Diet and Lifestyle Changes to help Hemorrhoids
Written By: Dr. Donna Powell and Dr. Renee M. Marchioni Beery
While hemorrhoids are common and can happen to three out of four adults, it doesn’t mean you have to let them disrupt your life. There are ways to manage, treat, and prevent the condition — starting with gaining a better understanding of the different types of hemorrhoids.
Different Types of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that can form inside or outside the anus and rectum. There are two main types of hemorrhoids; they are:
1. Internal hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids can be found inside the rectum. Because of where they are located, they often do not cause discomfort and resolve on their own. However, when the internal hemorrhoid is large in size, it can cause pain, burning, and itching. Internal hemorrhoids can grow to the point that they bulge outward from the anus. Prolapsed hemorrhoids can be quite painful.
Internal hemorrhoids can be classified by grade:
● Grade 1 — no prolapse
● Grade 2 — prolapse under pressure (prolapses when straining during a bowel movement but returns on its own).
● Grade 3 — prolapse that can be pushed back in
● Grade 4 — prolapse but is too painful to be pushed back in by a patient
2. External hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids occur at the anus and are therefore visible. They present as tender bumps beneath the skin surrounding the opening of the anus. External hemorrhoids can cause itching, aching, or pain around the anus or rectal area.
Internal and external hemorrhoids can become severe to the point that thrombosis (blood clot) develops, causing swelling, redness, burning, pain, and intense itching. Thrombosed hemorrhoids may require surgery if the patient is experiencing severe pain.
Improving Quality of Life with Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids often go away on their own without treatment. However, there are diet and lifestyle changes you can make to reduce symptom flare-ups and prevent hemorrhoids from returning, such as:
Change your bathroom habits
When passing a bowel movement, avoid straining and holding your breath as this puts pressure on the veins in the lower rectum. Don’t wait to pass a bowel movement when you feel the urge; waiting can cause the stool to become harder to pass, forcing you to strain.
Increase dietary fiber intake
A diet high in fiber-rich whole grains, fruits, and vegetables help soften stool and increase its bulk, making it easier for you to pass a bowel movement without adding pressure to the veins in the anus and rectum. You may also consider fiber supplements to help keep your stool soft and your bowel movements regular.
Increase fluid consumption
Adequate daily fluid intake helps keep stools soft and easier to pass. The most common advice is to drink eight glasses of water a day. However, the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have determined that men should drink about 3.7 liters of fluids each day while women should drink at least 2.7 liters of fluids each day.
Relieve symptoms with home treatments and medication
Many people with hemorrhoids take several sitz baths each day to help reduce hemorrhoid pain. The bath involves sitting in a tub of shallow, warm water. Topical creams and ointments can help with itching and discomfort from external hemorrhoids, while some use ice packs or cold compresses to help relieve swelling. Analgesics also can help alleviate pain.
See a doctor if your hemorrhoids are causing severe pain or bleeding. Learn more about improving the quality of your life when you have hemorrhoids. Contact Gastro MD. We are a cutting-edge clinical gastroenterology practice that sets the standard in digestive health care.
