New Study: Wyomingites Need To $#!% Or Get Off The Pot

For some, toilet time is a time to get a few minutes alone to reflect on the day, catch up on social media and email, and escape the rest of the family.

If that sounds like you...

Bad news.

Doctors say that sitting on the commode for too long can mess up your system and lead to serious health issues.

I'm sure this study was "done" by wives tired of their husbands getting out of household duties (yep, that was on purpose) because of the call of nature.

David Westrich, MD, told Self magazine:

When you’re on the toilet and your butt’s not supported, everything’s kind of hanging out there

Sitting on the toilet for a long time, especially sitting there and straining, is probably the main cause of hemorrhoids

It's understandable, in a crazy, fast-paced world, that you need somewhere to escape to and hang out by yourself for a while, but it looks like you should find another hiding place.

If you or a certain other family member spends too much time on the toilet, you should follow some rules.

• Don't sit just to sit. If you have the urge to go, pop a squat. Doctors advise against toilet time just because you think you should.
• Avoid being distracted from the task at hand. Leave the phone, newspaper, magazines, or any other form of time wasters out of the bathroom.
• If you're having issues going, there are ways you can get yourself regulated and back on track. Dr. Westrich offers the following suggestions.
  • Ensure you're getting enough fiber.
  • Drink lots of water.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Raise your knees while you're trying to go. A footstool or a stack of books should do the job. Raise your knees a few inches higher than your bottom to help out.
  • Breathe. Don't hold your breath.