Hemorrhoids are varicose dilatations of the veins present in the anus and the rectum. Depending on whether there is involvement of the upper, middle or lower veins of the hemorrhoidal plexus, it can be distinguished as internal and external hemorrhoids.
The veins around the rectum or the anus often get congested in elderly people, mainly men. Hemorrhoids are caused by constitutional factors (circulatory problems or weakness and reduced flexibility of venous walls,) and natural factors (low dietary fiber, constipation, pregnancy and particularly heavy work or sports).
Almost every disease has its own natural remedy. This rule also applies to the itchy, painful and discomfort causing disease called hemorrhoids. There can be many triggering factors for hemorrhoids - such as poor nutrition, problems with bowel movements, stress, smoking, hormonal swings etc. Sometimes hemorrhoids can also affect pregnant women or avid smokers.
Fortunately, there are some natural remedies to prevent its occurrence, aggravation or to alleviate its symptoms. Here are some of the most suitable natural remedies which can help in combating the symptoms of hemorrhoids:
1) Horse chestnut
It is one of the most popular natural remedies for the treatment of hemorrhoids, as the horse chestnut bark contains substances that are really effective. Horse chestnut has been proven to be particularly suitable in treating symptoms such as bothersome itching and pain. Horse chestnut extract is sold in several forms, including ointments to apply on the affected area for immediate action.
2) Plant fiber
If hemorrhoids are caused primarily by constipation due to a diet deficient in plant fibers, you will need to integrate plant fibers in your diet, to restore the proper functioning of the intestine. In this case, the fiber-rich foods that you can consume will include: prunes, cherries, beets and chestnuts. Sometimes a diet too rich in vegetable fibers might itself become the cause of constipation. Hence it is advisable that you consult your doctor for proper diet recommendations.
3) Cypress
Cypress extracts are used for the preparation of herbal remedies for hemorrhoid treatment. They are rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, and are believed to be capable of causing a significant improvement in blood circulation. Hence, cypress extracts and not only effective in treating hemorrhoids, but they are also effective in treating symptoms of varicose veins and heaviness in the legs caused by poor blood circulation. They are not known to cause any side effects
4) Helichrysum
Helichrysum is used for the preparation of natural remedies for treating hemorrhoids, because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, as well as its effectiveness in the reduction of edemas. You can easily find an herbal ointment for hemorrhoids, which includes helichrysum as its active ingredients. It is very effective in the treatment of varicose hemorrhoidal syndrome (internal and external hemorrhoids). It places a protective and refreshing addition to help in providing relief from pain and itching.
Usually, hemorrhoids are accompanied by certain symptoms like itching, eczema, proctitis, anal fissures, pain and bleeding during the bowel movements. For this reason it is necessary to try to contain them with the same precautions with which people fight constipation - healthy diet and movement.
Preventing Hemorrhoids with Your Diet
The treatment of hemorrhoids relies, primarily, on the hygienic-dietary measures aimed at regularizing alvus. For this purpose people are recommended to follow a balanced and healthy diet, free of food irritants and spirits. The diet must also contain a lot of fluids and vegetables rich in fibers.
The residual non-digestible foods tend to absorb water, stretching the walls of the colon and preventing the nervous contraction. Precisely for this reason people are advised to follow a diet which is rich in fluids (at least a couple of liters of water per day), which soften the fecal contents facilitating the evacuation and the reduction of pain and gas.
We must however consider that a diet too rich in vegetable fibers, in some people, might result in the worsening of constipation, while others it could cause diarrhea. In addition to constipation even a situation of diarrhea with repeated episodes tends to worsen hemorrhoids, chemically irritating the anus and causing inflammation. Hence, people need to take sufficient amount of fibers but should not follow a diet which contains only fibers.
The influence of certain foods such as spices (pepper & paprika) or alcohol is different in different people. These foods may still favor the exacerbation of symptoms.
In mild forms many herbal remedies that are useful in the treatment of hemorrhoids just find fertile ground. These include extracts or decoctions made ââfrom yarrow, pineapple, cypress, chestnut, mallow, mullein and tormentil. To stimulate the natural evacuation, it may be useful to take one or two glasses of warm water after meals.
Do not forget, however, that hemorrhoids may heal spontaneously and that in many cases the link between healing and food, diet and medication, is purely coincidental.
Foods not recommended for hemorrhoids
Liquors, spirits, coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, soda based drinks, foods which are too salty (cold meats, cheeses, canned goods... ), vinegar and lemon juice, spicy foods, spices, fatty foods, seafood garlic, onion, eggplant, radish and truffles etc.
Foods which are recommended
Foods rich in fiber, oats, soup meat, beetroot, cabbage, chestnuts, safflower oil, onion, bran, yeast, lemon (for diarrhea) melon, blueberry, potato, pollen, leek, sage, dandelion, yogurt etc.
Prevention
Prevention is always better than cure and certain precautions can help you in the prevention of hemorrhoid symptoms.
Exercise - physical exercise will boost your immunity and improve the circulation of blood in your body. It will also help you in bowel movements.
Bowel Habits - follow proper bowel habits and avoid straining yourself while passing tools. You should also avoid reading when you are in the toilet.
Daily Activities - do not sit or stand for too long and instead, you should keep yourself active by switching between different activities. Try to avoid lifting those objects which are heavy.
Sleep - sleep well and try to get 6 - 8 hours of sleep every day. A good night's sleep will relieve of your body of stress which will result in healthy bowel movements.
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