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Scrolling through your phone while sitting on the toilet is a habit many people know all too well—but new research suggests it could seriously harm your health.

Scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in the U.S. found that smartphone users spend significantly more time on the toilet than those who leave their phones out of the bathroom. This extended time increases the risk of developing hemorrhoids.

“Using a smartphone on the toilet is associated with a 46% higher likelihood of hemorrhoids,” said study senior author Trisha Pasricha. “We continue to study how modern gadgets affect our health. Even the place and way we use them can have consequences.”

The study involved 125 adults undergoing colon cancer screening. Two-thirds admitted they take their phones to the toilet, with most of them being younger adults.

Key findings from the study:

• 37% of smartphone users spend more than five minutes on the toilet, compared to just 7.1% of non-users.

• Most people browse news or scroll through social media.

• Less common activities include gaming, watching videos, messaging, or checking email.

• Straining while using the toilet was not directly linked to hemorrhoids, contrary to some previous studies.

Dr. Pasricha advises leaving your phone out of the bathroom and limiting toilet time to just a few minutes.

The research was published in PLOS ONE.

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