From using wipes to straining: 5 things a top Colorectal surgeon will never do while pooping and why |

Dr Carmen Fong, MD, FACS, recently on her IG handle, revealed the 5 things she will not do as a Colorectal Surgeon. Steering clear of these can keep hemorrhoids, constipation and other colorectal troubles at bay. Take a look….Use wipesDr. Fong strictly advises against using cleansing wipes, after a bowel movement. Though they may feel gentle and give the impression of cleanliness, they can irritate the skin and trigger an allergic reaction. Many of these wipes are packed with chemicals, fragrances or preservatives, that can compromise the skin’s barrier leading to itching, inflammation and tiny skin tears.Instead, Dr. Fong favors toilet paper or a simple water rinse with a bidet, both far gentler, on the skin. A mild chemical‑free cleanse does the trick, bolstering skin health, while keeping infections and the flare‑ups of hemorrhoids or fissures, at bay. Ultimately, staying dry and opting for other cleaning methods helps colorectal comfort, and overall well‑being.

Strain on the toilet seatPutting effort into moving the bowels ranks as one of the worst practices, for colorectal wellness, since it can ignite or exacerbate hemorrhoids, anal fissures and even cause pelvic‑floor dysfunction. Dr. Fong emphasises that people should try to relax, and avoid pushing hard during bowel movements. Straining increases pressure in the veins and tissues around the anus, leading to swelling and pain.

Feeding the gut with plenty of fiber keeps the balance right, and moving regularly, helping the bowels into delivering easy‑to‑pass stools. According to Dr. Fong, it’s wise to listen to your body’s signals and empty your bowels immediately when you feel pressure, because habitually postponing can harden the stool and cause pain.Making kids sit on the toilet without proper pressureDr. Fong cautions against making children sit on the toilet for hours, when they don’t feel the need, or aren’t positioned properly. Pressuring kids to stay can foster withholding habits or discomfort, which may later develop into constipation. Toilet training should be approached gently, following the child’s readiness and signals. This apart, Dr. Fong also strongly advises against getting the kids to read a book, or watch the phone during their waiting session.Additionally, raising a child’s feet on a stool, essentially recreating a squatting stance, lets the pelvic floor unwind, making bowel movements smoother and more comfortable. Dr. Fong underscores that patience and a proper technique, are vital for fostering bowel habits during toilet training.No more than 1 coffee a dayEven though a steaming coffee can get the bowels moving, Dr. Fong warns that leaning on than one cup a day isn’t advisable, for health. Overindulging in coffee may irritate the gut lining, draw water away, and occasionally make diarrhea worse.

Moderation is key; overloading on caffeine can throw the colon’s rhythm off balance, resulting in cramps or an urgent need to visit the bathroom. Dr. Fong recommends pairing coffee with water and other fluids, to stay hydrated and keep the colon away from irritation.Consume a protein only dietDr. Fong is unequivocal in her warning: a diet consisting of only protein is ill‑advised for maintaining health. Protein while essential, cannot compensate for the absence of fiber, primarily supplied by fruits, vegetables and whole grain, which often precipitates constipation, and a slew of bowel problems.Fiber is the hero that adds bulk to stool, and keeps bowel movements regular. A diet that supplies fiber reduces the urge to strain, and helps fend off problems such as diverticulitis, and hemorrhoids. Dr. Fong recommends filling the plate with a variety of plant‑based foods, than sticking to a restrictive high‑protein regimen.By shunning those five habits and putting Dr. Fong’s counsel into practice, people can effectively protect their colorectal health and keep common digestive troubles at bay. Every day tweaks, such as using hygiene, embracing a fiber‑rich diet, staying well‑hydrated, and adopting better bathroom routines, can make a surprisingly huge difference to overall well‑being.