By Penelope A. Domogo, MD
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lowest part of your rectum and anus. They are like varicose veins.
Hemorrhoids maybe internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids lie inside the rectum so you cannot see or feel them. They are usually painless but tend to bleed. So you may notice fresh blood in the tissue paper or dripping from your anus after defecating. If the hemorrhoids prolapse, they will present as a small soft mass that comes out of your anus after you poo. This can be painful and uncomfortable. On the other hand, external hemorrhoids develop under the skin of the anus so they usually present as painful swelling or itching around your anus. You can feel or see them. They could also bleed.
What causes hemorrhoids? There is no one cause. Hemorrhoids develop because of an interplay of many factors including the following:
1. Long-standing digestive problems (especially frequent constipation and diarrhea)
2. Straining during bowel movement
3. Low fiber diet – refined foods, processed foods.
4. Lack of exercise especially prolonged sitting
5. Overeating
6. Obesity
7. Liver congestion
How about spicy foods? Many studies show that spicy foods don’t cause hemorrhoids. However, spicy foods may irritate fissures in the anus. So if in your experience spicy foods aggravate your hemorrhoids, then avoid them.
Hemorrhoids occur more in older persons. Some studies show that it peaks at age 45 to 65 years.
When we know the cause of the problem, then we know how to solve it and how to prevent it.
Proper diet is still the number one solution. Start this by increasing fiber intake- the best way for this is to eat unpolished rice and root crops and a variety of vegetables especially legumes. Stay away from meat, eggs, milk and animal products – these have no fiber and will make you constipated. H.J.M. Cayetano in his book “Building Vital Health” says “White bread, cheese, white sugar, candies, fried foods, alcohol, cakes, ice cream, pies and coffee must be removed from the diet since these cause fermentation in the stomach.”…” All stimulating and irritating foods like pepper, ginger, food seasoning, mustard, alcoholic drinks, etc, must not be included in the diet.” Eating properly will also prevent constipation and diarrhea.
What else can be done to cure and prevent hemorrhoids? Here’s a list:
1. Avoid straining to defecate. When you are eating the proper foods, you don’t have to strain when you are in the toilet – the solid waste will just flow out smoothly.
2. Drink enough water.
3. Be physically active. Sitting for a long time is not healthy. When in school or office, get up and walk, stretch.
4. Lose weight if you are overweight.
5. When you have hemorrhoids, avoid heavy lifting.
Hemorrhoids that develop during pregnancy and childbirth resolve usually after delivery but the mother should take care to review her lifestyle and make the necessary changes.
Some doctors may recommend surgery to remove the hemorrhoids but these can recur if the root causes are not removed.****
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“Don’t think only of your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing.” Philippians 2:4
