Doctor Warns: Smartphone Use on Toilet Can Cause Severe Anemia, Offers '520' Prevention Tips

Modern habits, particularly the common practice of using smartphones while on the toilet, are contributing to a rise in difficult-to-discuss health problems like hemorrhoids, warns Dr. Chen Lu-chia, a colorectal surgeon at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital. He notes that some young professionals have even required emergency blood transfusions due to severe anemia caused by untreated hemorrhoid bleeding.

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Sitting on the toilet when legs have support, the pressure points of the whole body will directly pour into the anus in the center. If combined with straining during defecation, it will cause inflammation and blood clots in the veins around the anus, and over time, the backflow will be blocked, and the tissues will be stretched and prolapsed, forming hemorrhoids.

Dr. Chen explains that hemorrhoids develop from normal anal cushion structures that become problematic due to poor toilet habits. Sitting on a toilet seat, especially for extended periods, puts direct pressure on the anal area. This pressure, combined with straining during bowel movements, can lead to inflammation and blood clots in the veins around the anus, eventually causing them to prolapse and form hemorrhoids. He debunks the myth that squat toilets are inherently safer, stating that prolonged use of any toilet type carries risks.

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5 minutes: Concentrate on going to the toilet and finish quickly. Quit the habit of bringing your phone into the toilet, and keep the time within 5 minutes to avoid prolonged pressure on the anus.

To combat this growing issue, Dr. Chen promotes a "520" daily health code for "guarding your chrysanthemum health." This involves limiting toilet time to a maximum of five minutes to avoid prolonged pressure, ensuring adequate hydration by drinking two liters of water daily to soften stools, and consuming sufficient dietary fiber to facilitate effortless bowel movements. He stresses that these lifestyle changes are crucial for preventing recurrence.

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2 liters: Adults drink 2 liters of water daily. Water is the key to softening stool. The large intestine will continue to absorb water from the stool. If there is not enough water, the stool will become dry and hard in the rectum, making it difficult to pass.

The doctor also differentiates between internal and external hemorrhoids: internal ones typically bleed without pain, while external ones can cause severe pain due to blood clots. While topical treatments can offer temporary relief, severe cases may require surgery. However, Dr. Chen emphasizes that regardless of the treatment, addressing and modifying daily habits remains the most effective long-term strategy for managing hemorrhoids.

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0: Supplement with sufficient dietary fiber for "0" straining during bowel movements.