Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are more common than you might think. In fact, it has been estimated that one-half of the U.S. population over the age of 30 will suffer from hemorrhoids symptoms at some point during their lives. They are one of the most common medical ailments we have. Fortunately, it is usually possible in most situations for individuals to treat themselves by using over-the-counter medications, as well as adapting lifestyle changes.
Hemorrhoids causes can come from a variety of different factors. One of the leading causes is constipation. Constipation is when you have irregular and infrequent and have difficulty making a bowel movement.
Once hemorrhoid relief is completed, it is important to include sufficient fiber in your diet, as well as to increase your quantity of water in order to keep your stools soft. Never attempt to put off having a bowel movement and, when you do sit on the toilet, make sure you do not force your evacuation. Although millions of people have hemorrhoids and survive with limited consequences, it is always advisable to see your doctor should you find blood is being discharged during a bowel movement.
Such a poor diet contributes heavily to the onset of hemorrhoids or piles. Therefore it is essential to make adjustments to what you eat and ensure that you incorporate fiber in your daily regime.
When hemorrhoids swell, they press against tender nerves, which is why they're often so painful. In addition, eating particular types of foods can make the pain even worse.
A bright red rectal bleeding not mixed with stool, is usually the initial symptom of Hemorrhoids (or the common bad spelling Hemmroids, Hemroids). Prolapse occurs only with the first defecation and then spontaneously decreases. A persistent anal itching is a symptom of hemorrhoids. The pain occurs only when there is an acute attack of inflammation and edema with a prolapse, or when there is a concomitant injury, like a fissure. Several observations testify to the direct link between diet and hemorrhoids. Rarely, in fact, this disease is found in countries where the diet is high in fiber and low in refined foods. An important component of Hemorrhoids is constipation, due to the increased effort required by defecation that increases intra-abdominal pressure and impedes venous return. Furthermore, the increased pressure increases pelvic congestion that can weaken the vein wall, facilitating the formation of Hemorrhoids.
In case of hemorrhoids, we should balance - as well as the intestine - the liver and spleen, two organs that contribute to the health of veins and thus also the hemorrhoidal plexus. If the energy of the spleen is weak, it doesn't nourish the connective tissue and, consequently, the veins are easily exhausted. It is, therefore, important to avoid, as well as refined foods, sugar (the spleen in fact suffers from an excess of sugar, and is nourished and rebalanced by the consumption of cereals), fatty foods and those that heat too much, such as sausage, red meat, milk, cheese, chocolate and coffee. We should reduce the consumption of meat, possibly replacing the red with white meat or better still give preference to fish and legumes as protein source. Also to avoid overloading the liver we should prefer green vegetables and reduce consumption of Solanaceae, including tomatoes, peppers and eggplants.
When it comes to the main causes of hemorrhoids, industrialized countries have the worst track records. We tend to eat foods that are highly processed with plenty of simple sugars and little fiber or naturally occurring nutrients. In addition, we tend to spend much of our workdays sitting. Considering that the three most common causes of hemorrhoids are constipation, diarrhea and a sedentary lifestyle, is it any real surprise that industrialized countries have the most cases of hemorrhoids?
The first thing to do is to make a commitment to eating and living better. Realize that this commitment is to a new lifestyle, not to a temporary diet that goes away as soon as the hemorrhoids do. If you quit eating well as soon as the hemorrhoids are gone, they'll soon be back. Making this sort of lifelong commitment will keep you from trying extreme (and extremely bad tasting) diets that you can't live with for very long. Most dietary fiber is found in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans. There is a huge range and variety to be found within those four types of food, enough to fit any set of taste buds. Instead of seeing your new diet as a penance to be suffered through, try looking at it as an invitation to explore foods you'll love.
