Sit Down Again Monthly
February, 2007
Information on hemorrhoids, treatments, symptoms, and more.
Hemorrhoid Relief
By: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectal area that cause pain, itching, redness, inflammation, and bleeding. There are extremely prevalent in the United States, affecting nearly a third of the population. And despite their annoying nature, they can usually be treated at home with little or no cost to the sufferer. If you have a mild to moderate case of hemorrhoids and would like to try caring for them without costly intervention, read on to learn about all of the free and cheap hemorrhoid relief options that are available.
Hemorrhoid Relief - Dietary Changes
First and foremost, hemorrhoid sufferers need to avoid constipation and diarrhea in order to prevent further aggravation to the affected area. A diet rich in complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber (especially insoluble fiber) is essential for healthy digestion and hemorrhoid relief. Fiber helps to bulk up stools and stimulate bowel contractions to ease elimination. Insoluble fiber is broken down slowly by intestinal bacteria and it aids in bowel function. 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 meals throughout the day. Eating regularly promotes healthy bowel functioning.
Hemorrhoid relief can be acheived by increasing water consumption. Water helps to soften stools and move waste through the system. And vitamin C, calcium, potassium, zinc, vitamin E, anthocyanins, vitamin B complex and flavanoids have all proven beneficial for hemorrhoid relief. Avoid fats, animal products, coffee, hot spices, and alcohol, which can be hard on the digestive system.
Exercise for Hemorrhoid Relief
Daily exercise is another good way to stimulate the digestive muscles and prevent constipation and diarrhea. Exercise also helps to improve circulation and alleviate pressure on the rectal veins that may aggravate hemorrhoids.
Anal Hygiene for Hemorrhoid Relief
It is very important to keep hemorrhoids and the anal area clean. However, 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. Instead, gently pat the anal area with a warm, wet cloth or a baby wipe. Once the area is clean, apply an ample amount of baby powder to keep the area dry and allow the inflamed tissues to move freely amongst one another.
Hemorrhoid Relief : A warm sitz bath can also help to wash the anal area and provide tremendous relief from hemorrhoids. From the German word meaning, "to sit," a sitz bath is literally the process of sitting in a tub of warm water. A regular bathtub can be used or one can purchase an inexpensive sitz bath at any drug or department stores. Regardless of what type of tub is used, the key element to a sitz bath is hot water. Try to use water that is just a little bit hotter than what you would normally bathe in. The therapeutic benefits of a sitz bath are felt almost immediately for hemorrhoid sufferers. However, in order to avoid injury to the skin, you should limit your time in the water to twenty-thirty minutes no more than four times a day.
Hemorrhoid Relief by Sitting Comfortably
It can be difficult to sit comfortably when suffering from a hemorrhoid. Try to avoid sitting on hard surfaces. Also, old-fashioned donut-shaped cushions can actually aggravate hemorrhoidal blood vessels by increasing the pressure in the anal area. Use an ordinary, soft cushion to relieve discomfort.
Hemorrhoid Relief Using Herbs
There are several herbs that can be used for the relief of hemorrhoids and hemorrhoidal pain. I recommend the product Hematrex. Aloe vera gel can be applied directly to skin to relieve the pain and burning of hemorrhoids. Bayberry, goldenseal root, myrrh, and white oak are similar to conventional hemorrhoid salve preparations. Powdered comfrey root can be made into a paste and used in a poultice to heal rectal bleeding caused by hemorrhoids. (It's important to note that comfrey should be used for external use only.) Elderberry poultice and mullein poultice can also be used to treat hemorrhoid pain. Lady's mantle can be brewed into a strong, warm tea and applied directly to hemorrhoids several times a day. Witch hazel is an effective astringent and can be applied to the hemorrhoid up to three times daily, to shrink the swollen tissue. Other herbs that can be used to relieve hemorrhoids include buckthorn bark, collinsonia root, parsley, red grape vine leaves, and stone root. These herbs can be taken in capsule or tea form.