By Dr. Rafiul Sameer Islam
Hemorrhoids are one of the most prevalent health problems that people face. Anywhere from 20 to 50 percent of the population may experience hemorrhoids at one time or another.
One of the most common signs of hemorrhoids is rectal bleeding. But hemorrhoids may also cause rectal pain, itching, and stool leakage.
If you want to avoid these unpleasant symptoms, keep reading. This article will outline the best strategies you can use to prevent hemorrhoids.
HEMORRHOIDS 101
Hemorrhoids are columns of blood vessels, smooth muscle, and connective tissue in your lower rectum and anus. They act like cushions that prevent incontinence.
Everyone has hemorrhoids — they are part of our natural anatomy. But we often don’t recognize them until they become abnormally enlarged and symptomatic.
Hemorrhoids swell during the passage of stool to protect the anal canal. They then return to their normal size, which allows the anus to close and prevent stool leakage. Sometimes, certain factors can cause hemorrhoids to stay swollen.
CAUSES OF HEMORRHOIDS
Hemorrhoids form due to increased intra-abdominal pressure and weakened hemorrhoidal tissue.
When intra-abdominal pressure increases, blood fills the veins in the anal canal. This causes the veins and muscles to stretch. Over time, prolonged exposure to high intra-abdominal pressure can weaken the hemorrhoidal tissue.
Common causes of hemorrhoids include:
- Pregnancy
- Constipation
- Frequent diarrhea
- Excess body weight
- Straining during bowel movements
- Heavy lifting
- Prolonged sitting
HEMORRHOID PREVENTION TIPS
With the proper diet and lifestyle strategies, you can reduce your risk of hemorrhoids. We’ll highlight 5 hemorrhoid prevention tips below that promote a healthy digestive system.
1) Eat Fiber at Every Meal
Eating high-fiber foods throughout your day can improve the frequency and consistency of bowel movements. Fiber adds bulk to stool and speeds up its movement through the digestive tract. This reduces your risk of constipation.
Plant-based foods like vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds are the best sources of fiber. Adding more fiber to your diet can lead to a host of benefits for your health.
2) Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is essential when eating high-fiber foods. Fiber absorbs water into the bowel, which softens stools and makes them easier to pass. If you don’t stay hydrated, fiber can make your stools hard.
Hard stools are more painful and difficult to pass, which increases the likelihood of straining during bowel movements. Hard stools can aggravate existing hemorrhoids and increase your risk of developing new hemorrhoids.
3) Practice Good Bowel Habits
It can be tempting to browse social media or watch YouTube videos on your phone while using the bathroom in this day and age. But sitting on the toilet for too long can put stress on your anal veins and increase your risk of hemorrhoids. Limiting your bathroom time to a couple of minutes can make a big difference in the long run.
Another good bowel habit to practice is proper posture. Elevating your legs while using the bathroom like you are in a squatting position straightens out the junction between the rectum and anal canal. This helps the stool exit the body without straining.
4) Don’t Wait to Use the Bathroom
If you feel the urge to have a bowel movement, it’s important to use the bathroom as soon as possible. When stool enters your anal canal, the veins fill with blood. If you delay using the toilet, your veins have a greater risk of stretching and pooling with blood.
Using the bathroom when you have the urge can also prevent straining. It’s much better to use the bathroom when you need to instead of trying to force a bowel movement later.
5) Stay Physically Active
Staying active can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce excess body fat. Being overweight increases pressure in the anal canal, which can cause hemorrhoids to bulge and swell.
Exercise also improves blood flow to the muscles in the digestive tract. This increases the frequency of bowel movements and reduces your risk of constipation. While most exercise is beneficial for your digestive health, you don’t want to overdo it. Heavy lifting increases intra-abdominal pressure, which can increase the risk of hemorrhoids.
HEMORRHOID TREATMENT
Sometimes, even the best hemorrhoid prevention tips aren’t enough to solve your hemorrhoid problem. Other treatment options may provide more permanent relief if your hemorrhoids keep recurring.
Hemorrhoid treatment is not always surgical. Depending on the type of hemorrhoid, treatment may involve non-invasive management such as hemorrhoid banding. Talking to your doctor can help you find the best hemorrhoid treatment for you.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The most effective way to prevent hemorrhoids is to keep your bowel movements soft and regular. This will help stool to exit the body without straining. You can follow the hemorrhoid prevention tips in this article to reduce your risk of hemorrhoids and improve symptoms of existing hemorrhoids.
If you suspect you have hemorrhoids, it’s essential to visit your doctor to explore your treatment options and rule out any other potential medical causes.
While rectal bleeding is a common symptom of hemorrhoids, it can also signify other diseases such as colorectal cancer and anal cancer. Don’t assume rectal bleeding is due to hemorrhoids, especially if you have changes in bowel habits, stool color, or stool consistency.
If you’re suffering from hemorrhoids or symptoms of hemorrhoids, you can schedule an evaluation by calling our office at 806-696-4440 or requesting an appointment online.
Dr. Sameer Islam is a functional gastroenterologist in Lubbock and is a West Texas native growing up in Odessa. He specializes in the comprehensive treatment of all digestive symptoms and conditions. His practice emphasizes promoting the awareness that colon cancer is a preventable and treatable cancer. Dr. Islam participates in local and national activities to further this awareness message. Sameer Islam, MD received his medical degree locally from the Texas Tech University Health Science Center and completed his Fellowship in Gastroenterology & Hepatology at the Mayo Clinic. Also, he has been recognized as a Fellow of Gastroenterology by the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Professional memberships include the American Medical Association, American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, Texas Society for Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Texas Medical Association, and Lubbock Medical Society. To schedule an appointment, please contact Lubbock Gastroenterology located at 4505 82nd Street, Suite 5, Lubbock, TX 79424.
