Hemorrhoids, sometimes called piles, are enlarged veins in the anal canal that are caused by a poor diet of processed foods. Processed foods create chronic constipation and straining that adds pressure while having a bowel movement. Hemorrhoids are usually internal and may cause no symptoms. External hemorrhoids are painful and require care.
Caring for Hemorrhoids
- Eat foods that are high in fiber--fresh fruits and vegetables, especially dark green leafy vegetables.
- Drink plenty of pure water to keep stools soft. Water is the best stool softener. Two tablespoons of flax oil per day will also help soften stools while providing essential fatty acids.
- Avoid fats, animal products, coffee and alcohol. Red meat is especially hard on the digestive system.
- A peeled clove of garlic inserted as a suppository after the morning bowel movement will help heal the hemorrhoids and relieve pain. Do this three times per week. If garlic isn't available, raw potato can be used. Carve the potato into small, suppository-shaped pieces.
- Take a good natural multivitamin.
- The herbs butchers broom and horse chestnut are often recommended for hemorrhoids but should not be used without the permission of your healthcare professional because they are contraindicated for many people.
- Avoid straining during bowel movements and don't wait longer than ten minutes for the bowel movement to occur. The straining and waiting causes blood to flow to the hemorrhoids and makes the swelling and pain worse.
- Keep the area clean. Use an enema with cayenne and garlic to clean the bowel. Sit in warm water to clean the anus. Fifteen minutes a day in warm water is good for healing hemorrhoids. You can add Epsom salts but avoid bath oils and harsh soaps.
- Sit on a soft cushion but avoid the donut style that can actually increase pressure on the hemorrhoid.
- Learn proper lifting techniques that reduce anal pressure while lifting. Lift with the legs and not the back. Don't hold the breath but slowly exhale while lifting.
- Get regular exercise.
- Avoid strong laxatives. These actually create a dependency that increases the basic problem. Plenty of water and raw foods are the real answer.
- Use baby wipes or similar products after a bowel movement instead of rough toilet paper that irritates the hemorrhoids.
- A Witchhazel compress (available at drug stores) can relieve pain. If this isn't sufficient, ask your health care professional for advice on pain relievers that are best for you. Ibuprofen and aspirin are usually avoided because they encourage bleeding. Products containing acetaminophen, like Tylenol, can cause liver damage. Aleve (naproxen) can increase the chance of heart disease.
Of course, see your health care professional if you have ongoing bleeding or pain that doesn't respond to home remedies. Anemia and other conditions may be present that should be dealt with by a physician.
Please note: The information in this article is not to be followed as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your physician or primary health practitioner for information regarding your own personal health and necessary treatments.
