
If you suffer from hemorrhoids and don't know where to turn, you have come to the right place. Many people suffer from hemorrhoids, and are at a loss for what they should do when they crop up. Whether you want to prevent hemorrhoids or relieve the ones you already have, information is key.
Eating a high-fiber diet is vital for long-term control over painful hemorrhoids. For example, you can enjoy healthy, high-fiber foods like apples, dark leafy greens, whole grains and even oatmeal. Fiber helps your bowels move and helps to reduce straining that can lead to hemorrhoids.
While a nasty case of hemorrhoids may seem like the end of the world, relief is just around the corner. Try a warm sitz bath for 10 to 15 minutes, a few times during the day. Use a cold compress on the affected area, too.
When it comes to relieving the discomfort of hemorrhoids, combined hot-and-cold therapy is one of your best bets. The alternation of extreme temperature causes the hemorrhoids to shrink and disappear. The ice should be applied to the affected area for at least 10 minutes each day, followed by warm, moist heat for 20 minutes.
Bowel Movement
Excessive straining while having a bowel movement is one of the causes for hemorrhoids. Stools pass much easier if you limit your refined foods and drink plenty of water. Squatting, instead of sitting, during a bowel movement also reduces the amount of straining required to defecate. When you are on the toilet, put a short stool underneath your feet. In countries where people assume a squatting position during bowel movements, hemorrhoids are relatively rare.
Understanding hemorrhoids will help you be less concerned about them and learn how to treat them. Find out as much as you can about this condition. Hemorrhoids are bundles of nerves that swell and become sensitive.
Some may find it comical, but a cushion is a great solution to circumvent hemorrhoid discomfort. Using the cushion while traveling or sitting at a desk can significantly reduce your discomfort.
If you suffer from hemorrhoids, be careful about relying on laxatives too often to relieve your constipation. Laxatives are for occasional use, not a long term remedy. If you have recurring problems, alter your diet to help you achieve more consistent bowel movements.
In order to make stool softer, consume foods that have lots of fiber and be sure to drink plenty of water. Having softer stool can protect or soothe hemorrhoids since there will be less straining. To soften your stool and get it to pass smoother, eat certain fruits, such as grapes, papaya or watermelon. Some vegetables, like okra and cabbage, are also good for helping the process along. Also, drinking enough water every day will help to keep your stools soft.
Make high fiber dietary choices daily. When you have a high dose of fiber in your diet, your stools will be a lot softer. When the stool is soft, having a bowel movement involves less pressure on the tender tissues and helps reduce the pain. Fruits help to soften the stools. Fiber supplements can also help.
To prevent or lessen the pain of hemorrhoids, drink plenty of water. If you don't drink enough water, your body will begin to take water from the stool. This will make your stool hard, thus, causing painful bowel movements. Drink eight glasses of water every day. This will prevent you from becoming dehydrated.
Steer clear of spicy, hot foods and caffeine. These types of foods can cause intestinal irritation, which in turn can make hemorrhoids worse. Eating spicy foods even cause your hemorrhoids to get inflamed, and burn you all the time.
Swelling of hemorrhoid tissue and the associated pain can often be alleviated with a warm sitz bath. Sitting in a bathtub with up to a foot of lukewarm water helps boost blood flow and decrease the pain that hemorrhoids can cause. Keep your knees up when you sit in the tub. Stay in the water for awhile; at least till the water has started to get cool.
Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe Vera juice is reported to be an effective stool softener. If the taste is a problem for you, try mixing it with some sweet apple juice. Always read the product label and follow its instructions scrupulously. If you drink Aloe Vera juice in excess, you may experience stomach pain.
It is ok to use a cream, but minimize the frequency. Creams don't alleviate irritation or swelling, but they can numb hemorrhoid pain. Check with your physician if you have to put these on for longer than seven days. Do not use any products in a manner for which they were not intended. Follow all directions carefully to avoid exasperating your condition.
Witch hazel works great against hemorrhoids. This astringent is widely available. You can get it at most pharmacies, and even big grocery stores. Witch hazel should be applied to the inflamed area in small measures, and the acidity in the product will help minimize any swelling and bleeding.
Hopefully, the information that you have just learned will go a long way in the prevention and treatment of this frustrating condition. You can also check out other hemorrhoid-related articles to find some more great tips. But if you apply the tips above how they're provided to you, you should have no trouble finding the necessary relief.