The Main Causes Of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids result from inflamed veins in the anus and rectum. This can cause sensitivity, itching, hemorrhoid pain, and bleeding. They also make bowel movements more painful and difficult and may produce mucus discharge.
Certain activities or situations can cause a flare-up to occur. This includes bathroom habits like straining while trying to pass a stool. Doing this may cause rectal veins to swell.
Waiting too long to go to the bathroom can harden your stools and make them more uncomfortable. Be sure to use a comfortable sitting position when going to the bathroom. Don’t stay on the toilet for long periods as this creates extra pressure.
Heavy lifting or an inactive lifestyle may also contribute to hemorrhoids. Sitting for long periods of time puts a strain on your rectal veins. Weight gain is another cause of this condition.
Some people develop hemorrhoids after an illness that causes repetitive constipation or diarrhea. You can even get hemorrhoids from coughing too much or too intensely.
Hemorrhoids often occur in pregnancy for many women as well. This is caused by an increase in weight and pressure on the organs.
An unhealthy diet leads to constipation and other digestive problems. Hemorrhoids can develop from this and symptoms can worsen.
May Ease Symptoms Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that affects your digestive system and can cause stomach pain, cramping, diarrhea, bloating, constipation, and flatulence.
In one study in people with IBS, consuming artichoke leaf extract daily for six weeks helped ease symptoms. Whats more, 96% of participants rated the extract equally as effective as if not better than other IBS treatments, such as antidiarrheals and laxatives .
Another study in 208 people with IBS discovered that 1-2 capsules of artichoke leaf extract, consumed daily for two months, reduced symptoms by 26% and improved quality of life by 20% .
Artichoke extract may relieve symptoms in several ways.
Certain compounds in artichokes have antispasmodic properties. This means that they can help stop muscle spasms common in IBS, balance gut bacteria, and reduce inflammation .
While artichoke extract seems promising for treating IBS symptoms, larger human studies are needed.
Summary Artichoke leaf extract may help treat IBS symptoms by reducing muscle spasms, balancing gut bacteria, and reduce inflammation. However, more research is necessary.
How To Add Acorn Squash To Your Diet
In addition to offering a variety of potential health benefits, acorn squash is delicious and incredibly versatile.
It can be used as a healthy carb source and swapped in for other starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and pumpkin.
Due to its pleasing, slightly nutty flavor, acorn squash makes an excellent addition to sweet and savory dishes alike.
It can be baked or roasted in the oven, as well as cooked in the microwave for a quick side dish.
One of the most popular ways to prepare acorn squash is to cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, drizzle it with olive oil, and then bake the halves in the oven at 400 cut side down until tender for about 3545 minutes.
Acorn squash can also be sliced into thin pieces and roasted, which softens the skin, making it edible. Eating the skin of acorn squash can increase the nutrient density of the vegetable, as the skin is packed with fiber and antioxidants (
Here are some more simple, tasty ways to incorporate acorn squash into your diet:
There are many ways to enjoy acorn squash. Try using this tasty winter squash in place of your go-to starchy vegetables to add more variety to your meals.
Summary
Acorn squash is highly versatile and can be used in place of other starchy vegetables in both sweet and savory recipes.
Acorn squash is rich in nutrients, such as fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.
It also packs many beneficial plant compounds, including carotenoid antioxidants.
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Foods To Eat To Keep Hemorrhoids From Coming Back
If youve had to deal with hemorrhoids, take comfort in knowing there are some things you can do after treatment to keep . Since one of the common causes of hemorrhoids is constipation, a good place to focus your efforts is on the foods you plan to eat. Here are ones youll want to eat more often if you want to keep hemorrhoids from making a return visit.
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Foods To Avoid If You Have Hemorrhoids
If you have hemorrhoids, it is important to avoid certain foods that can make them worse. Some of the foods to avoid include fatty foods, processed foods, and alcohol.
These foods can cause inflammation and pain in the hemorrhoids. You should instead eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to help reduce inflammation. You may also want to try using over-the-counter cream to help relieve symptoms.
If you are experiencing severe pain, swelling, or bleeding, you should see a doctor right away. These could be signs of a more serious problem, such as an infection or hemorrhoid prolapse.
No matter what treatment you choose, it is important to follow up with your doctor to make sure the problem doesnt come back. You should also avoid straining during bowel movements and sitting on the toilet for long periods of time. These things can make your piles worse. So if you have hemorrhoids, diet is key in making sure they dont get any worse!
Foods to avoid:
· Vegetables
· Whole grains Foods to eat if you have hemorrhoids
If you are experiencing hemorrhoids, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to change your diet. Hemorrhoids are often caused by straining to have a bowel movement, sitting on the toilet for a long time, being pregnant, or lifting heavy objects. These things can all be made worse by eating fatty foods, processed foods, or alcohol.
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More Fruits And Veggies
Although they may not contain as much dietary fiber as nuts and seeds or whole grains, they are needed to replace the unhealthy, constipating foods in your diet while supplying you with needed vitamins, minerals, calories and other nutrients.
After all, one has to eat. But eating more natural foods prevents the condition from worsening. Kiwifruit, oranges, grapes, berries, apples, bananas, watermelons, pumpkins, legumes and green leafy vegetables are all rich in both dietary fiber and water and help with hemorrhoids in two ways: first they prevent constipation and, secondly, they help keep the intestines clean and ensure optimal transit time, all key-elements in reducing hemorrhoids discomfort.
Fill Up On Plenty Of Fiber
A hemorrhoids high fiber diet helps to regulate your bowel movements. It increases the amount of water in your stools and also makes your stools more normal and easier to pass. Fiber can reduce symptoms of hemorrhoids and make it less likely that bleeding will occur.
Fiber is also important for keeping you feeling fuller for longer. This means youre less likely to snack on unhealthy foods that can cause digestive issues.
Along with protein, its a key nutrient for those who follow a regular workout routine. Physical activity is another helpful way to avoid hemorrhoids.
Be sure to include both soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet. Soluble fiber makes it easier to dissolve food in water. Insoluble fiber helps bowels to move along through the intestines.
Some of the best food for hemorrhoids includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. Broccoli, apples, black beans, pears, peas, lentils, and bananas are high in fiber. Brussel sprouts, raspberries, brown rice, oatmeal, barley, and prunes are other good choices.
Fruit skins are a great source of insoluble fiber so be sure to leave them on. Taking a fiber supplement can also be helpful for hemorrhoids.
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When To See A Healthcare Provider
See your healthcare provider if:
- You are experiencing rectal bleeding .
- You have new or worsening symptoms.
- You notice more blood than usual.
- Your symptoms persist after one week of home treatment.
- You have questions or concerns.
Seek immediate medical attention if:
- Your anal pain is severe.
- You are losing or have lost a lot of blood.
- Your symptoms are accompanied by abdominal pain, diarrhea, or fever.
- You feel dizzy or faint.
- You think you may be experiencing an emergency.
Remember to slowly increase your fiber intake. Consult with a healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.
Which Food To Eat
1. Whole Grains
Whole grains are nutritional powerhouses. They keep their germ, bran, and endosperm high in fiber and other nutrients.
Whole grains are mainly rich in insoluble fiber. This helps the digestion process, which can help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with piles.
Keep in mind that whole grains include more than just hearty whole-wheat flour and bread. While these are the best options, this category includes barley, corn, spelt, quinoa, brown rice, whole rye, and oats.
Oatmeal is a perfect option to include in your diet when trying to reduce piles symptoms. Whole wheat products contain both soluble and insoluble fibers.
2. Fruits
Fruits like apples, bananas, oranges, and strawberries are simple to add to the grocery cart and are a good source of fiber. Most of the fiber is found in the skins of some fruits so be sure to eat the apple peel too.
Eating fresh fruits daily will reduce your risk of developing or experiencing piles again.
3. Vegetables
Vegetables such as carrots, beans, and broccoli are excellent sources of fiber. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale are also fibrous.
Additionally, vegetables such as peppers, celery, cucumbers, zucchini, cabbage, and lettuce also have high water content, which helps to soften the stool further.
4. Lentils, Nuts, Seeds, and Beans
5. Sprouts
6. Water
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What Treatments Can You Get From Your Doctor
Treating hemorrhoids involves a combination of reducing symptoms and preventing them from coming back. If your hemorrhoids dont respond to at-home treatments and the cause is constipation-related, your doctor may recommend taking laxatives or stool softeners, which make stool easier to pass.
When youre pregnant, its always best to get the go-ahead from your doctor before taking a medication, even if its available over-the-counter.
According to the journal , there havent been many studies about the safety of laxatives in pregnancy. However, because of the way many of the treatments work , doctors usually regard them as safe.
Examples include:
- bulk-forming agents, such as bran and psyllium
- stool softeners, such as docusate sodium
However, its important to be aware of the side effects of any medications you may take. For example, some of the medications can cause lots of fluid losses through your stool. As a result, you may need to up your water intake to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
While there are surgical treatments for hemorrhoids, your doctor wont usually recommend any type of surgical approach while youre pregnant. Ideally, after you have your baby, your hemorrhoid symptoms should improve.
For most expectant moms, some at-home steps can help to reduce hemorrhoids and their symptoms. Some examples include:
Always check with your doctor before upping your exercise routine to ensure you can exercise safely during your pregnancy.
How To Add Them To Your Diet
Preparing and cooking artichokes is not as intimidating as it seems.
They can be steamed, boiled, grilled, roasted, or sautéed. You can also prepare them stuffed or breaded, adding spices and other seasonings for an extra burst of flavor.
Steaming is the most popular cooking method and usually takes 2040 minutes, depending on the size. Alternatively, you can bake artichokes for 40 minutes at 350°F .
Keep in mind that both the leaves and the heart can be eaten.
Once cooked, the outer leaves can be pulled off and dipped in sauce, such as aioli or herb butter. Simply remove the edible flesh from the leaves by pulling them through your teeth.
Once the leaves are removed, carefully spoon out the fuzzy substance called the choke until you reach the heart. You can then scoop out the heart to eat alone or atop pizza or salad.
Summary The edible parts of the artichoke include the outer leaves and heart. Once cooked, artichokes can be eaten hot or cold and served with different dipping sauces.
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May Help Lower Blood Sugar
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One study in 39 overweight adults found that consuming kidney bean and artichoke extract daily for two months lowered fasting blood sugar levels compared to not supplementing .
However, it is unclear how much of this effect was due to the artichoke extract itself.
Another small study indicated that consuming boiled artichoke at a meal reduced blood sugar and insulin levels 30 minutes after eating. Notably, this effect was only seen in healthy adults who did not have metabolic syndrome .
How artichoke extract reduces blood sugar isnt fully understood.
That said, artichoke extract has been shown to slow down the activity of alpha-glucosidase, an enzyme that breaks down starch into glucose, potentially impacting blood sugar .
Keep in mind that more research is needed.
Summary Some evidence suggests that artichokes and artichoke leaf extract may lower blood sugar levels. However, more research is needed.
Excess Of Salt In Foods
As a matter of common observation, you would agree that salt has dehydrating effects. All the dehydrating eatables make stool harder to pass and the salt is no exception. Harder stool passing is nothing but constipation. And this what you would always like avoid.
Excess of salts in food slows down the digestive system, making bowel movements more painful. Just to add to your knowledge, any build-up of salt in the blood can cause bloating, which may make swollen hemorrhoids worse and more sensitive. So the foods with high content of salt could prove to the category of foods that aggravate hemorrhoids.
Cutting on salt and preferring low salt foods though should make a habit of but to cure you hemorrhoids, you need this complete road map to cure hemorrhoids.
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Spicy Foods Of Most Of The Delicacies
Spices are in general, have warming effect and cause burning sensations also inside the stomach. The burning feel of spicy foods is not limited to stomach only. They cause feel of burn in anus and anal canals too. Obviously, this affects the hemorrhoids adversely.
Particularly, red chillies, Ginger, pepper, hot peppers can cause even quiet hemorrhoids to get swollen up & worsening ailment. Most experts recommend you consuming them to the least because they make up the foods to avoid in hemorrhoids.
So What Are The Foods To Avoid In Hemorrhoids To Heal You Faster
Getting confused about the foods that are helpful or harmful in hemorrhoids is easy. If, you do not know which foods have adverse impact on hemorrhoids it can bring perils.
De facto, the foods can either flare up your hemorrhoids or can suppress the same. Yet anothers are there which would make healing impact on your hemorrhoids.
So, here is the list of foods that enrage hemorrhoids and worsen the conditions.
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Foods To Combat Hemorrhoids
Here are some foods that FEAD recommends, to consume daily and reduce the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids.
- 6 servings of farinaceous: in the form of cereals, rice, bread or pasta, preferably whole grains or enriched with wheat bran due to its greater fiber content.
- 3 pieces of fruit: they are recommended whole instead of juiced, since the fiber is mostly found in the pulp and skin. The Spanish Society of Community Pharmacy suggests the consumption of black fruits, such as blackberries, plums or grapes, because they contain flavonoids, which act as protectors of blood vessels.
- 2 servings of vegetables: for example, a plate of cooked vegetables and another of salad, as ingredients in elaborate dishes or as a side dish.
- Foods that enhance bile secretion: the liver secretes bile to aid digestion in the intestine and has a laxative effect. Eggplant, artichokes and orange juice are also recommended.
- Legumes: consume between 4 and 5 servings of legumes weekly: one of the main sources of fiber.
- Drink much liquid: When you increase your fiber intake, you have to drink plenty of fluids, so that the stool is easy to eliminate. At least 2 liters of water, according to the FEAD.
Laxatives More Frequently Can Worsen The Conditions
Laxatives are although quick fix to constipation, but they can worsen your hemorrhoid conditions. Laxatives make the stool loose and sometimes, its so loose that you need going washrooms multiple times. Passing of acid laden stool so frequently harms the walls of rectum. They are also diueretic, meaning, they help loose your body water quickly.
Hence, excessive use of laxatives is never a good idea in hemorrhoids.
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Foods To Avoid In Piles:
All food items that are low in fibre should be avoided. Some of them are as follows: