Hemorrhoid Relief

Hemorrhoid sufferers can find natural relief

Although this subject is often the butt of jokes and even supposedly-amusing commercials, to those who suffer, hemorrhoids are no laughing matter.

They are the result of straining during bowel movements, which causes varicose veins in the anal/rectal regions.

Internal cases often involve bleeding; external hemorrhoids are generally non-bleeding. Poor diet, pregnancy, even a stressful lifestyle, all are major causes of this problem.

From the embarassment of consulting a doctor about the ailment to the delicate task of applying ointments or other treatments, it’s a touchy situation for those afflicted.

Whether they bleed or not, they’re painful, itchy, and all too commonly, they don’t stay away once healed. In extreme cases some patients have them removed surgically or by laser.

Most opt to try every over-the-counter substance available that’s advertised to end this predicament quickly.

There are alternatives on the holistic side of things…starting with taking a preventive measure.

Avoiding a problem is much better, of course, than trying to solve it after it’s established. The common North American diet is geared to producing hemorrhoids–low on fiber, high on fat, refined carbohydrates, and also low on water.

Increasing hydration–not necessarily the standard call for 8-glasses-a-day for adults but still, more than the small amounts most of us take in–is paramount in moving food through the digestive system and keeping it less solid (to put it somewhat nicely).

When stools are low in water content, they will be much more difficult to eliminate and the subsequent strain on the rectum’s veins is the major cause of hemorrhoids.

That situation is also exacerbated by the low fiber diet, since fiber is another important means to move waste matter along.

Combined with the modern tendency of many people to lead sedentary lives, hemorrhoids are just waiting to happen in many cases.

Why not try to ward off all these problems by a good, healthy, high-fiber diet with plenty of water daily? Beats having to let the doctor check this out, right?

If it’s too late for prevention and your doctor has given you this unpleasant diagnosis, rather than buying creams, etc. there are methods available that are safe, reliable and often to be found at home.

For external use, try aloe vera gel, always good for soothing irritations. Witch hazel is also recommended for the itching. Apple cider vinegar, taken internally or applied to the affected area, is another means to relieve the pain.

In the diet the malic acid helps clear the digestive system; externally, the vinegar disinfects and has a drying effect.

Bioflavonoids, found in citrus fruits, are found to be good for strengthening the vein walls that become weakened during bathroom straining.

For those using certain medications, however, grapefruit is not recommended as it is known to conflict with a variety of pharmaceuticals–check with a physician if you’re on any prescription drugs.

Butcher’s Broom is an herb, which can be used either orally or externally, and is known to reduce swelling and inflammation of blood vessels, but is not advised for pregnant women.

Another method of treatment, falling somewhere between prevention and cure, is to elevate the feet during bowel movements.

Keep a little stool (no pun intended!) to put your feet up while "enthroned"; the posture helps alleviate straining. Getting a little more exercise (especially walking daily) helps also, by improving circulation and digestion.

With these tips, treatment of hemorrhoids still won’t be any fun, but it’s less likely to be as much of a pain.

Article by Author: Vickie Jackson at examiner.com

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