If you have hemorrhoids and aren't sure how to treat them, you've 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.
Try to adopt a fiber rich diet to combat hemorrhoids. For example, you can enjoy healthy, high-fiber foods like apples, dark leafy greens, whole grains and even oatmeal. Fiber cuts down on strain that can lead to hemorrhoids, and it also increases general bowel motility.
If you happen to be suffering through a flare up of hemorrhoids, relief from the pain and discomfort is possible. Take several, ten minute sitz bath every day. You may also find it helpful to apply a soothing homemade ice pack to the affected area.
When you are dealing with hemorrhoids, take care to not use any personal products which have fragrances, oils or dyes in them, near the affected area. Exposing your hemorrhoids to these products can cause serious pain and itching.
Excessive straining while moving the bowels is a major cause of hemorrhoids. Eating healthier foods and drinking plenty of water will allow the stools to come out easier. It can also be helpful to assume a squatting position when having a bowel movement, as this helps avoid straining. Place a low stool in your bathroom, and put your feet on it when you are using the toilet. Hemorrhoids are less common in countries where people are used to squatting when they use the bathroom.
Utilize ice to alleviate hemorrhoid pain. Hemorrhoids can cause a lot of pain. Use an ice pack to reduce swelling and decrease pain. Alternating cool treatments with warm ones provides maximum relief. You can gain a level of comfort with pain from hemorrhoids if you decrease the swelling with warm baths and alternate cold ice packs.
Eating whole wheat bread can ease your hemorrhoids. This will reduce the swelling and irritation. Try making your sandwiches with wheat bread instead of white bread.
Try home remedies for your hemorrhoids before wasting money on expensive treatments and medications. Many people swear by sitz baths to relieve pain, particularly if you have had a strenuous bowel movement. Never scratch or rub itching hemorrhoids, as this will only make the problem worse. Instead, dampen some pads with witch hazel and apply them to the hemorrhoids for temporary relief! Eat a lot of fiber-rich foods, and get your eight glasses of water daily. This can help keep you from too much straining while having bowel movements.
If you often suffer from constipation, try taking a brisk walk before you evacuate your bowels. Walking gives your body needed energy, which may help get your bowels moving. It may help you avoid any unnecessary straining, which can make hemorrhoids worse or irritated. A short 10 or 15-minute brisk walk will help to get things moving.
Eat high fiber foods. More fiber equates to softer stools. If your stools are softened, you do not have to strain while having a bowel movement. Consequently, you will experience less discomfort. Fruits help to soften the stools. Fiber supplements can also help.
Keep your body hydrated. Moisture can be withdrawn from your stool if the body has lost too much water. In turn, your stool will then harden, and going to the bathroom can become a painful experience. Keep dehydration at bay by consuming plenty of water, and you can minimize this problem in your life.
Keep away from spicy and hot food, and caffeine. These foods have an irritating affect on your intestines which can ultimately cause problems with hemorrhoids. Spicy foods are notorious for the burning sensation that they can cause during bowel movements, so they should definitely be off-limits to those with hemorrhoids.
You can relieve the pain and inflammation of hemorrhoids by sitting in a tub of warm water. Fill the tub with just a few inches of warm water and sit in it for 10 minutes to relieve the pain and swelling. Try to sit straight with your knees bent. Don't be afraid to stay in the tub until the water cools.
Keep your knees elevated and soak in a warm bath. The warm water should make the inflammation and irritation go away. Warm water promotes increased blood flow and decreases sharp pain and swelling. You'll feel better when you do this often.
Drinking Aloe Vera juice can help you with bowel movement in cases of difficulty passing stools. Mixing the Aloe Vera juice with apple juice can help make the flavor a little more pleasant. Look at the label to ensure you are consuming the amount recommended. If you drink a larger amount of Aloe Vera juice than is recommended, you could experience stomach discomfort.
Use a hemorrhoid cream, but avoid overusing it. These types of creams can have a numbing effect, but they will not actually reduce the swelling or irritation that you are experiencing. If you need to use these for more than a week, make sure your doctor is okay with it. Excessive use of these products can lead to more painful hemorrhoids.
Armed with your new stockpile of knowledge about hemorrhoids and their treatment, you should now be ready to develop a successful plan of action. Keep researching hemorrhoids and learning more about how to deal with them. The more knowledge you have and the more tips you try, the sooner you'll get relief from your symptoms.
