Hemorrhoids and Constipation

By: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN
updated on 06/06/2006 at 01:15PM

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. The product Oxy-Powder is the best constipation treatment I have found.

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 are associated with hemorrhoids and constipation. One of the leading causes of hemorrhoids is constipation. By avoiding constipation, and improving your digestive functioning, you can greatly reduce your chances of developing constipation and hemorrhoids. Bowel habits, physical stresses, and other conditions increase the risk of constipation and hemorrhoids or can make existing hemorrhoids worse. Some of these factors can be prevented; some cannot.

Causes of Hemorrhoids and Constipation

Most hemorrhoids and constipationare 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 can also lead to constipation and hemorrhoids, as the sufferer will ignore the urge to have a bowel movement. Simple dietary and life style changes can decrease the incidence of hemorrhoids and constipation.

Preventing Hemorrhoids and Constipation

The best way to prevent hemorrhoids and constipationis 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. Eat a high fiber diet, more fresh fruits, drink at least 1/2 your body weight in water each day and go to the bathroom the first time you feel the urge.

Avoiding Hemorrhoids and Constipation

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

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 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 and constipation.
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 constipation.
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 hemorrhoids and constipation.

Hemorrhoids and Constipation Treatment

Chronic constipation can lead to further disorders such as anal fissures, colon cancer and hemorrhoids. Most health care providers do not recommend laxatives for constipation and hemorrhoids. 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.

Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids and Constipation

There are many natural remedies of hemorrhoids and constipation. 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. Oxy-Powder works the best.

Vitamin B Complex - Vitamin B is a necessary component in digestion. Improved digestive functioning will reduce the incidence of constipation.
Potassium - Deficiencies of this vitamin can lead to hemorrhoids and constipation.
Flaxseed Oil - Flaxseed oil softens the stools to ease constipation.
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 and Constipation

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. Hematrex and Oxy-Powder are my choices for hemorrhoids and constipation.