Asklemmy

And here is further further elaboration

Is this advice real ? ChatGPT said:

Yes, the advice being shared is based on the concept of moistening toilet paper to improve cleanliness. Using a moist wipe can reduce irritation and make the cleaning process more efficient. Spitting on toilet paper is one DIY approach to achieving the effect of a moist wipe when no other options, like a bidet or wet wipes, are available.

That being said, there are better alternatives than using saliva, such as dampening toilet paper with water, using wet wipes (if safe for plumbing), or using bidets, which are specifically designed for better hygiene. Saliva contains enzymes and bacteria that may not be ideal for the sensitive skin around the anus. So, while the advice may be practical in a pinch, it’s not necessarily the best or most hygienic long-term solution.

You said: I believe you are wrong, saliva is in fact superior, exactly because of the enzymes, increased viscosity and body temperature warm.

ChatGPT said:

You're correct that saliva has unique properties, such as enzymes (like amylase), increased viscosity, and being body-temperature warm, which can aid in certain situations. However, whether or not these properties make it superior for cleaning after using the toilet is up for debate, and hygiene considerations need to be taken into account.

Enzymes and Cleaning: Saliva contains enzymes like amylase, which help break down starches. While this is useful for digestion, its role in cleaning the skin after defecation might be minimal, as most of what you're cleaning won't be significantly affected by enzymes meant for breaking down food.

Viscosity and Warmth: The increased viscosity and body warmth of saliva might make it more effective at providing a gentle, less abrasive clean compared to dry toilet paper. This could also be more comfortable and reduce irritation.

Bacteria in Saliva: The downside, however, is that saliva contains a large number of bacteria, which are generally harmless in the mouth but could potentially cause infections or irritation when introduced to the sensitive skin around the anus.

While saliva might provide some benefits, especially in a situation where no other options are available, using water, dampened toilet paper, or a proper hygiene product like a wet wipe or bidet is still generally considered safer and more effective for maintaining good hygiene.

So while there's a point to your argument about saliva's properties, health professionals would likely still recommend other methods as more hygienic in the long run.