Health risks of Britain's Tweeting toilet habits
Health risks of Britain's Tweeting toilet habits
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By James Christie
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Monday, 24, Aug 2009 03:45
Texting, Tweeting and talking on the phone are just some of the habits many of us just cannot live without, not even when we are on the toilet.
According to a survey, one in 20 Brits even admit eating and drinking while on the toilet, but many are unaware sitting for too long on the loo can take its toll on your health.
This week marks gut week, which raises awareness of gut disorders and good digestive health. In association with the organisers of the week, Yakult have released their new research on how happy we are as a nation to multitask while on the toilet.
Yakult says 18 per cent of those surveyed have suffered cramps or pins and needles from sitting on the toilet too long, and 65 per cent are unaware sitting on the toilet too long can cause haemorrhoids.
Gut week is supported by England cricket legend Phil Tufnell. Listen here to Phil saying why gut week has his support.
Dr Simon Gabe, consultant gastroenterologist at St Mark's Hospital, Harrow, said: "Some people do occupy their time on the toilet for all sorts of reasons. Generally this is harmless, but there are a few health risks worth being aware of.
"There are problems which can arise from spending too long on the toilet, such as haemorrhoids, bleeding and worsening problems with emptying the rectum. More importantly, eating on the toilet runs the risk of contaminating the food with bacteria from the toilet. This may cause a bacterial gastroenteritis, which is an infectious diarrhoea and can be very severe."