Hemorrhoids Prevention
Hemorrhoids are a common condition that affects millions of Americans. Nearly everyone will experience a hemorrhoid at some point, but the incidence increases after age thirty. In fact, half of all adults of fifty years of age will develop hemorrhoids. They may go unnoticed, but more likely they are accompanied by pain, itching, discomfort and bleeding. In order to prevent hemorrhoids, it's important to understand what causes them in the first place.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectal area that develop when excessive pressure is placed on the anus. The increase in pressure causes the veins in the pelvis and rectal area to swell and stretch. Persistent pressure also weakens the tissues that support the veins in the anal area. And if those tissues become so weak that they can no longer hold the veins in place, the swollen veins will bulge into the anal canal (internal hemorrhoids,) or under the skin surrounding the anal opening (external hemorrhoids.)
Poor diet, lack of exercise, and physical stress all increase the risk of developing hemorrhoids or aggravating existing hemorrhoids. Some of these factors can be easily prevented to minimize your chances of experiencing hemorrhoids. Some cannot.
Preventing Hemorrhoids with Diet
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 improving your diet, will improve digestion and lessen the incidence of these conditions.
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 and helps prevent hemorrhoids.
Exercise for Preventing 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. 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 of hemorrhoids.
Women can also practice Kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles of the vaginal wall and improve circulation in the anal and vaginal area. 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.
Physical Stress
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. Also, 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. Bend you knees and avoid holding your breath when lifting. Instead, breather evenly, exhaling as you lift the object.
Causes of Hemorrhoids That Cannot Be Prevented
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Family History: You may inherit a family tendency to develop hemorrhoids. Unfortunately, there is little you can do to avoid this tendency.
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Age: You can't escape your age. And as you get older, your chances of developing hemorrhoids increases. Half of all adults over fifty years of age seek treatment for hemorrhoids.
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Pregnancy and child birth: The possibility of developing hemorrhoids is certainly no reason to avoid pregnancy. And as if you won't have enough going on in your body during this time, hemorrhoids will likely be another unpleasant side-effect. As the fetus grows, blood volume and pressure on pelvic blood vessels increases. This increased pressure combined with constipation that also accompanies pregnancy sets up the perfect environment for hemorrhoids. The strain of labor and delivery can also cause or aggravate hemorrhoids.
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Liver and Heart Disease: These two conditions may cause blood to pool up in the pelvic and rectal area, increasing the pressure in this area and increasing the likelihood of developing hemorrhoids.
Herbal Remedies to Prevent Hemorrhoids
Hematrex contains a balanced formula of organic herbs to prevent hemorrhoids. Aloe vera gel, witch hazel, and lady's mantle can be used to relieve pain and soothe inflamed hemorrhoids. Bayberry, goldenseal root, myrrh, and white oak can all be made into a salve that works just like traditional preparations. Powdered comfrey root can be made into a paste to stem the bleeding associated with hemorrhoids. Elderberry poultice and mullein poultice can also be used to alleviate the pain associated with hemorrhoids. Other beneficial herbs for preventing hemorrhoids include buckthorn bark, collinsonia root, parsley, red grape vine leaves, and stone root.
