HEALTHY LIVING


Rubber Bands Cure Hemorrhoids


T Fix Your. . . Hemorrhoids


WHY YOU HAVE HEMORRHOIDS They’re common. It’s estimated


that 75 percent of Americans develop hemorrhoids (“piles”) at some point during their lifetime. Hemorrhoids, which are similar to varicose veins, can develop inside or outside of the anus and rectum due to pressure that constricts surrounding veins, causing them to swell and bulge. Symptoms include pain, itching, swelling, and bleeding. Obesity. Obese people frequently


suffer from hemorrhoids because excess weight adds pressure, which constricts veins surrounding the rectum and anus, causing swelling and bulging. People who are overweight and carry more of their extra weight in their abdomens have even greater odds of developing hemorrhoids. Pregnant women also often develop hemorrhoids due to increased weight and pressure. Age. Tissues that support the


veins in the rectum and anus can weaken and stretch with age, increasing the odds for developing hemorrhoids. Low-fiber diet. Eating too little


fiber causes constipation, which is characterized by hardened stools. Subsequent straining during bowel movements can cause hemorrhoids or worsen those that already exist. Certain jobs. Sitting for long periods of time can increase


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pressure in the lower abdominal area causing blood to be trapped and pool in the veins around the anus, so people who work at desks and truck drivers have an increased risk of hemorrhoids. Construction workers, who often strain lifting heavy loads, are also at increased risk.


WHAT TO DO Eat a high-fiber diet. Your diet


should be rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, which will increase the bulk, and soften your stool. Take supplements. A nutritious


diet is your best source for getting sufficient fiber, but if you still need more, consider over-the-counter fiber supplements, such as Metamucil. Don’t strain. Resist the urge to


strain during bowel movements because it increases pressure in the veins in your lower rectum and anus. Exercise. Exercise can counter


several of the conditions that lead to hemorrhoids: It helps prevent obesity, constipation, and reduces the pressure that occurs with long periods of sitting. Take a break. If you sit a lot, take


frequent “walking” breaks to relieve pressure. In addition, make sure your chair is comfortable, and add a cushion for extra comfort. Take a bath. Soaking your buttocks


and hips in a sitz bath of warm water for 20 minutes can relieve symptoms of hemorrhoids. Also, adding Epsom


he most common treatment for stubborn hemorrhoids in the U.S. is rubber band ligation, or hemorrhoid banding. For this non- invasive procedure, a small elastic band is placed around the base of a hemorrhoid. The procedure takes less than a minute, and since the area contains no nerves, the banding is painless. The band cuts off the hemorrhoid’s blood supply, causing it to shrink and dry up. The hemorrhoid typically falls off within three to five days. If a person has multiple hemorrhoids, procedures are scheduled a few weeks apart. Rubber-band ligation is 80 percent to 99 percent effective.


salts to a warm bath can reduce hemorrhoid swelling. Use OTC creams. Over-the-counter


creams and ointments, such as Preparation H, can relieve the burning and itching. Try aloe vera. Dab pure aloe


vera gel on hemorrhoids to soothe symptoms. Consider herbs. Goldenrod is


used topically in traditional herbal medicines to reduce inflammation. And one study found that 75 percent of hemorrhoid sufferers who took butcher’s broom experienced a reduction in symptoms. Take probiotics. Beneficial bacteria, such as lactobacillus and bifidus, can both help prevent and treat hemorrhoids. You can take supplements or eat probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt.


IF ALL ELSE FAILS Hemorrhoids often disappear on their own within a couple of months, but if yours continue to bother you or if you have chronic bleeding during bowel movements, see your doctor. Your physician can rule out cancer as a cause of bleeding, and can prescribe more potent ointments and suppositories than are available over the counter. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended.


SOURCES: Mayo Clinic; carepointhealth.org; healthline.com; Harvard.edu; WebMD.com; stlukes.com; irishtimes.com; nation- aljewish.org.


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