Relieving Hemorrhoid Pressure Naturally

Preparation H is one of the most stolen items from stores. The funny nature of this statistic causes people to try and guess why. One theory is that people are too embarrassed to admit they have hemorrhoid problems. So rather than face the store clerk, they just steal it. Another theory is that hemorrhoids are so common that the cream is easy to sell on the “grey market.” Even companies that sell remedies for hemorrhoids sweep this prevalent problem under the proverbial rug.

If you have hemorrhoids, read on! You’ll not only find out why you have it, but also what to do about it so you don’t have to face another store clerk with that tube of relief.

People often seek relief from any discomfort before looking for the cause of the problem. After all, we just want to be out of pain! This is why pain is so important. Pain tells us if something’s wrong and motivates us to do something about it. If I had a broken leg, I would avoid walking on it, allowing the bone to heal. Why are hemorrhoids so different? People suffer with hemorrhoids for years without fixing the problem. But why continue to seek pain relief without understanding the cause?

Hemorrhoid Anatomy

First stop: The anatomy of the rectum. The rectum probably has the lowest regard of any part or organ of our body. But it’s so important to our health – just ask anyone who has a colostomy bag! There are several important parts of its anatomy.

Essentially, hemorrhoids are like having varicose veins of the rectum. The veins in the rectum enlarge for the same reasons people get varicose veins in their legs: pressure, inflammation or lack of nutrition.

From outside the rectum to about an inch inside, there is normal skin with nerves. The skin is important because it explains why certain things happen. The skin near the anus has nerves so it can have itching, burning, and pain. But the skin is also tough so it protects the veins from bleeding. However, deeper inside the rectum there is no skin, just the normal lining of the intestines. This lining:

• Stretches easily
• Has no sensory nerves (except some pressure nerves)
• Is very flimsy, allowing the veins to get damaged and bleed

Thus, internal hemorrhoids (deeper inside) bleed but don’t hurt. External hemorrhoids (near the anus) burn and itch, but don’t bleed.

Hemorrhoids are predominately caused by poor diet. However, there are other factors involved like pressure and inflammation.

Pressure on the veins over a long period causes the veins to swell. This pressure comes from different sources, such as:

• Sitting for long periods (truck drivers frequently have this issue)
• Constipation (HARD stools)
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Stress

Besides pressure, inflammation from various sources causes swelling and pain. Inflammation comes from:

• Trauma – such as anal intercourse, which can increase the enlargement of the veins
• Bacteria – Good bacteria reduce inflammation. The right kind of bacteria in the colon produces butyrate and other substances that heal and calm the rectum. Bad bacteria increase inflammation by increasing the acidity of the lining.
• Infections – such as colitis
• Food allergies

Hemorrhoid Prevention and Treatment

Fiber is essential – this is the sine qua non of all treatments for the rectum. If you want to care for your rectum, you need fiber. Fiber comes from fruit, vegetables and whole grains. Fiber does so many good things for our colon and rectum because it:

• Keeps the rectum clean
• Keeps the stool soft
• Grows good bacteria
• Prevents enlargement of the colon
• Prevents constipation
• Prevents diverticulosis
• Prevents and heals hemorrhoids

If you have hemorrhoids, a good diet must include plenty of fruit and vegetables, as well as whole grains. A small amount of meat in your diet is okay, as long as it is accompanied with vegetables. Keep increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables until you have soft stools. Sometimes I have found this requires the removal of certain foods. Milk seems to be a big offender. I have had more than one person give up cheese in order to have normal bowel movements. Processed grains, especially pasta and white bread, may also contribute to hard stools.

The foods that have fiber also contain bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoid foods show antiviral, anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory and antitumor abilities. Bioflavonoids help keep the veins healthy, both in the rectum, and in the legs.

Foods that are rich in bioflavonoids include:

• Hot peppers
• Strawberries
• Citrus fruits
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Kale and spinach
• Red onions
• Rutabaga
• Watercress
• Green tea
• Garlic

Some herbs also have a good content of the major bioflavonoids. These include fresh oregano, parsley, peppermint and thyme.

The key is to always have soft stools. Whether you have a bowel movement every three days, or three times a day, is less important.

One patient in my office was dealing with chronic hemorrhoids so we dramatically changed his diet. He reported that he was feeling much better, but that he was now having diarrhea. For several months I tried to help him with his “diarrhea” before asking the exact nature of it.

Doctor: “How many times per day?”
Patient: “Once or twice.”

D: “That’s normal… is it watery?”
P: “No. Just soft.”

D: “That’s perfect! What’s the problem?”
P: “I have to wipe!” When I had hard stools I didn’t even have to wipe. Now I need baby wipes to clean myself!”

D: “Well then, your choice is to have hemorrhoids, or carry around baby wipes.”

He chose the latter.

Soft stools are especially important during pregnancy. Ingest more oils—olive oil, avocado oil, and flaxseed oil, sesame oil—because they’ll make your stool softer and then it’s less painful to push. Pushing hard can cause hemorrhoids.

If you sit for long periods, such as driving, you can obtain a “donut” seat cushion to take the pressure off the anus.

Aside from constipation, stress can cause increased tension in the muscles around the anus, blocking the flow of blood. Consider also your own stress, and practice relaxation of your anus to allow the blood to flow easily through the veins.

A word about enemas. Don’t put anything in the rectum. People will often say that they need to clean the colon with colonics. This may have an immediate effect by washing out the hard stool, but in the long run, it doesn’t improve hemorrhoids, and may affect the good bacteria in the colon. What we eat is so much more important.

7 Home Remedies For Hemorrhoids

1. Eat lots of fiber, with few calories, until you have soft stools.
2. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
3. Fast periodically, at least one day per month with water only.
4. Avoid foods that cause constipation, or inflammation.
5. Don’t sit for long periods, get up and move around, or get a “standing desk” for your work.
6. Lose weight by eating less.
7. Practice relaxation.

Avoiding hemorrhoids also means the rest of your colon will be healthier. Thus, these measures are good for your intestinal health, and will improve your general feeling of health and vitality.

 

No buts about it: Your booty deserves some love with these foods for better bowel movements. And here’s what your poop can tell you about your health.