Prevention of Hemorrhoids (Piles)

A hemorrhoid, commonly known as piles is characterized by swollen blood vessels around or inside the anus and rectum. These hemorrhoidal veins are present in the lower part of the anus or rectum. On swelling up, these veins become thin, extended and irritated as the bowel passes through rectum or anus.

One should take necessary measures to prevent the aggravation or occurrence of hemorrhoid. It is necessary to keep the stools soft in order to avoid any discomfort for which, below are a few ways:

• Modification of diet: Eating more of fibrous foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains keeps the stools soft and bulky thus reducing the pain while passing the bowel. One must avoid consumption of processed food that may lead to straining as well as worsening of hemorrhoid symptoms. But care should be taken while consuming fibres which may lead to gastric problems like acidity. Thus these fibres should be added gradually in the diet. The recommended required fibre content in the diet should be a minimum of 25 grams a day for females and 38 grams a day in case of males. But some people may not get sufficient fibre from their diet and may opt for supplements like Citrucel and Metamucil to add to the fibre requirement. These supplements are easily available over the counter in various pharmacies. With these supplements the cautionary measure to be taken is that one should take sufficient amount of water each day as these supplements may cause constipation.

• Physical activity: Regular exercise and alteration in the sedentary lifestyle are other ways to reduce the consequences of hemorrhoid and to prevent side effects. These exercises help to prevent exercises and also reduce pressure over veins that may occur while long periods of straining.
• Prevention of constipation: For those who suffer constipation, must take necessary measures to prevent development of piles by intake of adequate fluids and laxatives to immediately relieve constipation when it occurs.
• Avoid prolonged sitting in toilet as it may lead to increased pressure over the veins in anus and rectum.
• Avoid straining while bowel movement and holding breathe for longwhich may again lead to increased pressure on veins.
• Relieve yourself immediately on urge: One must not wait to pass bowel for long as the delay may cause drying as well as hardening of the stools and may cause discomfort. Thus one should pass the bowel as soon as the urge occurs.