Prevention

[ghchealth]

This Thread is dedicated to let people know about the different ways that you can prevent hemorrhoids. Please feel free to email me, or to ask me whatever questions you may have about hemorrhoids.

Site Admin.

[ghchealth]

Exercise and the Prevention of Hemorrhoids

By: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN and Brandon Miller

Hemorrhoids are a painful and annoying disorder that affects nearly half of all adults in America. They form when excessive pressure is exerted on the veins of the rectal and pelvic areas. Constipation, diarrhea, prolonged periods of sitting or standing, and heavy lifting are common causes of hemorrhoids. Symptoms of hemorrhoids include pain, itching, burning, and rectal bleeding. Hemorrhoids can be very disruptive as they can make it difficult to sit, stand, or even walk. But fortunately, there are a few simple lifestyle changes that you can make to prevent the development of hemorrhoids or reduce the symptoms of hemorrhoids that have already developed. Daily exercise, along with a few dietary changes, can significantly reduce your chances of developing hemorrhoids.

Exercise and the Prevention of Hemorrhoids

Exercise stimulates the digestive system and allows food and waste to proceed more quickly through the body. Food that does not sit in ht colon for prolonged periods will not be subject to the dehydration that causes constipation. Constipation and diarrhea are common causes of hemorrhoids. Hard, dry stools associated with constipation or soft explosive stools associated with diarrhea can both place increased amounts of pressure on the anal area. Hemorrhoids are caused or aggravated by the strain and irritation of these conditions. So it’s important to avoid both of these conditions in order to prevent or alleviate hemorrhoids. Daily exercise can be as simple as a walk around the block. Practiced for about thirty minutes on a daily basis can improve health and lessen the incidence if hemorrhoids.

Women can also practice Kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles of the vaginal wall and improve circulation in the anal and vaginal area. Hemorrhoids are especially prevalent during pregnancy, when increased blood volume, hormonal changes, and pressure on the uterus combine to create the perfect environment for the development of hemorrhoids. Kegel exercises not only help to reduce the incidence of hemorrhoids; they are also a good way to strengthen the vaginal muscles that will be used during child birth. No special equipment or experience is necessary to do Kegels. Simply squeeze the vaginal and anal muscles as if you were trying to avoid urination. Hold the tensed muscles for as long as possible (working up to about eight to ten seconds.) Repeat the move about twenty five times throughout the day.

Dietary Changes and the Prevention of Hemorrhoids


The best way to avoid hemorrhoids is to establish healthy bowel habits. Improving your diet, eating regular meals, and obeying the body's natural urges to go to the bathroom, are important ways to reduce strain on the rectal area. Increase water and fiber consumption to soften stools, hydrate the body, and reduce strain during bowel movements. But be careful when adding fiber to the diet that you do it gradually. Too much fiber can worsen diarrhea and cause painful gas and bloating. It's also important to eat regular meal throughout the day. Eating regularly promotes healthy bowel functioning.

Other Ways to Prevent Hemorrhoids

Extended periods of sitting or standing can cause blood to build up in the anal area and increase pressure on the veins. If your work requires you to sit or stand for a prolonged period, try to take regular stretching breaks that alternate your position. Exercising for even a few minutes throughout the day can improve circulation and reduce pressure on the rectal area. When relaxing, try to lie on your side while reading or watching TV to decrease the amount of pressure on the rectal area.

Heavy lifting and poor lifting technique can also contribute to hemorrhoidal development. The sudden increase of pressure on the blood vessels can cause the veins in the rectal area to stretch and swell. Don't lift objects that you are not physically strong enough to lift. If your exercise routine includes the lifting of weights, take special care to avoid straining the lower back, pelvis, and rectum while you lift. Bend you knees and avoid holding your breath when lifting. Instead, breathe evenly, exhaling as you lift the object.

Exercise and Hemorrhoids

Try as you might to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine, there are other factors such as age and heredity that may predispose you to developing a hemorrhoid. Under normal circumstance, hemorrhoids will shrink on their own with a little extra effort to reduce strain on the sensitive tissue. If its not too painful, continue your exercise routine to keep your circulation and your bowels moving. If, however, your hemorrhoids make exercise unbearable, daily stretching can help to relieve pressure on the anus and stimulate digestion.

If hemorrhoids are present, it's also important to keep the anal area clean to prevent irritation to the sensitive tissue. And try taking a warm sitz bath for ten to fifteen minutes, two to three times a day to reduce swelling and ease the pain associated with hemorrhoids. Do not use aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen as they can cause hemorrhoids to bleed more.

[HealthFreak]

Thank you, keep the prevention articles coming, there are other people like me that are going to greatly benefit from this.

Health Freak

[ghchealth]

Please remember to check out our site for daily medical updates and also read through our articles about hemorrhoids, we try to keep our website updated to better serve you!

[ghchealth]

The Sitz bath is another popular way to help prevent hemorrhoids, below is an article about what you should do to prevent them. Read carefully.



Hemorrhoids and the Sitz Bath

By: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN and Brandon Miller


Hemorrhoids are a common yet painful ailment that affect millions of Americans each year. They are swollen veins in the rectal area that bulge either in the anal canal (interior hemorrhoids) or under the skin around the anus (exterior hemorrhoids.) They develop when excessive pressure or strain is placed on the veins forcing them to stretch and swell until they can no longer be support by the surrounding tissue. Symptoms of hemorrhoids include bloody stools, pain, and itching. A sitz bath can be extremely useful in alleviating the symptoms of hemorrhoids and keeping the anal area clean.

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

Constipation and diarrhea are common causes of hemorrhoids as the strain of a forced or explosive bowel movement exerts tremendous pressure on the delicate rectal veins. Poor diet, lack of exercise, and physical stresses also contribute to the development of hemorrhoids. Other factors include weight, hormonal changes, pregnancy, child birth, and certain medications.

How To Avoid Hemorrhoids

The best way to avoid hemorrhoids is to avoid the constipation or diarrhea that may cause them. Increased fiber and water consumption in the diet helps to bulk up and soften stools, making them easier to pass. Exercise also helps promote regularity as it stimulates the digestive muscles and moves waste through the body more quickly.

Caring For Hemorrhoids: The Sitz Bath

Hemorrhoids can be extremely painful and irritating. The sensitive tissue is inflamed and itchy, yet even the slightest touch will further aggravate the area. It's very important to keep hemorrhoids clean to lessen irritation in the area. Try to gently wash the area clean by patting with a warm wet cloth or baby wipe. A premoistened towelette such as Tucks may also be helpful. But do not rub the area even to alleviate itching, as this will further inflame the tissues. If the hemorrhoids have become too painful to touch, try gently cleaning the area while sitting in a sitz bath.

From the German word, "to sit" a sitz bath is time honored maneuver that simply requires a tub and hot water. It is unclear why exactly the hot water provides such therapy in the relief of hemorrhoids, but the relief is evident regardless. A sitz bath can help to reduce the swelling and ease the pain and itching of hemorrhoids.

Many pharmacies and discount stores sell specialized sitz baths, which are simply plastic seats that fit on an opened toilet. But a regular tub would work just as well. The key is to submerge the affected area in water that is just a little bit hotter than your usual bath water. Do not add any perfumes, bubbles, oils beads, or salts to the water as these may irritate the hemorrhoids. And avoid using soap products to clean the anus. Some people add Epsom salts to the bath water, but there is no proven clinical basis for this. To modify the procedure, you can add a large flat rock to the water to bring the hot water to a higher level and help the water retain heat.

You can remain in the sitz bath for 10-15 minutes each time, once or twice a day. However, in order to avoid cumulative injury to the skin, this treatment should not be used for longer than one week. If hemorrhoids are still present and bothersome at this time, it may be best to seek medical treatment.

Caring for Hemorrhoids: After The Sitz Bath

After the sitz bath is over, it is important to gently pat the heated anus dry with a soft, absorbent towel or cloth. Apply an ample amount of baby powder to keep the area dry and allow the inflamed tissues to move freely amongst one another. If necessary, apply a conventional or herbal hemorrhoidal preparation to the affected area (aloe vera gel, bayberry, goldenseal root, myrrh, and white oak are just a few of the herbal treatments that can be used for hemorrhoids). And then do your best to leave the area alone to heal.

Rectal Bleeding and the Sitz Bath

Hemorrhoids are often accompanied by rectal bleeding in the form of bright red blood in the stools or on the toilet paper. Rectal bleeding should always be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out other more serious disorders such as colon cancer, rectal cancer or Crohn's disease. There is no cause for alarm, as long as your health care provider has confirmed that hemorrhoids are the cause of rectal bleeding. However, you should be especially vigilant about anal hygiene if you are experiencing rectal bleeding so as to avoid an infection in the anal area. A sitz bath can be a useful way to help clean hemorrhoids and the anus with less pain and irritation than dry toilet paper or moistened towelettes. Use a warm cloth to gently pat the area clean right before exiting the sitz bath to avoid spreading fecal matter into the water.
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[BLandholt]

Thank you for your very informative posts about hemorrhoids prevention, i have bad constipation, could you post something that deals with that and hemorrhoids? Hopefully i'm not that much trouble.

[ghchealth]

Here is the article that you inquired about, we here at HR LLC hope that it finds you in better health, if you need anymore advice, please feel free to email me at ( Support@hemorrhoids-healing.com) Thank you and take care.

Site Admin.

Avoid Constipation to Prevent Hemorrhoids

By: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN and Brandon Miller

Constipation and Hemorrhoids

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal complaint. It occurs when the body’s waste moves too slowly through the colon. Normally, it is the colon’s job to reabsorb waste from food residue. But if feces remain in the colon for an extended period of time, more water than normal is removed and the result is hard waste that is very difficult to pass. Chronic constipation can in turn lead to diarrhea and hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are varicose veins that develop in the anal area due to excessive pressure in the pelvic and rectal area. This pressure forces the surrounding tissue to swell and stretch. Straining to pass hard and dry stools associated with constipation is one of the leading causes of hemorrhoids. By avoiding constipation, and improving your digestive functioning, you can greatly reduce your chances of developing hemorrhoids. Bowel habits, physical stresses, and other conditions increase the risk of developing hemorrhoids or can make existing hemorrhoids worse. Some of these factors can be prevented; some cannot.

Causes of Constipation

Most constipation is caused by life-style, meaning that there is no particular disease at work. Poor diet, lack of exercise, hormonal changes (menopause, pregnancy, etc.) and certain medications are the common culprits. Anal sores such as fissures and hemorrhoids can also lead to constipation, as the sufferer will ignore the urge to have a bowel movement. Simple dietary and life style changes can decrease the incidence of constipation as well as subsequent hemorrhoids.

Preventing Hemorrhoids

The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is to establish healthy bowel habits. Maintaining a healthy digestive system will also prevent the constipation and diarrhea that often aggravate or cause hemorrhoids in the first place.


Avoiding Constipation and Hemorrhoids

There are several things that sufferers can do to minimize the instance of both constipation and hemorrhoids.

Increase water consumption- Increasing the amount of liquid in the body will increase the weight of stools. This in turn will help alleviate both constipation and subsequent hemorrhoids.

Add fiber to the diet- Fiber helps to keep stools soft. Softer stools are easier to pass and will not aggravate or cause the hemorrhoids that are often associated with constipation.

Eat regular meals- Filling up at regular intervals allows the body to adjust to a daily schedule and promoted healthy bowel function. Regular bowel movements will reduce the incidence of hemorrhoids.

Exercise daily- Exercise stimulates digestive muscles and hastens the passage of food through the digestive system. Waste that does not sit for extended periods in the colon will not become hard and dry and will be easier to pass. Daily exercise also helps to prevent hemorrhoids and diarrhea.

Obey nature- Ignoring the urge to go to the bathroom allows more water to be absorbed from the stool, creating hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. Avoid straining on the toilet as this can lead to anal sores such as fissures and hemorrhoids. Instead, relax and allow enough time to complete the bowel movement.

Reduce stress- Stress can slow digestion. Practice reducing stress and promoting relaxation to avoid constipation, diarrhea, and hemorrhoids.

Treatment of Constipation For Hemorrhoid Sufferers

Chronic constipation can lead to further disorders such as anal fissures and hemorrhoids. Most health care providers do not recommend laxatives for constipation. Laxatives set the body up for a harsh cycle of constipation-diarrhea-constipation. This strain to the body will increase the sufferer’s chances of developing hemorrhoids. Laxatives can also be habit forming. If used too often, the colon will begin to rely on them to expel feces. In addition, the bloating, gas and explosive bowel movements caused by many laxatives can cause hemorrhoids.

If a laxative is necessary, try to choose one with an osmotic agent such as sorbitol or lactulose. These products draw water from surrounding tissues into the colon to increase the weight of stools. They are gentler to the system than stimulant or lubricant laxatives. However, any laxative is prone to causing bloating and gas. Be careful to avoid any straining that can lead to hemorrhoids.

Natural Remedies of Constipation for Hemorrhoid Sufferers

There are many natural remedies of constipation that will not aggravate or cause hemorrhoids. Constipation, like diarrhea and hemorrhoids, is the result of an imbalance in the digestive system. In addition to following the steps mentioned above to prevent constipation and hemorrhoids, there are many natural products and supplements that can improve digestive functioning.

Vitamin B Complex- Vitamin B is a necessary component in digestion. Improved digestive functioning will reduce the incidence of constipation, diarrhea, and hemorrhoids.

Potassium- Deficiencies of this vitamin can lead to constipation.

Flaxseed Oil- Flaxseed oil softens the stools to ease constipation and hemorrhoids

Fiber supplements- Adding fiber to the diet is another way to soften the stools to ease both constipation and hemorrhoids. Be careful to add fiber supplements to your diet gradually to avoid gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

Relieving Existing Hemorrhoids

If hemorrhoids are already present, this can further exacerbate constipation, as you may wish to avoid the pain of a bowel movement. Soaking in a warm tub for 10-15 minutes will relieve some of the pain and swelling associated with hemorrhoids. Avoid rough, dry toilet paper as this will only irritate hemorrhoids. Instead, clean the anal area with a warm wet washcloth or baby wipe. Also, stay away from soap and toilet paper that may contain perfume or dye as this may irritate hemorrhoids.

[ghchealth]

here is another article which you all should find pretty interesing read it carefully one of the leading reasons for hemorrhoids is bad anal hygiene. Tell me what you think.

Site Admin.


Anal Hygiene and Hemorrhoids

By: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN and Brandon Miller


The rectal area is not one that we usually associate with exceptional cleanliness. The colon, anus, and rectum are literally swimming with bacteria. And for all of the waste and fecal matter that pass by this area, we often leave the cleaning to a mere swipe with dry toilet paper. But anal hygiene is important to prevent illness and infection. And anal hygiene is critical when hemorrhoids are present. Not only is the chance of infection greater, but there is also an increase in irritation to the sensitive tissue when fecal debris is not cleaned properly.


Where Do Hemorrhoids Come From?


Hemorrhoids are basically varicose veins of the rectal area. Normally, blood fills the tissue that surrounds the anus in order to control bowel movements. Excessive straining due to constipation or other factors causes the veins within the anal tissues to swell and stretch. When the anal tissues can no longer support these swollen veins, hemorrhoids develop. Hemorrhoids can be either inside the anal canal (interior hemorrhoids) or under the skin surrounding the anus (exterior hemorrhoids.) Although they can be quite annoying, they are actually rather common. Half of all Americans over fifty years of age have hemorrhoids.


Hemorrhoids are caused by activities that put too much pressure on the blood vessels in the rectal area. Straining during bowel movements, heavy lifting, lack of exercise, and prolonged periods of sitting or standing are common causes of hemorrhoids. Pregnant women are especially prone to hemorrhoids due to the hormonal changes in the body, and the increase in blood volume that occurs as the baby develops. The symptoms of hemorrhoids include rectal bleeding, soreness, and itching.


Caring For Hemorrhoids


There are several lifestyle changes that can be made to help alleviate the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Avoiding constipation is essential, as straining during bowel movements will only further aggravate the sensitive tissue. Increasing fiber and water consumption helps to soften and bulk up stools, making them easier to pass. Exercise is also important as it stimulates the digestive muscles and moves waste through the system more quickly. And anal hygiene is extremely important in decreasing the level of irritation in the rectal area.


How Can Anal Hygiene Help Alleviate Hemorrhoids?


It is very important to keep hemorrhoids and the anal area clean. However, this may be easier said than done due to the pain, itching and discomfort of hemorrhoids. Try to remember that the goal is not to wipe the area clean but rather, to wash it clean. And although the hemorrhoids may itch terribly, it is vital that you do not scratch or rub the area. Scratching a hemorrhoid may provide relief from the itching for a few seconds. But it will ensure further tissue inflammation and symptoms for days.

The key to washing rectum is to gently pat the anal area with a warm, wet cloth or a baby wipe. It is not necessary to apply harsh soaps directly to the area and it is especially unwise to use any soap that contains either perfume or dye. Avoid rubbing the anal area. It may be easiest to gently rinse the anus in the shower or with a bidet. Once the area is clean, gently pat the anal area with a soft, absorbent towel or cloth. Apply an ample amount of baby powder to keep the area dry and allow the inflamed tissues to move freely amongst one another.


The anal area can be especially sensitive to dyes and perfumes, especially when hemorrhoids are present. Avoid toilet paper that contains dyes and perfumes, and stay away from paper that is very rough to the touch. Premoistened towelettes (such as Tucks) may be useful for cleaning the anal area between bowel movements.


Anal Hygiene for Exterior Hemorrhoids

Exterior hemorrhoids usually do not need any special treatment unless they burst and become thrombosed. A thrombosed or clotted hemorrhoid forms an extremely painful lump in the anal area, making anal hygiene very difficult. If the area is too sensitive to touch, try a warm sitz bath to help keep the hemorrhoids clean and to alleviate the pain and swelling in the area.

It is possible for the skin covering the lump to break open, causing rectal bleeding and intense pain. Be especially vigilant about anal hygiene if this happens, as the area is susceptible to infection. See your health care provider if the rectal bleeding does not appear to be linked to the hemorrhoid, or if does not lessen within a few days.

The lump of a clotted hemorrhoid will generally recede within a week. But, after the clot from a thrombosed hemorrhoid recedes or is removed, the skin covering the hemorrhoid may remain stretched out of shape, forming a skin tag. Skin tags can also become swollen and tender and it may be particularly difficult to clean around them. Your health care professional may remove the skin tag if problems arise with skin irritation, itching and burning.