Hemorrhoids are dilated veins within the lower section of the gastrointestinal tract which is basically found in the rectum and anus. It causes pain if it protrudes especially during bowel movement. Whenever the protrusion is irritated, the skin around it becomes inflamed, swollen and painful. In some cases, these hemorrhoids bleed from simple drops to large amounts. Bleeding is manifested by the presence of bright red blood during defecation.
Hemorrhoids are somehow similar to varicose veins. When bulging hemorrhoidal veins are irritated, the surrounding membranes swell, burn, itch and becomes very painful and may bleed later on. Hemorrhoids are caused by too much pressure in the rectum and anus. The usual causative factor of hemmorhoids is too much pressure in the rectal and anal region. Blood is then forced towards the affected site which may then lead to stretching and bulging of anal veins and sometimes causes them to rupture.
When hemorrhoids started to become evident, it is very hard to get rid of especially thrombosed hermorrhoids. The problem associated with hemorrhoids is that it keeps on getting worse and worse unless immediate remedy is done. If a person has recurrent constipation, a main cause of the hemorrhoids could be his diet.
There is a prescribed or appropriate diet for hemorrhoids which is directed on avoiding constipation. Having a sufficient amount of fiber in your daily diet is essential in order to avoid fecal impaction. If a person has chronic constipation, a physician could readily suggest bulk fiber supplements daily to alleviate the present hemorrhoid problem and prevent further outgrowth of other hemorrhoids. These supplements need an ample amount of time before they work.
It is advisable not to eat foods which are high in cholesterol since they could lead to obesity. Overweight persons have a higher chance to have hemorrhoids due to the workload of their lower extremities in carrying their body weight. Being overweight causes added pressure to the rectal and anal veins during bowel movement.
Apart from taking sufficient amount of fiber rich foods, you must also drink more water a day to soften your stools in order to prevent too much straining from hard stools. Aside from the reduction of pressure during defecation, softer stools pass through the rectum with ease and no irritation or discomfort at all. The appropriate amount of fluids a day should be 6 to 8 glasses. In addition to that, whenever you have hemorrhoids try to avoid eating watermelon or juices that could alter the color of the urine since it could be wrongfully perceived as blood when assessing the severity or status of your condition. Try to avoid caffeine rich drinks such as coffee, chocolate shakes, cola and alcoholic beverages since they could cause dehydration which may lead to constipation. Always keep in mind the medical quote: "Prevention is better than cure!"
