gastroenterology, prolonged sitting increases the chances of this uncomfortable condition. So, cut back on the marathon bathroom sessions!

2. Your Pelvic Floor Gets a Workout (and Not the Good Kind)

If you’re sitting for a while, you could be straining your pelvic muscles. Dr. Mas’ood C. explains that this strain isn’t just annoying—it could lead to long-term issues, including incontinence. Talk about a mood killer!

3. It Can Mess with Your Posture (Yes, Even While Sitting!)

You probably didn’t think sitting could affect your posture, but it can. Bad posture while you sit on the toilet can affect the alignment of your spine and even contribute to back pain. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, slumping can result in muscle strain and tension. So, when you sit for too long, you’re not only hurting your bottom—your back is taking the hit, too.

Wait, Does This Affect Your Teeth?

Okay, so we’re talking about the toilet, but did you know that bad habits in other parts of your life can affect your oral health, too? Long bathroom breaks usually involve phone time. And that means you might be neglecting your dental routine!

Dr. Mas’ood C. reminds us that if you’re scrolling and snacking while you sit, your teeth could be suffering. Consuming sugary snacks or drinks can lead to cavities, and the longer you stay on the toilet, the longer those sugars are sitting on your teeth. So, remember to keep your phone time to a minimum and stick to a good brushing routine!

Quirky Facts to Keep You Smiling

Did you know the average person spends 92 days of their life on the toilet? That’s a lot of time for your body to start feeling the effects of sitting too long! (Source: US National Library of Medicine)

In Japan, there’s a popular “squatty potty” trend, which encourages people to squat instead of sitting on the toilet. Studies show squatting is healthier because it helps to align the colon and reduce pressure on the rectum. If only we had one in every Manteca bathroom!

So, What’s the Takeaway?

Next time you’re on the throne, keep it short and sweet! Doctors recommend limiting your toilet time to 10 minutes or less—and if you can’t finish up quickly, try some gentle movement to get things moving along. Your body (and your teeth) will thank you!