A recent viral Instagram video featuring Dr Zion Ko Lamm and gastroenterologist Dr Kevin Lamm has sparked an important conversation about bathroom habits that most of us are guilty of, eh-hem… including us! 🫣 When asked to reveal the "one thing they would never do as a gastroenterologist," Dr Kevin's answer was surprisingly simple yet eye-opening.
The Golden Rule: Never Sit on the Toilet with Your Phone
Dr Kevin Lamm's advice is clear and direct: "Never sit on the toilet with a phone." His reasoning? "You have the urge to go, be done, get out of there."
This might sound extreme in our smartphone-obsessed world, but there's solid science behind this recommendation. What started as a few minutes of scrolling can easily turn into 15-20 minutes of prolonged sitting, and your body pays the price.
The 5-Minute Rule: Get In, Get Out
According to Dr Lamm, you shouldn't spend more than 5 minutes on the toilet, but other research has shown 2 minutes. "Get in and get out," he emphasizes. This isn't about rushing the natural process – it's about not artificially prolonging it with distractions.
But here's where many people struggle: if you're straining or having difficulty with bowel movements, those 5 minutes can feel frustratingly inadequate. This is exactly where ‘PROPPR’ positioning becomes crucial.
The Hidden Dangers of Extended Toilet Time
Research shows that prolonged sitting on toilet seats creates several health risks:
Increased Pressure and Strain
Extended sitting increases strain on your rectum and anus, making elimination more difficult rather than easier. The longer you sit, the more you may find yourself straining, creating a counterproductive cycle.
Haemorrhoid Development
A 2018 study found that prolonged sitting on toilet seats involves significant risk for pressure injury development. The design of standard toilet seats concentrates pressure on sensitive areas, and extended sitting amplifies this pressure.
Hygiene Concerns
Your phone becomes a breeding ground for bacteria when brought into bathroom environments. And studies have shown that your phone carries more bacteria than a TOILET SEAT!! Consider the surfaces it touches and the environment it's exposed to – not exactly what you want near your face during your next phone call.
Circulation Issues
Sitting in the same position for extended periods can affect blood flow to your lower extremities, contributing to the "pins and needles" sensation many people experience after long bathroom sessions.
How PROPPR solves the Time Problem Naturally
Here's the game-changer: when you use a PROPPR toilet stool, you naturally align your body for more efficient elimination. By elevating your feet and straightening your sigmoid colon, you can achieve complete, comfortable bowel movements within less than 90 seconds.
The Science Behind Faster, Easier Elimination
When you place your feet on a PROPPR toilet foot stool:
- Your sigmoid colon straightens from an 'S' shape to a more direct path
- Gravity works with your body rather than against it
- Less straining is required for complete elimination
- The natural urge to eliminate is enhanced rather than suppressed
This means you can follow Dr Lamm's advice more easily – get in, get the job done efficiently, and get out.
Breaking the Phone Habit: Practical Tips
Create a Phone-Free Zone
Leave your phone outside the bathroom entirely. If you're worried about missing important calls, remember – you're only planning to be there for 2 minutes maximum and do you really want to talk to someone important while doing your #2? 😳
Focus on the Task
Use this time for what it's intended for. With a PROPPR stool supporting proper positioning, you can concentrate on allowing your body to work naturally and efficiently.
Practice Mindfulness
Instead of scrolling, use these few minutes for brief meditation or simply being present. Many people find this creates a more relaxing, effective bathroom experience.
The PROPPR Advantage: Efficiency Meets Comfort
Our customers consistently report that using a PROPPR stool not only makes elimination more comfortable but also significantly reduces the time needed in the bathroom. When your body is properly aligned, the natural process works as it should – quickly and completely.
This alignment means:
- No need for prolonged sitting while waiting for complete elimination
- Reduced temptation to bring entertainment devices
- More comfortable, efficient bathroom visits
- Better adherence to gastroenterologist-recommended time limits
Small Changes, Big Health Benefits
Dr Lamm's advice reflects what gastroenterologists have long known: our modern bathroom habits aren't serving our digestive health. By combining the wisdom of limiting toilet time with the science-backed benefits of proper positioning using a toilet foot stool, you can transform your bathroom routine into something that's both efficient and health-promoting.
Remember, the goal isn't to rush or create stress around bathroom visits. It's about creating conditions that allow your body to work naturally and efficiently, without the complications that come from prolonged sitting and digital distractions.
Ready to experience the difference proper positioning can make? Explore our range of PROPPR toilet stools designed to support your digestive health and help you achieve those efficient, 2-minute bathroom visits that gastroenterologists recommend.
Your body – and your personal hygiene – will thank you.