Nearly half of all grownups have experienced the symptoms of hemorrhoids by the time they are 50. Treatment of this inconvenient condition is complicated by the associated pain, itching, and bleeding. However, there are many different options for preventing and treating hemorrhoids. The best overall treatment is to combine topical creams for short term relief, and eat a healthier diet to avoid a recurrence. Keep reading for some ideas on remedies you should try.
Fiber in your diet can be the best prevention technique for avoiding or treating hemorrhoids. Include foods that are high in fiber like whole grain breads and pastas, oatmeal and leafy green vegetables. The two major benefits of a high-fiber diet are that it prevents strain during bowel movements and it prevents constipation.
Make sure to cleanse the area well if you have hemorrhoids. You should use some damp wipes rather than toilet paper; toilet paper may hurt. A warm sitz bath will relieve the pain and swelling associated with hemorrhoids. Try to soak for around 20 minutes.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is an effective topical treatment for relief from hemorrhoids. Witch hazel has astringent properties, which causes the hemorrhoids to shrink and heal more quickly. Soak a cotton ball with witch hazel and apply it to the affected area. Leave it in place for five or ten minutes. Witch hazel is also a good addition for sitz baths.
If you have hemorrhoids, avoid using hygiene products containing oils, dyes and fragrances. Exposure to these substances can cause the hemorrhoids to sting, become more painful and make the itching intensify.
During bowel movements, straining too hard can cause 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. One way to acquire the best body positioning is to use a small stool to rest your feet while you are seated in the bathroom. This squatting position has proven to help pass stools with less stress on the body, and this can be seen in areas around the world where cultures who squat simply do not have the issues with hemorrhoids that the people of the Western world have.
Ice Pack
Try using ice for hemorrhoid pain relief. Hemorrhoids usually involve a lot of discomfort and pain. Ice packs can reduce the swelling caused by hemorrhoids. Use a warm compress after using an ice pack. If you relax in a nice warm bath, and use an ice pack when you're out of the bath, the swelling of your hemorrhoids will go down, and you'll be much more comfortable.
Add lemon to your water if you are experiencing hemorrhoids. The pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids can be lessened by the soothing qualities of lemon. Lemon water can improve how you feel.
Wheat Bread
Unrefined grains like whole wheat bread can give you the extra fiber you need to smooth the digestive process and reduce hemorrhoids flare-ups. Whole grains are also less likely to irritate your skin. Make choosing whole wheat bread for sandwiches, in particular, a habit.
Understanding hemorrhoids will help you be less concerned about them and learn how to treat them. Learn more about hemorrhoids if you suffer from them or have a loved one that does. The fundamental concept behind hemorrhoids is that they are a cluster of nerves that have swelled and become painful.
Take a comfortable pillow with you if you're planning on sitting for any length of time. You might feel awkward using it while at work, but when you're at home or just riding around in the car, this method can help decrease a lot of the pain you feel, which will make your life much easier for you.
Bowel Movement
Although there are a number of medications used to treat hemorrhoids, you may find some relief with homemade remedies. After a bowel movement, take a warm bath and add sitz to the water. Although the desire to scratch your itchy hemorrhoids can seem irresistible, avoid indulging as it can greatly exacerbate the problem. Applications of witch hazel on a clean pad can be very effective in relieving the itch. Make sure you eat enough fiber-rich foods, as well as drinking enough water each day, which equals about eight glasses. This will help refrain you from over straining during your bowel movement.s
Losing weight may actually help you to avoid hemorrhoids. People who are overweight tend to get hemorrhoids more frequently. The additional pressure placed on the abdomen due to excess pounds and waste material causes unnecessary pressure to be placed on the anal veins. You can lower this pressure by following a weight loss regiment that includes high fiber dieting. One caution, however, is not to use laxatives continually to lose weight or treat hemorrhoids because this is an unhealthy alternative!
If you are suffering from constipation, walk around a little before trying to have a bowel movement. Walking can help your body function, while preparing your bowels for a movement. You could stop unnecessary straining that would make your hemorrhoids worse or irritated by doing this. Even fifteen minutes of briskly walking around your neighborhood is enough to help.
Hemorrhoids are going to be high on the list of possible causes, but it's unwise to make any assumptions. Head to the doctor to make sure. Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool could also be warning signs of something far more severe, like cancer. Going to have it checked out will ease your anxiety about what might be wrong. If it does end up being hemorrhoids, your physician can direct you towards the best treatment options.
So there is hope for hemorrhoids sufferers. It is not something a person has to tolerate. Hemorrhoids are very common and rarely require surgery. Most treatments can be done at home. The more a person knows about treating hemorrhoids, the less he or she will have to endure.