One of the more uncomfortable and painful conditions we as humans sometimes have to deal with is called Hemorrhoids also known as piles.
These are swollen blood vessels that causes the mucous membranes of the lower anus to protrude or bulge out from the surrounding surface.
Hemorrhoids are classified as either internal hemorrhoids or external hemorrhoids. When the swelling is located on the inside before the opening of the anus it is referred to as internal hemorrhoids and these can be painful and sometimes cause bleeding especially when having a bowel movement.
On the other hand when the distention is on the outside of the anal opening these are called external hemorhoids and while these usually do not cause bleeding they are the most common and troublesome and can be very uncomfortable and may cause discomfort. There are also times when these external hemorrhoids can form a clot and can result in inflammation and severe pain. This type of external hemorrhoid is called Thrombosed Hemorrhoid.
Symptoms associated with hemorrhoids include pain and irritation in the region of the anus, severe itching, painful bowel movements, swollen and painful lump as well as blood seen after a bowel movement.
There are many reasons why hemorrhoids affect people, however some of these factors that cause hemorrhoids can be prevented if certain care is taken. Such care include
1. Avoid sitting for long periods
Avoid sitting for long periods especially on the toilet as this may cause an increase in pressure on the veins in the lower rectum.
2. Eat a High Fiber Diet
Avoid low fiber foods. Some low fiber foods to avoid include dairy products, Red meat, white flour, processed meats and fried foods. Instead it is important that we eat a high fiber diet that include fruits,vegetables and whole grains as doing this ensure that our stools are not only soft but increases in bulk which in turn helps avoid straining
3. Drink enough fluids,
Consider drinking at least six glasses of water or other liquids each day.
4. Listen to your body
It is important that you go as soon as you feel the urge, delaying bowel movement may cause your stool to loose water and become dry and harder to expel.
5. Do Not hold your breath
Try not to hold your breath and strain during bowel movement as this too also causes increased pressure on the veins in the anus.
6. Exercise regularly
Exercise regularly and staying active helps to prevent constipation and reduce pressure on veins .
Pain relief from hemorrhoids can be accomplished by using different home remedies. These include
1. Using witch hazel.
Witch hazel reduces itching and pain which are the two main symptoms. Witch hazel is a natural inflammatory and can be purchased in liquid form and applied directly to the hemorrhoids, Witch hazel are also common additions to soaps and soothing wipes.
2. Using Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera is also thought to have anti inflammatory properties, which helps to reduce swelling and irritation. The national center for complementary and integrated health list aloe vera gel as safe for topical use. However it is suggested that you use only pure aloe gel on hemorrhoids. Pure aloe gel can be directly accessed directly from inside the aloe plant leaves.
3. Use Epsom salt in warm bath
A study carried out by Harvard Health suggests that taking a warm water bath after every bowel movement is essential. When epsom salt is added to a warm bath it can provide relief by reducing pain
4. Using Anti-itch wipes
After having a bowel movement using toilet paper could easily aggravate hemorrhoids, therefore its best to use soothing wipes that have anti hemorrhoid ingredients like witch hazel. Other wipes that have perfume or other irritants should be avoided. These wipes could make things worse.
5. Use a cold compress
Applying a cold compress or ice packs to swollen and painful hemorrhoids can be very effective in relieving swelling. This should only be applied 15 minutes at a time. Ice packs should always be wrapped in cloth or paper towel and never be applied to the skin directly
6. Use Ointments
There are certain ointments and creams that can be found over the counter that when applied hemorrhoids can provide relief and even reduce swelling.
7. Use stool softeners and psyllium fiber
Stool softeners make stools softer and make it easier to have painless bowel movements. stool softeners come in powder forms, liquids and capsules that are taken by mouth. Psyllium according to the natural health movement is an effective treatment for hemorrhoids and can be included in your regular diet to help prevent hemorrhoids. Just be sure to drink plenty of water when you take psyllium.
As I indicated earlier I am revealing the name of a plant chemical also classified as a bioflavonoid that more and more people are looking for in their supplements that helps them in controlling hemorrhoids. This bioflavonoid is called hesperidin. Hesperidin is a plant chemical found in citrus fruits. Hesperidin was first isolated by a french Chemist from the white inner layer of citrus peels
Hesperidin by itself or whether it is combined with other citrus bioflavonoids such as Diosmin are often used to alleviate conditions such as poor circulation and hemorrhoids. Some research has shown that taking supplements with hesperidin and diosmin have been shown to improve the symptoms of hemorrhoid and in some cases may also prevent hemorrhoids from coming back once they are healed. Diosmin however is not recommended for use in children or women who are pregnant. In taking any kind of supplement also make sure to read the labels before consuming.
For others who would rather not take supplements Remember you can’t go wrong with the plant Foods. Eat foods and their skins that are thin like apples and plums potatoes and pears and brightly colored produce such as berries, tomatoes, grapes and kale and other dark leafy greens. These are generally rich in flavonoids. Just remember increasing your fiber intake and staying hydrated with plenty of water can diminish your symptoms of hemorrhoids. Fortunately hemorrhoids are not life threatening and they are treatable and they often go away on their own even without treatment.