[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Please excuse the pun. But, anyone who has had
hemorrhoids, which is about three out of four of all adults in the US, knows that they can be a pain in the you-know-what, literally. They can be itchy and painful and cause bleeding.
While symptomatic hemorrhoids are common, many people feel uncomfortable discussing them. Fortunately, there are many treatment options to relieve the pain, bleeding and discomfort and also prevent them from developing or returning.
What are hemorrhoids?
The truth is that everyone has hemorrhoids, which are blood vessels located in the lower rectum and anus. It's only when these blood vessels become swollen and inflamed that they lead to uncomfortable symptoms.
However, not all hemorrhoids, also called piles, are painful and itchy. They are two kinds of hemorrhoids, internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids, which develop inside your rectum, are often painless but may cause bleeding during a bowel movement. On occasion, internal hemorrhoids protrude, also called prolapsed hemorrhoids, through the anus. Prolapsed hemorrhoids are usually painful.
Internal hemorrhoids, located outside the anus and under the skin, tend to be uncomfortable. They're itchy, painful, and also bleed during bowel movements.
Causes of hemorrhoids, and risk factors
The primary cause of hemorrhoids is increased pressure on the blood vessels in the rectal and anal areas. Older people and pregnant women are more at risk of developing them. The connective tissues that support and hold hemorrhoids in place weaken as we age, which increases pressure on the blood vessels. Likewise, for pregnant women, the weight of the fetus puts pressure on the anus area.
Other risk factors and causes include:
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
- Sitting or standing for prolonged periods
- Obesity
- Low-fiber diet
- Regular heavy lifting
- Having anal intercourse
How to prevent hemorrhoids
While there are many ways to treat hemorrhoids, preventing them from developing in the first place is better. The following tips can help stop them from forming and prevent them from returning after treating them.
Eat high-fiber foods
Consuming high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can soften stool, making it easier to pass and reducing the strain on the rectal area. But don't bulk up on fiber all at once. Add more fiber slowly to your diet to avoid gas, bloating, and cramps.
Stay hydrated
Drink up! Drinking more water goes hand in hand with eating more fiber. The fiber you consume needs hydration to soften stool. Try to sip at least eight glasses of water per day to keep your digestive system functioning optimally.
Get moving
By moving your body – whether it's a walk, run, or basketball game – you get everything in your body moving, including blood circulation and bowel movements. Regular physical activity helps keep your bowel movements regular, which reduces the risk of hemorrhoids. But, skip heavy lifting as part of your exercise routine because that activity can increase your risk.
No phone scrolling or reading in the bathroom
Don't multitask in the bathroom. In other words, don't check your emails or read the newspaper while sitting on the toilet (hey, we all do it sometimes). Spending more time than needed in the bathroom can add pressure to the rectal area.
Don't wait to go
When you feel the urge to go to the bathroom, head there right away. Waiting too long can make your stool hard and difficult to pass.
Natural remedies for hemorrhoids
The goal of hemorrhoid treatments is to reduce the inflammation and soothe the irritation. There are a variety of natural remedies that will help relieve uncomfortable symptoms so that your hemorrhoids don't interfere with your daily activities. Treatment options include:
Aloe vera
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and soothe irritation. For hemorrhoids, apply a small amount of pure aloe vera gel directly to the affected area for relief as often as needed.
Witch hazel
Witch hazel is a
natural astringent that can reduce itching and inflammation. Try soaking a cotton ball in
witch hazel and applying it gently to the hemorrhoids.
Warm sitz baths
A
sitz bath is a shallow warm bath. Taking one for 10 to 15 minutes can be soothing and relieve pain and discomfort. Feel free to draw a bath several times a day. You can also add
Epsom salts to the water for an added soothing effect.
Cold compress
A simple cold compress can help reduce inflammation and soothe burning or stinging pain. Apply a washcloth soaked in ice water or an ice pack to the hemorrhoids for temporary relief.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can help moisturize the affected area, reducing irritation. Additionally, it has antibacterial qualities that can speed up healing time. You can ingest coconut oil or apply it directly to the affected area.
Psyllium husk
Psyllium husk is a natural source of fiber that can soften stools and make them easier to pass, reducing the strain on hemorrhoids. Mix psyllium husk with water and drink it daily to promote regular bowel movements.
Butcher's broom
Butcher's Broom is a plant extract often used for varicose veins, swollen veins in the legs and hemorrhoids because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
† Butcher's Broom comes in supplement form or a topical cream.
Not every remedy will work for every person. Try the ones that are most convenient for you. If your symptoms persist or worsen despite trying these remedies, or if you experience excessive bleeding or severe pain, contact a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and treatment plan.
†These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="168128" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1690840835697{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/puretouch-individual-flushable-moist-tush-wipes-24-packets"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="168126" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1690840852048{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/boiron-hemcalm-on-the-go"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="168127" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1690840868217{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/the-honey-pot-cucumber-aloe-intimate-wipes"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
