While popular in South America, Europe, and Asia, bidets aren’t nearly as common in North America. But that’s slowly changing as more and more people appreciate the benefits.
But do you even know what a bidet is or what it does? It’s a bathroom fixture that uses a stream of water to clean you up after you evacuate your bowels. That means no need for toilet paper.
One thing to know about bidets is that they offer essential health benefits. Do you want to learn more? Continue reading to learn about five health benefits of using a bidet.
1. Bidets Are More Hygienic Than Using Toilet Paper
Were you aware that using a bidet can lessen the amount of bacteria in your urine? Research suggests this is the case. And this means that a bidet that uses a stream of water and soap does a better job of cleaning your nether regions than just toilet paper.
2. Bidets May Reduce the Risks of Getting Hemorrhoids
Did you know that around 50% of people will get hemorrhoids by the time they reach 50 years old? It’s a condition that occurs when the blood vessels or veins in the anus and lower rectum region become irritated. It’s an uncomfortable and even embarrassing condition — but it’s believed that using a bidet can actually reduce your odds of getting hemorrhoids. The reasoning is that the stream of water from a bidet can lessen pressure on your lower rectum and anus. And this, in turn, can help you steer clear of this painful condition.
3. Bidets Are Better for the Environment
When you install a bidet in your bathroom, you can say bye-bye to toilet paper. Did you know that the majority of people use 100 rolls of toilet paper per year? That works out to 20,000 sheets of toilet paper annually. Drilling down further, you’ll find that people use an average of 57 sheets of toilet paper daily. All that toilet paper has an impact on the environment. And if you live in a rural area and have a septic tank, the tank will need to be cleaned out more often.
Anything that harms the environment can have a trickle-down impact on your health. That’s why it pays to be a good environmental steward, and using a bidet can be part of the solution.
Also, consider that not having to buy toilet paper means you’ll save a lot of money over time. If you can protect the environment and save money at the same time, that’s a win-win.
4. Bidets Can Reduce the Spread of Germs
Using a bidet can also reduce the spread of germs. For one thing, you won’t run the risk of getting fecal matter on your hands. And if fecal matter doesn’t transfer from toilet paper to your hands, you won’t inadvertently transfer the fecal matter to anyone or anything else. It’s definitely worth considering a bidet for your bathroom to prevent any unsanitary and unsettling situations.
5. Bidets Can Relieve Constipation
Have you ever had constipation? Chances are that you have at some point. You can agree that it’s a very uncomfortable condition. Using a bidet may actually help to relieve you of constipation. The stream of water from the bidet could help soften the stool, which will make it easier for you to use the bathroom and get some relief.
So, there you have it. If you don’t have a bidet in your home, it’s worth considering. The five health benefits mentioned above represent just a small handful of the overall benefits. It’s worth looking into getting a bidet for one or more of the bathrooms in your home. And when you do some research, you’ll see that they’re cost-effective investments.