Sitting on the bowl, scrolling through the news thread or flipping through a magazine, sometimes evokes a little bubble escaped from everyday life, where time seems suspended... However, this sweet parenthesis quickly turns into a false refuge if one goes a little too far: beyond ten minutes, gravity works in silence and thedigestive health risksbuild up, as if each additional minute lay a rock on an already heavy pile. Limiting this moment, setting the smartphone and listening to the rhythm of its body, is to preserve the digestive balance and offer a real well-being, away from the invisible traps of the « throne » connected.
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In the toilet: this threshold of minutes that it is better never to cross (and why)
When the door closes, the time seems suspended... or almost. Many have already been caught by the temptation to follow a social network or read an article, thinking of enjoying a deserved break. But there is a limit not to be exceeded. What happens, minute after minute, when you sit on the « throne » ? Behind this annoyant reflex, a real risk habit emerges. Doctors don't chew their words.
Too long in the bathroom: the false refuge that puts the body to the test
Spending 15, 20, or even 30 minutes sitting on the bowl is common in our busy and hyper-connected lives. A recent study shows that French people spend an average of 45 minutes a day « pause », and some even exceed the cumulative hour. Yet, behind this discreet cut, a warning signal: to delay is not only to waste time, it is also to expose his digestive health to a few disappointments.
The gravity, this discreet enemy of the pelvic floor
In a sitting position, the body settles down but the gravity watches. The rectum drops a few centimetres more than on a usual chair, compressing the anal area. As a result, the blood flows, but leaves less quickly. This blood stagnation eventually dilates the veins, until it promotes the appearance of hemorrhoids, sometimes even a rectal prolapsus (descent of the rectum). And when a distraction invites you to the party (smartphone, magazine...), it's hard to see the time running and the risk climbs a bit.
The phone trap: when the mind escapes, the body collects
It's proven: by scrolling, one ends up forgetting the reason for his coming. The minutes simmer, we force, we attard, and these pelvic muscles tire. Until you relax too soon. This excessive pressure weakens the entire area and opens the door to digestive disorders or pains that settle without warning. Technology simplifies life... except in this very special closed house.
The right timing in the toilet : 5 to 10 minutes, no more
Professional advice leaves no room for doubt: in order to preserve its digestive health, it is better not to exceed ten minutes in the toilet. Beyond this time, if nothing happens, it is better to go out, move a little and let the body regain its rhythm. The « transit train » Never advance faster at will, it's even the opposite.
A little gesture to do well: leave the smartphone away from the toilet. Allow yourself 5 to 10 minutes maximum and, if necessary, wait a while to try again. Drinking water regularly and consuming fibers remains the best routine for efficient transit day after day.
Change routine to ease transit
Sometimes, a small adjustment is enough: add fiber to the diet (fruit, vegetables, whole grains), drink enough up to 2.5 or 3 litres of water a day and promote a little movement throughout the day. This trio really works, accelerates transit and shortens passages to the toilet. We leave with more energy and a real sense of lightness.
Get out of the toilet (faster): a reflex that changes everything
A daily life without bad digestive surprises often starts there: by limiting these breaks that extend, by transforming this « compulsory passage » Express passage. The goal: avoid the effect of snowball on health, keep your hand on timing and do not let upset or boredom fix the pace. A simple change of routine and everything starts: every minute avoided on the bowl adds a minute for yourself... and for its long-term well-being. Everyone try it, why not today.
Updated on 6 August 2025
