Americans spend over 30 mins each day in bathroom!
By ANIThursday, May 28, 2009
WASHINGTON - Americans spend more than 30 minutes each day in the bathroom, finds a new survey.
The Yankelovich survey showed that whether its “powdering the nose” or settling in for a good read, Americans spend a significant amount of time in the bathroom.
Moreover, contrary to the popular notion, men spent as much time in the bathroom as women.
The survey revealed that one in four Americans at some time have made up an excuse for why they’re going to the bathroom in the first place.
“Making excuses for bathroom habits could be a sign that something else is going on,” said Dr. Anish Sheth, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine.
“Millions of Americans experience digestive problems, but few know that key to digestive health is maintaining a balance between the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria in the colon, a vital part of the digestive system.
“But there are things consumers can do such as taking a probiotic to address digestive symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, gas and bloating, as well as overall colon health,” he added.
The survey involving 1,042 adults aged 18 and over showed that 10 percent of those surveyed spend 60 minutes or more in the bathroom a day.
In addition to examining bathroom habits, the researchers also identified consumer travel worries and the impact of stress on eating habits, which could both have an effect on the digestive system.
The survey showed that nearly half of the Americans at some time have had or worried about having stomach problems while on vacation.
Researchers suggest that taking a probiotic can help to eliminate that worry, as probiotics have been shown to help address travel related issues, like traveler’s diarrhea.
Nearly 40 percent said that they now eat more comfort food, more snacks and more fast food due to their increased stress levels.
“Stress and poor diet are triggers that could potentially cause digestive problems,” said Dr. Sheth.
“Probiotics can be especially helpful when the digestive system is under stress from all sorts of issues ranging from occasional diarrhea, or constipation,” he added. (ANI)
