Statistics say that a large percentage of people will experience hemorrhoids and the associated pain once or more during their lifetime. Pregnant women also tend to get them late in pregnancy, or post birth. Constipation can lead to them for women and men alike. This article has some hints that may help you avoid this common condition.
A good way to avoid hemorrhoids from forming is to eat plenty of fiber. Items of food that are rich in fiber include pastas, oatmeal and whole grain breads. When you consume a good amount of fiber, easy bowel movement is encouraged, and this could help to prevent hemorrhoids occurring.
A top priority for hemorrhoids sufferers is making sure that the area is clean. Use moist wipes to clean up instead of toilet paper. A sitz bath of warm water can alleviate the discomfort from swollen veins. Soak for at least 20 minutes.
Drink plenty of water if you have issues with hemorrhoids. Remaining well-hydrated will ensure that your stools remain soft. You might also consider reducing or eliminating the amount of caffeinated foods and beverages from your diet. The same rules apply for alcohol, as well.
Cold Compresses
Stop hemorrhoid irritation and pain by using ice. Hemorrhoids can cause a lot of pain. You can reduce the pain and swelling by using an ice pack. Try putting hot and cold compresses on your hemorrhoids. A very effective approach, in fact, is the use of a warm bath alternated with cold compresses or ice packs.
To help with relieving the discomfort of hemorrhoids, try adding a little lemon to your drinking water. Irritation cause by hemorrhoids can be soothed by the properties of lemons. Drink a lot of lemon water if your hemorrhoids are irritated.
If you do not want to visit your doctor and pay for a costly prescription medication, there are many all-natural treatments that can be administered in the comfort of your own home. After a bowel movement, take a warm bath and add sitz to the water. Even though hemorrhoids can be really itchy at times, you should not scratch them, this could aggravate the problem. Instead, you can put some witch hazel on a cotton pad and put it on the affected area. Of course, it's important to eat fiber-rich foods and drink a lot of water. This can help keep you from too much straining while having bowel movements.
Lifting heavy objects can possibly cause hemorrhoids. The strain when you lift is similar to the strain you feel when you are passing your stool. Avoid heavy lifting completely if you have major problems with hemorrhoids.
Water is one of the best treatments against hemorrhoids. Apply warm water to the affected area for at least 10 minutes a day. Use a wet towel to apply cold presses to the hemorrhoids after you get out of the bath. Ingredients for a sitz bath can be purchased from drugstores and at many grocery stores.
High fiber foods can ease hemorrhoid issues. This will make your stool much softer. You body will be able to rid itself of soft stool with ease, which will help to avoid some of the pain that comes from having a bowel movement when you have hemorrhoids. You can soften your stool with fiber supplementation or including more fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and grains into your diet.
Drink plenty of water. If your body gets dehydrated, it will draw water from your intestines and stools. In turn, your stool will then harden, and going to the bathroom can become a painful experience. Prevent dehydration by drinking the recommended amount of water daily, and you will not experience this issue as often.
Stay far away from hot and spicy foods, as well as caffeine. Foods like this aggravate your intestines, and this can have a negative impact on your hemorrhoids. Foods containing a great deal of spice are capable of causing severe hemorrhoid inflammation, and you should therefore stay away from them in order to ensure your own well-being.
Never rely on laxatives as a method of eliminating hemorrhoids, as they are not meant to be taken on an ongoing basis. They will only provide temporary relief of your discomfort.
One way to avoid physical damage to hemorrhoids is to insert any protruding ones back into the anal opening. If your hemorrhoids are still small enough, you might be able to get them back inside. Doing this stops you from injuring them due to friction with your clothes. You should truly check the size of the hemorrhoids though, because the last thing you want is to injure yourself further and cause yourself more pain.
See a doctor immediately if you aren't sure that your symptoms are due to hemorrhoids. The symptoms of polyps and hemorrhoids can often mimic each each and cause undue worry. Polyps can be very dangerous. Even if you're relatively sure what the problem is, it's always good to get it diagnosed by a professional.
Avoid food that causes gas, because they can cause more pain in hemorrhoids. The strain you put on your rectum to pass gas can easily cause your hemorrhoids to become inflamed. One result is an uncomfortable burning sensation. You can avoid that sensation by avoiding these particular foods.
As earlier noted, most people will know the unfortunate experience of hemorrhoids first hand at some point or another, some permanently. This condition can pretty much be avoided with proper exercise and diet.