What Should I Eat If I Have Hemorrhoids Diet
Individuals with hemorrhoids should soften their stools by increasing the fiber in their diets.
Fiber is found in numerous foods, including
- fresh and dried fruits,
- whole grains, and
- cereals.
In general, 20 to 30 grams of fiber per day is recommended, whereas the average American diet contains less than 15 grams of fiber. Fiber supplements, like psyllium, methylcellulose, and calcium polycarbophil, also may be used to increase the intake of fiber.
Stool softeners and increased drinking of liquids also may be recommended, as well as bulk-forming laxatives. Nevertheless, the benefits of fiber, liquids, and stool softeners have not been well-tested with respect to hemorrhoidal control in scientific studies.
Hemorrhoids Treatment: Rubber Band Ligation
The principle of rubber band ligation is to encircle the base of the hemorrhoidal clump with a tight rubber band. The tissue cut off by the rubber band dies, and is replaced by an ulcer that heals with scarring.
A similar procedure was described in 460 BC by the Greek physician Hippocrates:
And hemorrhoids you may treat by transfixing them with a needle and tying them with very thick and woolen thread, for application, and do not foment until they drop off, and always leave one behind and when the patient recovers, let him be put on a course of Hellebore.
Rubber band ligation can be used with first-, second-, and third-degree hemorrhoids, and may be more effective than sclerotherapy. Symptoms frequently recur several years later, but usually can be treated with further ligation.
The most common complication of ligation is pain. However, bleeding one or two weeks after ligation or bacterial infection in the tissues surrounding the hemorrhoids may occur.
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Wont shrink bumps
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Wont offer immediate pain relief
Over-the-counter hemorrhoid suppositories wont shrink your bump, but they can help stimulate a bowel movement or lubricate the anal canal so that its easier and less painful to go, Dr. Childs says.
There are a lot of products to help soften your stool, but we love this one because it has both witch hazel powder and psyllium husk, a natural fiber. Other ingredients like ginger root and horse chestnut seed are intended to help lower inflammation and promote healing in the damaged tissue of a hemorrhoid. Plus, psyllium husk is a gentle stool softener, so youll see results without any of the emergency feelings.
This formula is made from entirely natural ingredients with no chemicals and no fillers. That means its not only better in the moment, but also you can use the stool softener regularly if you need to help avoid future straining .
Active Ingredients: Psyllium husks, witch hazel, horse chestnut seed, and ginger root | Dose: 3 capsules once daily with a full glass of water | Uses: Reduces straining due to constipation, regulates bowel movements, support normal stool formation
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Bleeding During Bowel Movements
There are many underlying causes of rectal bleeding, including hemorrhoids. Blood associated with internal hemorrhoids is typically bright red, causes no pain, occurs with bowel movements, and may be mild to moderate in amount.
You cant assume, however, that your symptoms are due to hemorrhoids. If youve never been diagnosed with hemorrhoids or have noted a change in the characteristics of the bleeding youve associated with hemorrhoids, see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
A Noticeable Bulge At The Anus That Seems To Retract Following A Bowel Movement
Internal hemorrhoids can prolapse or fall outside of the anal opening during a bowel movement. Initially, the tissue may retract on its own or be easily pushed back inside. But prolapse can worsen over time and can eventually cause significant irritation, itching, bleeding, and pain as this internal tissue becomes trapped outside of the anus. Early treatment helps prevent the prolapse from worsening.
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Can A Prolapsed Hemorrhoid Go Away On Its Own
There are many cases where a prolapsed hemorrhoid does go away on its own. Grade II and grade III prolapsed hemorrhoids often resolve on their own.
Grade II prolapsed hemorrhoids spontaneously retract back into the rectum and often resolve on their own. While grade III prolapsed hemorrhoids need to be manually pushed back inside the rectum, they also can spontaneously go away on their own.
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The only prolapsed hemorrhoid that has not been known to go away on its own is the grade IV prolapsed hemorrhoid.
How Do You Treat External Hemorrhoids Diagnosis
External hemorrhoids appear as bumps and/or dark areas surrounding the anus. If the lump is tender, it suggests that the hemorrhoid is thrombosed. Any lump needs to be carefully followed, however, and should not be assumed to be a hemorrhoid since there are rare cancers of the anal area that may masquerade as hemorrhoids.
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Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar
Aside from making a delicious salad dressing or adding some zest to a recipe, apple cider vinegar can have some health benefits. Its worth noting that much of the evidence about the advantages of ACV is anecdotal and that research is lacking.
Adding more ACV to your diet may provide the following perks.
- Can help kill harmful bacteria: ACV has an acidity of around 5 or 6%, which means that its acidic enough to kill bacteria. Vinegar is so acidic and antibacterial that its a natural cleaning agent. While you may not want to swap out a prescription antibiotic for ACV the next time you have an infection, it can be comforting to know that a bottle of ACV in the pantry can help protect you against germs.
- Can help you manage your weight: While ACV might not be the magic bullet to weight loss, some studies have suggested that adding it to your diet can help you reach your goals. One possible explanation is that vinegar can make you feel full, so you end up eating less than you usually would.
- Can help lower blood sugar: ACV may help keep blood sugar levels in check, whether you have diabetes or not. While it isnt a substitute for managing diabetes or reducing the amount of sugar or refined carbohydrates in your diet, it can be a tool to help control your blood sugar levels.
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Symptoms Of Thrombosed External Hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids can be felt as bulges at the anus, but they usually cause few of the symptoms that are typical of internal hemorrhoids.
External hemorrhoids can cause problems, however, when blood clots inside them. This is referred to as thrombosis. Thrombosis of such a hemorrhoid causes an anal lump that is
- very painful,
- tender, and
- often requires medical attention.
The thrombosed hemorrhoid may heal with scarring, and leave a tag of skin protruding in the anus. Occasionally, the tag is large, which can make anal hygiene difficult or irritate the anus. Even after such a hemorrhoid goes away, a residual skin tag may remain, and this may need to be surgically removed.
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Are There Natural Treatments For Hemorrhoids
First, some very good news: Neither type of hemorrhoid is dangerous, and severe complications that require medical care are rare. Symptoms often can be relieved by trying a few natural and self-care treatments.
- Draw a sitz bath. To relieve itching and irritation, fill a tub with three to four inches of warm water and sit in it with your knees bent for about 10 to 15 minutes. Gently pat yourself dry with a towel, but dont rub the area.
- Take fiber supplements.These draw water into your stool and make it easier to pass, helping to reduce hemorrhoid bleeding and inflammation. A psyllium husk fiber supplement, like Metamucil or a generic version, is a good choice. If psyllium causes gas or bloating, try a supplement with wheat dextrin or methylcellulose .
- Ease discomfort. Apply over-the-counter products that shrink the inflamed tissue and relieve itching. Try pads infused with witch hazel , or soothing creams that contain lidocaine, hydrocortisone, or phenylephrine .
You can also take steps to prevent flare-ups.
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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What Does A Thrombosed Hemorrhoid Look Like
Thrombosed hemorrhoids are a form of external hemorrhoid that are visible. When external hemorrhoids become prolapsed, they form soft clumps around the outside of the opening of the anus.
In some cases, external hemorrhoids could form a blood clot. These can be extremely painful and are called a thrombosis.
Thrombosed hemorrhoids can be frightening. They can form into a hard lump and can turn purple or blue. They may also bleed.
Most thrombosed hemorrhoids appear as a lump on the edge of the opening of the anus and protrude out.
They appear in a dark bluish color because of the blood clot that is contained inside the swollen vessel.
When thrombosed hemorrhoids are treated medically, a hemorrhoid surgery is typically involved.
A healed thrombosed hemorrhoid may leave behind scarring or a tag of skin protruding from the anus.
Simple Changes For Better Elimination
Sometimes hemorrhoids are caused by poor elimination habits. Increasingly popular are special stools to get your legs up when you are sitting on the commode. This allows for better and more complete evacuation, often eliminating hemorrhoids.
Adding some exercise to your daily routine may make help your hemorrhoid problem more than you think! Sitting all day long can cause and aggravate hemorrhoids. Even taking a 10-minute walk during your lunch break will increase your circulation.
5 minutes on a mini-trampoline a couple of times a day will also really get your blood moving!
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Ask A Pharmacist About Treatment For Piles
Talk to a pharmacist to get advice on:
- creams to ease the pain, itching and swelling
- treatment to help constipation and soften poo
- cold packs to ease discomfort
You can ask the pharmacist to talk to you in a private area if you do not want to be overheard.
It can feel embarrassing to talk to your pharmacist or GP about your piles. But piles are very common. Your GP is used to diagnosing and treating piles.
Surgical Options For Hemorrhoid Treatment Do I Need Surgery
Hemorrhoid surgery is only needed by a small percentage of people and will most likely only be recommended after other less invasive procedures have been unsuccessful. In these cases, a referral to a colorectal surgeon that we work closely with is made. We can discuss the case with the surgeon as well to come up with an effective treatment plan for your case.
Questions regarding further surgical options and recovery should be discussed with your surgeon directly. Surgery is usually recommended after less invasive procedures have been unsuccessful or if they are thought to be unlikely to be successful. Some of the surgical treatments that may be suggested are listed below.
Hemorrhoid surgery is only needed by a small percentage of people and will most likely only be recommended after other less invasive procedures have been unsuccessful.
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When Should I See My Doctor
Hemorrhoids are typically easy to treat and clear up on their own. In very rare cases, a hemorrhoid can cause complications.
Chronic blood loss from a hemorrhoid can cause anemia, a shortage of red blood cells. Internal hemorrhoids can also have their blood supply cut off, resulting in strangulated hemorrhoids that can cause extreme pain.
See a doctor if home treatments havent been effective after more than 2 weeks. Your primary care physician can diagnose and treat hemorrhoids. They can write prescriptions for medicated creams, ointments, and suppositories.
If these treatments dont work, a doctor may recommend treatments like rubber band ligation or surgery to remove the hemorrhoids.
Make an appointment to see a doctor right away if you notice rectal bleeding for the first time or if your rectal bleeding increases.
Medical Procedures For Hemorrhoids That Wont Go Away
If hemorrhoids don’t go away with home treatments, medical procedures may be necessary.
If you visit your doctor with painful external hemorrhoids those located around the outside of the anus that are visible from the outside your doctor may offer to excise them during the office visit. You will be given a shot with a local anesthetic to numb the area before the procedure.
Doctor’s office procedures for internal hemorrhoids those located inside the rectum may include:
Rubber Band Ligation This is the most commonly performed hemorrhoid procedure in the United States. In this procedure, which can be used for grades 1, 2, and 3 internal hemorrhoids , the doctor places a small rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid, which can be done when your doctor performs an anoscopy examination to better visualize the hemorrhoids. The rubber band cuts off the hemorrhoid’s blood supply.
The procedure typically causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and fall off within about a week, though several short visits to your doctor may be necessary to completely get rid of the hemorrhoid. Minor bleeding and a feeling of pressure may occur, but this can usually be alleviated with OTC pain relievers. This procedure is not associated with significant recovery time.
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Why Do Hemorrhoids Occur
Sometimes hemorrhoids develop for no reason, but often they are associated with chronic constipation or diarrhea, straining during bowel movements, and prolonged sitting on the toilet. You can reduce your risk by following these three easy steps:
- Get enough fiber in your diet
- Stay well hydrated
- Exercise regularly .
How Are Hemorrhoids Diagnosed
Your healthcare provider diagnoses hemorrhoids based on symptoms and a physical exam. You may also have:
- Digital rectal exam: Your provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for swollen veins.
- Anoscopy: Your provider uses an anoscope to view the lining of the anus and rectum.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Your provider uses a sigmoidoscope to view inside the lower part of the colon and rectum. Procedure types include flexible sigmoidoscopy and rigid sigmoidoscopy .
These tests may be uncomfortable but arent painful. They typically take place in a doctors office or outpatient center without anesthesia. You go home the same day.
Your provider may perform a colonoscopy to confirm findings from other tests or check for signs of colon cancer. This outpatient procedure requires anesthesia.
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What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor
You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
- Why did I get hemorrhoids?
- What is the best treatment for me?
- What lifestyle changes can I make to keep from getting hemorrhoids again?
- When will symptoms improve?
- Should I look out for signs of complications?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
An estimated 15 million Americans have sought treatments for hemorrhoids at some point in their lives. But many more suffer needlessly. Dont be too embarrassed to talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms. If hemorrhoids cause pain or discomfort, your provider has treatments that can help. You can also take steps to keep hemorrhoids from coming back.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/18/2021.
References
When Should You Go To The Doctor For Hemorrhoids
Again, before assuming that your condition is hemorrhoids, it’s a good idea to see your doctor for an examination. After all, it’s difficult to take a look for yourself. If there is any bleeding, severe pain or fecal incontinence , you should definitely see the doctor. A large amount of bleeding or the sudden onset of severe pain means you should seek medical treatment immediately.
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How Do Doctors Treat Hemorrhoids
Doctors treat hemorrhoids with procedures during an office visit or in an outpatient center or a hospital.
Office treatments include the following:
- Rubber band ligation. Rubber band ligation is a procedure that doctors use to treat bleeding or prolapsing internal hemorrhoids. A doctor places a special rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid. The band cuts off the blood supply. The banded part of the hemorrhoid shrivels and falls off, most often within a week. Scar tissue forms in the remaining part of the hemorrhoid, often shrinking the hemorrhoid. Only a doctor should perform this procedureyou should never try this treatment yourself.
- Sclerotherapy. A doctor injects a solution into an internal hemorrhoid, which causes scar tissue to form. The scar tissue cuts off the blood supply, often shrinking the hemorrhoid.
- Infrared photocoagulation. A doctor uses a tool that directs infrared light at an internal hemorrhoid. Heat created by the infrared light causes scar tissue to form, which cuts off the blood supply, often shrinking the hemorrhoid.
- Electrocoagulation. A doctor uses a tool that sends an electric current into an internal hemorrhoid. The electric current causes scar tissue to form, which cuts off the blood supply, often shrinking the hemorrhoid.
Outpatient center or hospital treatments include the following:
Sometimes complications of hemorrhoids also require treatment.