You’re apparently pooping completely wrong, according to officials

Next time you head for a toilet break, there's something you need to keep in mind, as officials warn many of us are pooping wrong.

Yes, it turns out there is a right way and a wrong way to go for a number two.

Poo is inherently funny for a lot of people, yet it's also still a taboo to talk about our bathroom habits.

There are two things in particular you can do to improve your bowel health, and also prevent pesky things like painful haemorrhoids.

It's predicted that around half of the adults in the US aged over 50 are afflicted with the condition.

It can cause a lot of pain when sitting or when attempting to go to the toilet, and the main offender for causing it is straining for ages to go.

Turns out there's a right and wrong way to go to the toilet (Getty Stock Images)

Now, the American Gastroenterological Association has shared some updated guidelines of what you need to know for the next time you pay a visit to the porcelain throne.

If you're a fan of doomscrolling while you poop, you need to start leaving your phone outside the toilet.

Spending longer sat on the toilet causes your blood to pool at the lowest point.

This then increases pressure in your anal and rectal tissues, and makes it more likely that you'll develop haemorrhoids, also known as piles.

So while it might seem like fun to give TikTok a browse, it could be doing more harm than good.

Also, if you need to strain to go, that's not good for you either.

One of the best things you can do is increase the amount of fibre you eat.

Increasing the amount of fibre in your diet is also recommended (Getty Stock)

It's a key component for gut health and can stop you from stressing and straining, but barely any of us are eating the correct amount.

Upping the amount of fibre you eat can reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular problems, diabetes and also slashes your cancer risk, particularly for things like bowel cancer.

According to the NHS, the correct posture for going to the toilet is to ensure you're sitting comfortably, with your knees higher than your hips.

Many people use a small footstool or a 'squatty potty' for ease, and then lean forward with your elbows on your thighs, keeping your back straight.

They also advise to focus on your breathing, and recommend you try to breathe 'right to the bottom of your lungs with your mouth open to prevent straining and avoid contracting your pelvic floor muscles (known as ‘diaphragmatic’ breathing).'

They say if you are not successful after three attempts, the best bet is to get up and walk around or try a warm drink.

Now you know!

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