If you aren't sure how to handle hemorrhoids, read the following article. Most people are unsure what to do about hemorrhoids; start by learning as much as possible about how to treat them.
Fiber in your diet can be the best prevention technique for avoiding or treating hemorrhoids. Include fiber-rich foods like leafy green vegetables, whole grain breads, pastas, and oatmeal. Fiber helps loosen bowels which lessens the amount of strain that might lead to hemorrhoids.
Being more hygienic in the bathroom can help you diminish the chances of external hemorrhoid development. Try using softer toilet paper that doesn't leave any behind, and keeping moistened wipes for using after doing your business.
If you are dealing with the discomfort of hemorrhoids, there may be relief available to you. A general recommendation is to take a few 10-minute sitz baths each day. A carefully applied ice pack or cold compress helps as well.
Alternating applications of cold followed by heat is an easy way to treat the discomfort of hemorrhoids. If you alternate between applying ice and heat, you can promote quick healing. First, put ice on the hemorrhoid for 10 minutes, then immediately follow up with 20 minutes of moist heat.
Use witch hazel to ease all of the discomfort and pain associated with hemorrhoids. Witch hazel has natural astringent properties that work to shrink the swollen tissue and soothe the pain and itching. 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.
Incorporate whole wheat products into your diet. It is better for your digestion and can be of particular importance when you suffer form hemorrhoids. It often aids in eliminating irritation and decreasing redness. Whether you're eating a big plate of spaghetti or a submarine sandwich, opting for whole wheat is a smart choice.
To soften stools, drink plenty of water and eat high fiber foods. When you soften your stool, you can help relieve any hemorrhoids that might be causing you stress and pain. To get softer stool, try eating fruits such as papaya, watermelon, or grapes. Veggies like okra and cabbage can also help the process since they have a lot of fiber. Drinking plenty of water is important because it will help to keep your stool soft as well.
Consume a diet that is rich in fiber. Stools will inevitably be softer when fiber is present in the diet on a regular basis. If your stools are soft, you will not need to strain when going to the bathroom, and will therefore spare yourself significant pain. Certain foods that contain fiber and fiber supplements can help to soften stool.
Hydration is very important in the prevention of hemorrhoids. When your body loses too much water, it begins to pull it from your stool. The result is stool that is too hard to pass and it can be painful when you go to the bathroom. Prevent dehydration by drinking the recommended amount of water daily, and you will not experience this issue as often.
Foods that are spicy, or that contain hot ingredients, should be avoided when suffering from hemorrhoids. Foods like this aggravate your intestines, and this can have a negative impact on your hemorrhoids. Spicy food in particular can exacerbate your hemorrhoids to levels of burning sensations that you can feel even outside the restroom.
Laxatives aren't a cure for hemorrhoids, there are simply a quick fix. These laxatives might help you get through one rough patch of constipation and have an easy bowel movement, but they are in no way cures for your hemorrhoid problem.
Do not sit on your toilet for too long. A lot of people like to sit and read on the toilet, it actually causes you to strain. Be ready to go to the bathroom when you sit on the toilet because gravity affects your hemorrhoids.
A donut cushion can alleviate the pain of sitting, when you're in the midst of an bad hemorrhoid flare up. These cushions have a hollowed out center that prevents pressure on hemorrhoids. Sitting on this cushion will be more comfortable and relaxing than a normal chair or couch.
Feel free to use a hemorrhoid cream, but don't overdo it. Creams do little to alleviate the painful irritation, swelling, or bleeding associated with hemorrhoids. However, creams are useful for numbing particularly bad pain that comes along with hemorrhoid flare-ups. Make sure you get approval from your doctor before you try and use them past a week. If they are overused, they may cause more discomfort.
Hopefully, the information that you have just learned will go a long way in the prevention and treatment of this frustrating condition. Do not be afraid to explore many different sources as you learn about hemorrhoids. Combine everything that you now know about the subject for prevention and relief habits throughout your lifetime.
