Doctor reveals horrifying reason why you should NEVER use your phone on the toilet - and the surprising implications the 'dirty' habit could have for your health
Dr Amir Khan, a GP and bestselling author from the UK, said there are three alarming reasons why scrolling on your phone while sitting on the loo could have 'dirty' repercussions.
He said getting distracted by scrolling on social media can leave you sitting on the toilet for long periods of time, which increases the risk of piles or haemorrhoids.
Dr Amir added that it can also lead to nasty bacteria ending up on your device, either via your hands or flushing without closing the toilet lid.
'While it might feel like you're just killing time scrolling through social media while you poop, there might be some really dirty consequences for your health,' he said in an Instagram video.
Firstly, Dr Amir explained that it's best not to bring your phone with you to the bathroom as it leads to sitting there for longer than you need to.
'Prolonged sitting or straining, which can happen when you get absorbed into the contents of your phone while you poop, can increase your risk of piles or haemorrhoids,' he said.
'Research is still ongoing, but it's best not to spend any longer than you need to when you're on the loo and certainly don't strain too hard.'
According to Science Alert, a recent survey of 125 colonoscopy patients found that the majority of the participants who suffered from haemorrhoids used their phone on the toilet at least once a week.
While there are many causes of haemorrhoids, overstraining and extended periods on the toilet are major contributing factors.
Doctors have recommended spending no more than 10 minutes on the loo, while others say to keep it to as little as three minutes.
Dr Amir said another reason to leave your phone outside of the bathroom is so that it doesn't get contaminated with bacteria and faecal matter.
'Gross, isn't it? But it can happen if you get faecal matter on your hands and transfer it to your phone,' he said.
'In fact, one British study showed that many of our phones are dirtier than our toilet seats.'
The NHS doctor said the risk of contaminating your phone with nasty germs is increased if you flush without closing the toilet lid.
'If you put your phone down and flush the toilet without putting the toilet lid down, then you're going to release a whole plume of toilet bacteria and other bugs that are catapulted into the air by that flush and can land on your phone,' he said.
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A post shared by Dr Amir Khan GP (@doctoramirkhan)
Dr Amir added that if you must have your phone to cure boredom on the loo, there are some measures you can take.
'My advice is don't spend any longer than you need to on the loo, remember to put the toilet lid down when you flush, wash your hands properly afterwards, and clean your phone daily,' he said.
Fans of the TV doctor were horrified by the information and vowed to clean up their bathroom habits.
'Replayed this for my husband, who's constantly taking his phone into the bathroom!' one woman said.
'Great advice! Let's face it, we all do this if secretly. Remember to shut the lid, flush and clean your phone daily,' a second replied.
'Stopped taking my phone to the toilet a few weeks ago, total game changer. In and out much quicker and using less bog roll,' someone added.
Dr Amir previously warned that constant multitasking, which is when you're doing multiple jobs or tasks simultaneously, can be potentially detrimental to our brain health.
'While we think we are being productive, jumping between tasks stresses the brain,' he revealed in a TikTok video which has been watched more than 33,700 times.
Fans of the TV doctor were horrified by the information and vowed to clean up their bathroom habits
Dr Khan also warned of four other common habits which could be harmful.
He listed chronic sleep deprivation as his second most brain-ageing habit.
'Every one bad night, impacts memory and attention. Long term lack of sleep, particularly deep sleep, limits the brain's lymphatic system,' he said.
'That's the brains waste disposal system, increasing plaque formation on the brain, which is linked to Alzheimer's dementia.'
In third place was doom-scrolling, which just last month was linked to higher rates of teenage anxiety and depression.
He also warned against 'skipping meals, especially breakfast'.
And lastly, he cited loneliness as a brain-killer.
'Social interaction is protective,' he said. 'Studies show loneliness is as harmful to cognitive health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
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