Doctor issues warning over using your phone while on the toilet

Apologies in advance if you're reading this article on the loo - but a doctor has issued a very important warning against sitting, s**tting and scrolling.

First of all, I'm not going to pretend that I don't love a good s**t and scroll sesh - and before you judge me - I'm not the only one.

On average, men spend a total of seven hours a year on the toilet, and it's apparently because they want 'to get some peace and quiet'.

But, while you might think you're s**tting your problems down the drain, you might actually be triggering a very worrying issue down the line.

According to Dr Joseph Salhab - aka The Stomach Doc - sitting on the toilet for too long can be pretty bad for your health.

And it's not just because of hygiene reasons.

The doctor explained on his TikTok channel that prolonged periods of sitting and straining puts you at risk of developing hemorrhoids.

More well-known as piles, these lumps in and around your backside 'can be painful and bleed', the gastroenterologist said in a TikTok video.

Watch below:

Apparently, checking the group chat and doing your business just don't mix.

Well, what do you know?

However, Dr Salhab shared some tips that can help ensure a speedier toilet trip and reduce your time sat on your throne.

"Definitely try to limit your phone use while you're using the bathroom, and you can use a stepping stool," he said.

"Because when you raise your feet it allows easier passage of stool - which is really beneficial."

The expert also encouraged people to increase their fibre intake to help things move faster.

He recommended chomping on kiwi fruit, dragon fruit, apples pears and prunes to help kickstart your bowel movements.

"Vitamin C helps as well," Dr Salhab continued. "You can always supplement with fibre such as psyllium husk and add it to your favourite drink."

Swigging 'plenty of water' will also help get things going as the gastroenterologist said it goes hand in hand with fibre.

And social media users took to the comment section to share their thoughts on Dr Salhab's advice.

One wrote: "Can't do nothing these days!"

Another said: "I don't sit longer than ten minutes. I'm terrified of hemorrhoids."

A third added: "Not me watching this while on the toilet."

And a fourth chimed in: "I learned this the hard way y'all, I'm not kidding."

And for those who try to put off nature's call, Dr Salhab said you 'should not avoid it'.