Doctor warns people about the one toilet habit they need to stop doing

There's something we should avoid at all costs when we're on the throne doing our business, and more of us are guilty of doing it than not.

Going to the loo is an activity that is probably more interesting now than it has ever been in the past, and we have one thing and one thing only to thank for that: social media.

Of course, you could throw it back and whip a magazine or book out to have a gander at while you answer nature's call, but the point is, we're often occupied in there.

But it turns out that it could be harming us more than anything, for more than one health reason.

There's one thing you have to stop doing while doing a number two. (Getty Stock Photo)

Sitting for too long on the toilet can cause haemorrhoids, with those who have dealt with it in the past knowing the pain and discomfort it can cause.

Though you probably view it as a common issue, the reality is that if you could, you would avoid the pain, itching, irritation and occasional bleeding that comes with the health issue.

The only redeeming factor about it is that it's easily treatable, so with a doctors visit, you should be able to deal with the disease that's also known as piles.

But there is a reason behind why one habit can reduce the risk of getting haemorrhoids, and you can probably guess what that habit is.

Gastroenterologist Dr. David L Schwarzbaum revealed to the Huffington Post that something that a lot of young people do can cost them if they're not careful.

It's too easy to get carried away while scrolling through our phones in the toilet. (Getty Stock Photo)

The medical expert revealed that it's a bad idea to spend long periods of time on the bog, with apps like Instagram and TikTok not helping the cause for many of us.

He explained to the outlet: "Haemorrhoids are engorged blood vessels in the lower rectum and anus. While everyone has these blood vessels, they only become symptomatic when they become enlarged or inflamed, which can occur due to several factors.

"One common cause is due to sitting on the toilet for a prolonged time.

"This is because when one’s bottom is in the space of the toilet seat, the blood will pool in the lowest point and cause increased pressure in the blood vessels in the anus, leading to haemorrhoids."

Dr Schwarzbaum added: "Trying to ‘push out’ a bowel movement also increases pressure in the anorectal blood vessels and is another common cause of haemorrhoid.

If you're on there for more than 15 minutes, you're increasing your chances of getting haemorrhoids. (Getty Stock Photo)

"I often counsel my patients that when they feel the urge to defecate to go to the toilet, avoid straining, and if they cannot relieve themselves at that time, then to get up and try again at a later time when they have an urge again."

So, what is the ideal amount of time to spend on the toilet, to avoid all this hassle?

The number is quite surprising, as the gastroenterologist revealed: "I would generally recommend trying to limit bowel movements to 10-15 minutes at most to reduce the risk of haemorrhoids."

It looks like it's time to put an end to doom scrolling! On the loo, anyway.