HOW TO PREVENT THE ALCOHOL-INDUCED RUNS

New York Post

 

Doctors reveal how alcohol causes ‘booze butt’ — here’s how to prevent it ahead of New Year’s

By Deirdre Bardolf, Fox News

Published Dec. 31, 2025, 10:47 a.m. ET

 

A night of drinking doesn’t just come with a headache or dry mouth.

 

It can also mean urgent trips to the restroom.

 

The phenomenon — dubbed “booze butt” by Men’s Health — is real.

 

Alcohol can irritate the digestive tract, alter gut bacteria and interfere with how the intestines absorb water, doctors said.

 

“Alcohol itself can cause loose stools due to several mechanisms,” Dr. Leybelis Padilla, a San Diego-based gastroenterologist and lifestyle medicine physician, told Fox News Digital.

 

It can also inhibit fluid absorption in the intestines and speed digestion, she said.

 

“When the intestines move too quickly, there’s less time for water to be absorbed,” Padilla said. “That can result in loose or watery stools.”

 

Alcohol hits every “layer” of the gut as it moves through the digestive tract, according to Dr. Jason Korenblit, a Florida-based gastroenterologist.

 

It can worsen heartburn, increase stomach acid and weaken the gut barrier, Korenblit told Fox News Digital.

 

“Alcohol can also make the gut ‘leakier,'” he added. “Alcohol and its byproducts can weaken the tight ‘seals’ between intestinal cells, allowing bacterial toxins to cross the gut barrier and promote inflammation.”

 

Girl standing in front of a toilet bowl holding her butt.

 

But not everyone experiences digestive issues after drinking, and doctors say several factors determine who is more susceptible.

 

Dose and speed matter, Korenblit said. “More drinks in less time equals more irritation and more leaky-gut or irritable bowel effects,” he said.

 

Underlying digestive conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease or chronic gastritis can increase sensitivity.

 

No alcoholic beverage is completely “safe” for the gut.

 

Genetics can play a role as well, Padilla noted.

 

“Certain genetic variants can make someone more susceptible to alcohol’s effects,” she said.

 

While no alcoholic beverage is completely “safe” for the gut, doctors say some drinks are more likely to trigger symptoms than others.

 

Common offenders include mixed drinks, wine and beer, as they often contain sugars or sugar alcohols that can worsen diarrhea, Padilla said.

 

“Some of these sugars include fructose, lactose, mannitol, xylitol and erythritol,” she said.

 

Beer and sparkling drinks can worsen bloating and heartburn due to carbonation, while high-proof shots can cause irritation, Korenblit said.

 

Creamy drinks may be problematic for people who are lactose-sensitive. “Sugar also makes drinks easier to over-consume, which increases total alcohol dose,” he noted.

 

Lower-alcohol, lower-sugar drinks consumed slowly are generally easier on digestion, both doctors agreed.

 

To lessen the risk of digestive issues from drinking, doctors also recommend eating before drinking, limiting intake to two drinks a day, staying hydrated and not mixing alcohol with caffeine, which can further stimulate the gut. (Many doctors note it’s best to abstain from alcohol completely.)

 

They also recommend caution if taking other medications.

 

“Mixing alcohol with NSAIDs — ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin — increases GI bleeding risk and can worsen irritation,” Korenblit said.

 

Health officials note that other commonly used medications, including certain antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can also worsen diarrhea or increase gastrointestinal irritation when combined with alcohol.

 

While these tips can mitigate symptoms, there is no surefire way to prevent them altogether. “Hydration helps — but mostly by preventing dehydration, not by magically stopping diarrhea,” Korenblit said.

 

If symptoms linger, he recommends sticking to easy-to-digest foods such as oatmeal and bananas.

 

Soluble fiber, broth and soups can help firm up stools and replace lost fluids. Fermented foods like yogurt or kefir may also help for those who tolerate dairy.

 

Greasy foods, spicy meals and more alcohol — including “hair of the dog” — are likely to worsen diarrhea, doctors agree.

 

For most people, however, the gut microbiome is resilient, Korenblit added.

 

“In studies of heavy drinking, microbiome diversity and related changes improved with abstinence and a healthier diet, suggesting recovery is possible,” he said.

 

“Stopping or cutting back is one of the best ways to let the system rebound.”

 

If diarrhea after drinking lasts more than 48 to 72 hours or is accompanied by blood, black or tarry stools, severe or worsening pain, fever, vomiting, dizziness or signs of dehydration, people should seek medical attention, according to the American College of Gastroenterology.

WHAT BOOMERS AND GEN X CAN LEARN FROM GEN Z AND MILLENNIALS WHEN IT COMES TO GUT HEALTH AND TOILET HABITS

New York Post

 

What boomers and Gen X can learn from Gen Z and millennials about their gut health and toilet habits

By Rachel Sacks

Published Oct. 29, 2025, 9:02 a.m. ET

 

When it comes to health, it’s good to trust your gut.

 

And some generations trust their guts enough to share all the details.

 

According to one medical expert, baby boomers and Gen X can learn a lot from younger people about stomach health — especially in regards to awkward topics, like problems on the porcelain throne.

 

Dr. Wendi LeBrett (@socalgastrodoc), a gastroenterologist and founding partner and medical advisor of Norms, told The Post that a lot of her older patients would do well to take cues from their kids or grandkids when they visit the doctor.

 

“I find younger patients (Gen Z and Millennials) are more comfortable sharing their gut health issues and seeking care for them — which is a good thing!” she said. “My younger patients also are more engaged in learning about their gut health.”

 

And LeBrett’s not the only one noticing this potty talk trend.

 

According to a survey of more than 2,000 participants conducted by Health.com, Gen Z and millennials are the generations bringing up gut health issues with their doctors.

 

Millennials, in particular, are overwhelmingly candid about their problems, with 55% discussing bathroom topics with their doctors.

 

But LeBrett has also seen hesitancy from all patients, but especially older people.

 

“There is still a stigma about talking about gut health issues such as poop and hemorrhoids for patients of all ages,” she said. “But definitely I notice less embarrassment or shyness among my younger patients.”

 

This stigma surrounding talking about what happens in the bathroom could lead to serious gastrointestinal problems in older generations, according to LeBrett.

 

“Unfortunately, I have a lot of Gen X and Boomer patients who suffer from GI issues for many years but have never felt comfortable discussing with their doctor or have felt ignored by their doctor,” she said.

 

She’s doing what she can to push through that discomfort, tackling awkward topics on her own social media accounts and Norms’ YouTube page.

 

The Health survey also found that those between the ages of 29 and 44 were more likely to take supplements and change their diets to address gut issues.

 

Again, millennials are the top buyers of supplements designed to boost their digestion, with 23% leading probiotic sales.

 

There’s certainly been a growing interest in gut health supplements like probiotics and prebiotics, with the digestive health products market seeing an 8% increase.

 

While millennials and Gen Zers are leading the charge on discussing toilet habits, LeBrett hopes more patients feel confident talking about what happens in the powder room.

 

“As a medical community we are getting better [at] providing more integrative care for gastrointestinal issues such as IBS and related conditions,” she said. “My hope is that patients feel more comfortable seeking care for this.”

DON'T USE YOUR PHONE ON THE TOILET, PEOPLE!

New York Post

 

Here’s how many hours we spend using our phones on the toilet every year — and why doctors warn against it

By Adriana Diaz

Published June 24, 2025, 3:35 p.m. ET

 

You should flush sh-tty scrolling down the toilet.

 

A new study has revealed the total number of hours Americans spend using their phones on the toilet every year — and it’s shocking.

 

A team from QS Supplies — a bathroom supplies company — surveyed 500 Americans about their bathroom habits.

 

According to the study, Americans spend 49 hours using their phone on the commode — just over two full days a year down the drain.

 

And what are people doing on their phones while sitting on the throne?

 

They’re scrolling on social media (66%), watching videos (40%), responding to texts and DMs (37%), reading the news (36%), sending emails (36%), playing games (29%), shopping online (14%), completing work-related tasks (9%) and talking on the phone (8%).

 

But most disturbingly, a strange 2% of people said they answer video calls from the John.

 

And to no one’s surprise, Gen Z is the worst culprit of this dirty habit.

 

The generation born between 1997 and 2012 admitted to spending an average of 54 hours doomscrolling while on the toilet.

 

This habit has become more than just something to help them pass…time.

 

In fact, over 6 in 10 people (61%) admit to staying on the toilet longer to finish something on their phone.

 

Others — over in 2 in 5 (42%) — even lock themselves away in the loo just to get a break from others.

 

They’re trying to get sh-t done and hide when they get pissy.

 

And for 51% of Americans — they just want to enjoy some alone time.

 

“The data shows just how far social media, especially apps like TikTok, have pervaded even our most personal moments,” Director of QS Supplies Farook Member told The Post.

 

Unfortunately, this habit is dirtier than most might expect, especially because only 1 in 4 people clean their phones after using them in the bathroom.

 

Baby Boomers are the least likely ones to wipe down their phones after coming off the toilet.

 

Doctors warn that using a dirty phone can cause you to develop colds, flu, and gastrointestinal and stomach illnesses.

 

But even if you do clean your cell after you wash your hands, using your phone in the bathroom could still lead to health issues.

 

Experts have warned that sitting on the toilet with your phone could cause “TikTok tush.”

 

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and rectum that can lead to pain, itching and bleeding.

 

Frequently, they form due to too much straining during a bowel movement, but just kicking back on the can for too long — like when you’re texting or on social media — can hurt you too.

 

If you want to prevent them, one gastroenterologist insists you’ll need to give your phone a rest when going number two — no ifs, ands, or uncomfortable butts about it.

 

And his “10-15” rule may be a huge help in keeping your bum healthy come toilet time.

DON'T PEE IN THE SHOWER, PEOPLE!

New York Post

 

Most people are guilty of doing this in the shower — but experts warn it’s incredibly dangerous: ‘Don’t do it’

By Fabiana Buontempo

Published June 15, 2025, 3:17 p.m. ET

 

What you do in the shower is your business, but there’s one specific thing experts wish people would stop doing while sudsing up: peeing.

 

One health care expert shared in a now-viral TikTok with over 1 million views that emptying your bladder while standing in the shower can be damaging — especially for women.

 

“Hot take but don’t pee standing up in the shower or anywhere for that matter. Ladies, you are training your bladder that it’s okay to empty while standing. Don’t do it! This could cause bladder leakage,” @kingsley.502 wrote as her caption.

 

As expected, people ran to the comment section to share their opinions on this advice.

 

“My body created a human… I’m gonna let her tinkle wherever she likes,” one commenter wrote.

 

“I can’t even enjoy the simple pleasures in life,” shared another frustrated person.

 

“Meanwhile sitting for too long messes with our pelvic floor. So what actually is ok anymore?” said someone else, making a valid point.

 

It’s no surprise that this news is upsetting for many, considering almost a quarter of Americans admit to peeing in the shower regularly, according to a survey.

 

Unfortunately for these multitasking people, @kingsley.502 wasn’t far off with her opinion on shower peeing — as other experts backed up her claims.

 

“It is one, not very hygienic, but more important than that, it will destroy your pelvic floor, and also it might create mental associations where you hear water running and all of a sudden you need to run to the bathroom,” Houston OBGYN Emma Qureshey explained in a TikTok.

 

And standing while peeing is not only unhealthy for women — it’s also dangerous for men.

 

Since the pelvis and spine muscles are most relaxed when sitting, Gerald Collins, a consultant urological surgeon at Alexandra Hospital in Cheshire, England, said that “sitting is probably the most efficient way of doing it [peeing].”

 

Standing while urinating also puts men at risk for benign prostatic hyperplasia — which occurs when the prostate gland and surrounding tissue expand, obstructing the urethra.

 

Sadly, for many men, the thought of sitting while peeing is looked down upon.

 

In Germany, those who don’t stand to relieve themselves are called “Sitzpinkler” — a slur implying they are “wimpy or effeminate.”

AH: It also corrodes the pipes, which you especially don't need if you have hard water.

FIVE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM A PELVIC FLOOR SPECIALIST

New York Post

 

I’m a pelvic floor specialist — 5 things I would never do and why you shouldn’t listen to ‘TikTok kegelers’

By McKenzie Beard

Published April 4, 2025, 5:41 p.m. ET

 

It’s easy to forget about your pelvic floor — until it starts making life miserable.

 

Like a hammock at the base of your pelvis, these unsung muscles keep your core stable and hold vital organs like your bladder and bowel in place, all while helping with basic bodily functions.

 

The bad news: You’re probably sabotaging them with your everyday habits. Dr. Amanda Neri, founder of The Pelvic Institute, shared with The Post the five things she would never do as a pelvic floor therapist so you don’t have to suffer the fallout.

 

Pooping without a Squatty Potty

 

“They are the best,” Neri said. “On that note, don’t push your poop out!”

 

Doctors agree that sitting with your feet flat on the floor messes with the natural angle your body needs to eliminate waste efficiently.

 

Enter the Squatty Potty: the footstool raises your knees above your hips and tilts your body forward into a squat-like position. This helps the muscles around the rectum to relax, allowing for easier bowel movements.

 

And it seems to really work. A 2019 study found that after just two weeks of using the Squatty Potty, all 52 participants reported less straining, quicker trips to the porcelain throne and more complete bowel movements.

 

Another study reported that using the stool cut bathroom time almost in half — down from 113.5 seconds to 55.5. Plus, nearly everyone said it felt easier to go.

 

The benefits don’t stop there. Experts say regularly using the Squatty Potty can improve pelvic floor health and prevent uncomfortable problems like prolapse, when the pelvic organs sag or bulge into the vagina.

 

In fact, research shows that in countries where squatting toilets are the norm, pelvic-related conditions and bowel disorders are less common.

 

That means our Western pedestal toilets could be contributing to issues like hemorrhoids, prolapse, irritable bowel syndrome and even colon cancer, according to Healthline.

 

Hovering over the toilet seat

 

While hovering over a public toilet seat may feel like the safer option to avoid germs, experts warn it’s actually doing more harm than good.

 

“It’s not good for your pelvic floor because it creates tension,” Neri explained, adding that “it’s the hover-ers that pee on the seat!”

 

Tension in your pelvic muscles can make it harder for urine to flow freely, causing straining and weakening of those muscles over time, which increases the risk of pelvic organ prolapse.

 

On top of that, hovering can result in incomplete bladder emptying, raising the likelihood of urinary tract infections.

 

Peeing ‘just in case’

 

“You can train your bladder to need to go more often by doing this,” Neri warned.

 

When your bladder fills, it sends a signal to your brain, which tells your bladder to contract and sphincter to relax — allowing you to pee.

 

Going to the bathroom when your bladder isn’t full means these messages are never sent, confusing your organs. As a result, your bladder gets coached to empty at smaller volumes, according to Aeroflow Urology.

 

Over time, this can lead to feeling the urgent need to pee even when your bladder is barely full, making you run to the bathroom more often and increasing the risk of incontinence (AKA accidental leaks).

 

Doing kegels — unless they’re prescribed

 

“Don’t listen to those TikTok kegelers!” Neri warned.

 

Kegel exercises involve repeatedly contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles to strengthen them. This can help with issues such as incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

 

While beneficial for many, doing kegels incorrectly or unnecessarily can cause problems. For example, overdoing it can lead to a hypertonic pelvic floor — or overly tight muscles that can result in pain, difficulty urinating or having bowel movements and even sexual dysfunction.

 

Skipping pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy

 

“It’s so beneficial for birth prep and postpartum planning,” Neri said.

 

Pregnancy puts a lot of strain on pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor therapy can help strengthen them with targeted exercises that improve bladder control and relieve lower back, hip, pelvic and shoulder pain.

 

Before delivery, therapists can also assist with pushing techniques and breathwork. After childbirth, they can help with core stabilization, bladder control, lifting techniques and even breastfeeding positions.