Hemorrhoids, or piles, are one of those things lots of people suffer with, but they can be embarrassing to talk about. Hemorrhoids are most common in people aged between 45 and 60, but many younger people can get them too, and of course they are one of those things we often suffer in pregnancy but rarely chat about.
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus. When the walls of the blood vessels are stretched they can become irritated and enlarged. Hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable and painful, as well as being embarrassing – but they are fairly easy to treat.
How do you prevent hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids can be embarrassing and uncomfortable but there are things you can do to prevent them:
Eat more fibre.
You are more likely to get hemorrhoids if your bowel movements are infrequent, or you suffer with constipation. Eating more fibre can help with this, and in the process help to reduce the likelihood of developing hemorrhoids.
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water can help with hemorrhoid prevention. Good hydration is key to making sure your bowel movements are healthy. Making sure you drink enough water is key in preventing constipation, and therefore lowering the need to strain – which can cause hemorrhoids.
Avoid using laxatives
Often when we are constipated we think of using laxatives to alleviate the problem. The problem is that many laxatives work by stimulating intestinal contraction in order to move things along. This can increase pressure on key areas and can actually cause more problems in terms of hemorrhoids. If you are constipated, try a fibre based laxative instead.
Avoid straining
Often if we are constipated or in a hurry it can be tempting to strain when going to the toilet – however this causes a lot of pressure. This can be a leading cause of hemorrhoids that become painful and can even bleed. It is worth noting that this does not only apply to the bathroom, but also things like lifting heavy weights or even a bad cough. It is important to remember that any kind of straining can be a cause of hemorrhoids.
If you are suffering with hemorrhoids, Chennai Laser Gastro can help with advice and treatment. Laser surgery can be an option when piles have become difficult to deal with.
This post is a collaboration with Chennai Laser Gastro
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