The toilet provides a quick escape for some alone time, but spending too long there can harm your health.
It's tempting to scroll on your phone and lose track of time. Yet research indicates healthy defecation takes about 12 seconds. In the wild, quick elimination boosted survival odds, as fecal odors could draw predators.
Read also: '5 foods that can cause constipation'
Head to the toilet when you feel the need—don't delay. Experts warn against extended sitting: relaxing the anus while under rectal pressure can cause or worsen hemorrhoids.
Those who read on the toilet face higher hemorrhoid risks. Studies are mixed: does prolonged sitting trigger them, or do sufferers linger longer due to bowel difficulties?
