Dr Amir Khan, a GP known for his regular appearances on ITV shows such as Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, has issued a warning for anyone who uses their phone on the toilet.

According to the NHS GP, the common habit could increase people's risk of haemorrhoids, also known as piles. Dr Khan shared the advice on the No Appointment Necessary podcast during a conversation with co-host Cherry Healey. As the NHS explains, haemorrhoids are lumps inside and around your bottom that usually get better on their own after a few days.

Symptoms include itchiness, lumps, and pain around the anus. People can help prevent the problem by not pushing too hard when pooing and by making sure they're not spending longer than needed on the toilet.

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In his podcast appearance, Dr Khan told listeners: "Haemorrhoids and piles are the same thing. It's an interchangeable word, really. And they're a collection of blood vessels that have kind of just come out of the bottom area.

"They should be on the inside, but they've just been pushed outwards. It's like a sack of blood vessels. The reason they happen is over time, when you've been straining to open your bowels, you're putting pressure on your rectal area, and that, over time, will push out these blood vessels."

It's for this reason that people are advised against taking their phone to the loo, as they may find themselves scrolling and spending longer than needed on the toilet. The GP also urged people to ensure they're eating enough fibre.

Dr Khan explained: "The most important thing is to keep your stool soft. Anything that makes you push harder is going to increase your risk of haemorrhoids. So fibre, fibre, fibre."

He added: "Lots of people take their phone to the toilets and then spend ages in the toilet. That increases your risk of haemorrhoids. If you've got a man at home who goes into the toilet for half an hour, 45 minutes, and he comes out and he's complaining about haemorrhoids, you know why."

If anyone is experiencing piles, a pharmacist can suggest treatments to help with pain, itching, and swelling, and recommend treatments to help with constipation. However, the NHS says you should see a GP if:

• you have symptoms of piles and they're getting worse or there's no improvement after seven days of treatment at home


• you keep getting piles


• you notice a change around your anus that is not normal for you

According to the NHS, most Brits need more fibre in their diets. Found in foods such as pulses, vegetables, and wholegrains, fibre is associated with many health benefits.

The NHS advice states: "Eating plenty of fibre is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer."