Best Ways To Help Hemorrhoids

Easy Ways To Add Fiber

The tips below offer some simple ways to add more high-fiber foods to your meals.

• Start your day with a high-fiber breakfast. Eat a wheat bran cereal along with a sliced banana. Or, try peanut butter on whole-wheat toast.

• Eat carrot sticks for snacks. Theyre easy to prepare, taste great, and are low in calories.

• Use whole-grain breads instead of white bread for sandwiches.

• Eat fruits for treats. Try an apple and some raisins instead of a candy bar.

Don’t Make Things Worse

Bump up the fiber. It softens your stools and makes them move through your body more easily. You’ll find it in beans, whole-grain breads and cereals, and fresh fruits and veggies. You may also want to try a supplement if you can’t get enough from foods. Add fiber slowly to help avoid gas and bloating.

Drink lots of fluids. Stay well hydrated to keep stools soft so they’re easier to pass. Water is the best choice. Drink plenty throughout the day. Prune juice is a natural laxative and can help you go.

Exercise regularly. Even brisk walking 20-30 minutes every day can help keep you from getting stopped up.

Breathe! Keep the air moving in and out when you’re working hard. It’s common to hold your breath as you’re pushing, pulling, or making an effort — and that can lead to hemorrhoid pain and bleeding.

Use a pillow. Sit on a cushion instead of a hard surface. It will ease swelling for any hemorrhoids you have. It may also help prevent new ones from forming.

Take breaks. If you must sit for a long time, get up every hour and move around for at least 5 minutes.

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How Can I Prevent Hemorrhoids

Lifestyle and dietary changes are the best way to prevent hemorrhoids. Staying physically active and eating a nutritious, balanced diet help keep your bowel movements regular.

Eat lots of high fiber foods and drink plenty of water to keep the digestive process moving correctly and prevent constipation. Regular exercise and avoiding sitting for long periods of time can also help prevent hemorrhoids.

The most effective way to avoid constipation is to go to the bathroom when you first feel the urge. Delaying a bowel movement allows the bowel to reabsorb water from the stool. This makes stool harder when you finally do go.

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Easy Ways To Prevent Hemorrhoids

There are a number of easy, healthy ways to incorporate more fiber into your diet. Fiber-filled foods include fruits such as berries, avocados, and pears . Broccoli, artichokes, and Brussels sprouts are among the vegetables that can up your fiber intake. Whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and oatmeal, are also an important source. Legumes, including lentils, various beans, and green peas, are a great way to get fiber. Nuts and seeds make for a great fiber-filled snack, too.

If youâre having trouble getting enough fiber in your regular diet, consider a fiber supplement.

If you experience chronic constipation and suspect that may be contributing to your hemorrhoids, avoid eating too many foods that contain little or no fiber, such as cheese and fast and processed foods.

Drink plenty of water and other fluids. Recommendations for daily water intake vary and depend on the individual, but the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies has set adequate intake levels at 2.7 liters for men and approximately 3.7 liters for women. This can come from beverages and food, but caffeinated beverages and alcohol can be dehydrating and should not be counted in reaching this intake goal.

Exercise regularly. Exercise, especially 20 to 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a day, can help keep bowel movements regular. And regular exercise may help you lose weight, which may be contributing to the formation of hemorrhoids.

Other tips for preventing hemorrhoids include:

Stay Comfortable During The Day To Sleep Well At Night

It is said that most people experience the worst hemorrhoids pains at night. It is also a fact that cortisol, the hormonal anti-inflammatory levels are low at night. When you sleep, immobility can cause hardening of muscles and joints which can persist for a few hours and cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Therefore, stay comfortable during the day to sleep well at night.

Symptoms of piles vary depending on their type. A prolonged sitting position in one place can cause extreme discomfort. If you have internal or external hemorrhoids, for immediate relief of pain, doctors may recommend applying ointment for hemorrhoids at night. It can be over-the-counter drugs, witch hazel or any numbing cream to relieve pain and itching.

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Beans Lentils And Nuts

You’ll get a lot of bang for your bite with the legume family. Just 1/2 cup of beans — such as kidney, navy, lima, or black beans — will cover about a third of your daily goal. It will have between 7 and 10 grams of fiber , depending on which variety you choose.

About 20 almonds or pecans have around 3 grams of fiber. A 1/2 cup of edamame does, too, and it only has about half the calories.

Instead of using just meat in chili and soups, add or substitute beans. You can also use beans and nuts in salads. Try Indian and Middle Eastern recipes, which often call for beans, lentils, and peas.

Best Ways To Sit With Hemorrhoids

First things first, it is possible to sit while recovering from hemorrhoids. Its just a matter of finding a position that doesnt exacerbate your condition. So, what is the best way to sit with hemorrhoids? Weve compiled a quick list of medically reviewed sitting positions that promote healing and comfort during hemorrhoid flare-ups. Lets take a look at how to sit with hemorrhoids. Here are the six best ways to sit with hemorrhoids.

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How To Get Rid Of External Hemorrhoids Fast

This article was medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 241,224 times.

How To Get Rid Of External Hemorrhoids Without Surgery

After identifying the hemorrhoids, you can rid them through at-home remedies, which eliminate them naturally.

You can either have a warm bath or relax in a bathtub with a few spoons of Epsom salt. Besides, you can apply a warm compress for around 10 to 15minutes. To shrink the size, you can use a cotton pad soaked in an astringent.

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Consider Having A Clot Removed

External hemorrhoids can result in extremely painful blood clots, and while theyre not dangerous, they can take a couple of weeks to resolve on their own. If yours scores high on your personal pain scale, a doctor can remove a thrombosed hemorrhoid with a relatively simple in-office procedure under local anesthetic in about 10 minutes. Keep in mind: The first 24 to 48 hours are typically the most painfuland the best time to have a clot removed, says Dr. Ky.

Gradually Increase Your Fiber Intake

Most of us dont get in enough fiber everyday, but adding more high-fiber foods like beans, broccoli, whole grains, and fresh fruit to your diet can help you avoid constipation and stay regular. This in turn reduces the chances that youll find yourself straining and further irritating your hemorrhoids, says Dr. Thomas. Aim for 20 to 30 grams of fiber a day, and consider taking a fiber supplement that contains psyllium or methylcellulose to help you hit your daily goal. If youre typically low on fiber-rich foods, though, take your timesuddenly upping your intake may make you gassy.

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Procedures For Hemorrhoids Treatment

Some hemorrhoids can’t be managed with conservative treatments alone, either because symptoms persist or because an internal hemorrhoid has prolapsed. Fortunately, a number of minimally invasive hemorrhoid treatments are available that are less painful than traditional hemorrhoid removal and allow a quicker recovery. These procedures are generally performed in a surgeon’s office or as outpatient surgery in a hospital.

Band it. The most commonly used hemorrhoid treatment in the United States is rubber band ligation, in which a small elastic band is placed around the base of a hemorrhoid . The band causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and the surrounding tissue to scar as it heals, holding the hemorrhoid in place. It takes two to four procedures, done six to eight weeks apart, to completely eliminate the hemorrhoid. Complications, which are rare, include mild pain or tightness , bleeding, and infection. Other office procedures include laser or infrared coagulation, sclerotherapy, and cryosurgery. They all work on the same principle as rubber band ligation but are not quite as effective in preventing recurrence. Side effects and recurrence vary with the procedure, so consult your physician about what’s best for your situation.

Image: LuisPortugal/Getty Images

If You Are Experiencing Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids

If you are experiencing hemorrhoid symptoms, it is important to seek treatment right away. While hemorrhoids often go away on their own, there are a number of treatments available that can help reduce symptoms and speed up the healing process. Some of the most effective treatments for hemorrhoids include warm baths, topical medications, and hemorrhoid surgery.

Warm baths are a great way to soothe hemorrhoid symptoms. Add some Epsom salt or baking soda to the water to help reduce inflammation. You can also apply a cold compress to the area for relief from pain and swelling.

Topical medications can also be effective in treating hemorrhoids. There are a variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications available that can help relieve symptoms.

If hemorrhoids are causing significant pain and discomfort, hemorrhoid surgery may be the best option. Hemorrhoid surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can quickly remove the hemorrhoids and help you return to your normal activities.

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Ways To Treat Hemorrhoids At Home

Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***.

Hemorrhoids are a very common condition especially in America where half the population will experience them by the time they turn 50. So exactly what are hemorrhoids? They are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum, and while they affect men and women, men have an increased risk of developing them.

Hemorrhoids are painful and irritating, and they can make everyday life quite uncomfortable. How long a hemorrhoid takes to heal on its own depends on a few different factors.Thankfully, there are a number of hemorrhoids home remedies you can use to treat them naturally.

Managing The Pain From Hemorrhoids

As many of you know, hemorrhoids can be very painful. In most cases, common over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken to relieve the pain associated with hemorrhoids. Ibuprofen also has a benefit of being an anti-inflammatory drug, which can help reduce swelling. As always, one should use caution with both of these drugs, as taking too much can have damaging effects on your health. If your pain is too severe to be managed by recommended doses of these pain killers, talk to your doctor.

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Cold Compresses Or Ice Packs

Sitting on a cold compress or ice pack when hemorrhoids feel irritated can help reduce the swelling and numb irritation. Wrap the cold or ice pack in a towel and place it in the area with the hemorrhoid underneath you. Keep it there for up the 15 minutes and repeat hourly to maintain the relief it provides.

When To See A Doctor About Hemorrhoids

Most hemorrhoids can be treated successfully at home. But if youâre having any of the following symptoms, you should call your doctor for an assessment:

• Bleeding from the rectum
• Change in bowel habits, such as a feeling like you canât empty your bowels
• Prolapsed hemorrhoid
• Severe pain or swelling

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When Hemorrhoid Surgery May Be Necessary

Very few people fewer than 10 percent of all adults who see a doctor because of symptomatic hemorrhoids will require a surgical operation.

Surgery to remove hemorrhoids is called a hemorrhoidectomy.

Your doctor may recommend a hemorrhoidectomy if:

• You have large external hemorrhoids
• You have both internal and external hemorrhoids
• An internal hemorrhoid has prolapsed
• You have excessive bleeding

In a hemorrhoidectomy, the doctor makes a small incision to remove the hemorrhoid and surrounding tissue before closing the wound with stitches.

A hemorrhoidectomy is performed in an operating room and can be done under general anesthesia, in which you are unconscious and unable to feel pain.

Hemorrhoidectomy is associated with postoperative pain, but the procedure is successful for 95 percent of cases.

More recently, another option aimed at avoiding the postoperative pain of a hemorrhoidectomy has become available, called a stapled hemorrhoidopexy. A circular stapling device pulls the hemorrhoidal tissue upward and to its normal position, stapling it in place. The staples eventually fall out over time.

According to a study published in the journal Techniques in Coloproctology, in the long term, patient satisfaction, resolution of symptoms, quality of life, and functional outcome appeared similar among patients after stapled hemorrhoidopexy and hemorrhoidectomy. But other sources note that stapling has been associated with a greater risk of recurrence and rectal prolapse.

Keeping Yourself Comfortable During The Day

Though hemorrhoid symptoms vary depending on the location and type, if you have external hemorrhoids, a thrombosed hemorrhoid , or a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid , simple things like sitting at your desk at work can cause extreme discomfort. For immediate pain relief, we recommend oral pain relievers or topical treatments such as an over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream or witch hazel. We may also prescribe a numbing cream to ease your pain.

To reduce irritation, you should wear clean, cotton underwear and loose-fitted clothing to help keep the area dry. Moisture may lead to itching and irritation. If you find it too difficult to sit in your office chair, you may want to invest in a donut cushion to ease the pressure on your backside.

At home, soak in a warm sitz bath for 1015 minutes a few times a day to relieve itching, muscle spasms, and pain. You can find a sitz bath tub at your local pharmacy that fits over your toilet to make the process easier.

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How Is A Prolapsed Hemorrhoid Diagnosed

A prolapsed hemorrhoid may be easily visible during a doctors examination. They may also perform a digital exam.

Internal hemorrhoids are graded based on the degree of prolapse:

You may not need treatment from a doctor. There are several things you can do at home to relieve symptoms while the hemorrhoids swelling subsides:

• Try over-the-counter hemorrhoid products, such as topical ointments or suppositories that contain hydrocortisone.
• Eat more high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, that can soften stool and ease straining during bowel movements.
• Soak in a warm bath for 10 or 15 minutes.
• Use a moist towelette or a similar damp wipe after a bowel movement, but make sure it doesnt contain alcohol or perfumes.
• Use ice packs around the hemorrhoid to reduce swelling.

If home care doesnt work and the hemorrhoid is bleeding or painful, a few treatment options are available. Treatment will depend on the type and grade of the prolapsed hemorrhoid.

Treatment options for prolapsed hemorrhoids are generally the same as treatments for other types of hemorrhoids.

Fewer than 10 percent of all hemorrhoid cases are treated surgically. Instead, your doctor will first consider less invasive treatments for prolapsed hemorrhoids.

Try A Drugstore Product

Look for hemorrhoid creams and suppositories that contain hydrocortisone, a medicine that helps reduce swelling, itching, and burning. Wipes and pads containing witch hazel might help reduce discomfort, especially following bowel movement. Using moist wipes can also avoid irritation caused by regular toilet paper.

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What Not To Eat

Foods with little fiber can cause or make constipation worse, so it’s best to limit how much you eat of them.

• White bread and bagels
• Milk, cheese, and other dairy
• Processed foods such as frozen meals and fast food

Watch the amount of salt you eat. It can lead to your body hanging on to water, which puts more pressure on your blood vessels. That includes the veins in your bottom that cause hemorrhoids.

Iron supplements can cause constipation and other digestive problems, so talk to your doctor before you take them.

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Nutrition And Dietary Supplements

• Psyllium and other forms of fiber may help soften stool and reduce the pain associated with hemorrhoids. Increase fiber intake to 25 to 30 grams per day, and drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day. People with inflammatory bowel disease should check with their doctor to see if psyllium is appropriate for their condition.
• Probiotics , or âfriendlyâ bacteria, such as lactobacillus and bifidus, can help prevent and treat hemorrhoids. People who are extremely immunocompromised should speak to their physician before taking probiotics.
• Drinking more water can greatly decrease constipation and straining during bowel movements, which can help prevent hemorrhoids.

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