Piles – Lifestyle Changes, Home Remedies, and Diet to Combat Swollen Hemorrhoids

The masses, clumps, muscles, elastic fibre, cushion of tissues supplied by blood vessels, elastic fibers, muscles, and support tissue in the anal canal are called haemorrhoids. All of us have haemorrhoids in anal canal. When hemorrhoids are swollen or inflamed causing itching, stretch and pain while passing urine, they are termed as piles.

What causes piles?

Increased pressure in the lower rectum causes piles. It may occur duet to
• Genetic factors
• Lack of fibre intake
• Poor water or fluid consumption
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Stress
• Pregnancy
• Heavy weight lifting
• Sedentary life style/ obesity

Symptoms:

In most of the cases, Piles goes away on its own. But if left unaddressed it may lead to serious complication. Early symptoms are as follow
• Itchy red anus
• Pain while passing the stools
• Faecal incontinence, uncontrolled bowel movements

Home remedies

Warm bath:

to reduce irritation and swelling, you may sit in the warm water bath tub. Just fill it enough to cover your lower body and sit in it for a while. You may add Epsom salt to relieve pain. Some people add apple cider vinegar in water but it can cause irritation to your haemorrhoids

Aloe Vera:

Aloe Vera has been used for ages for its anti-inflammatory properties. You may directly extract aloe Vera gel from its plant or can buy Aloe Vera gel from the market. Always do a patch test before applying any ointment. Some people are allergic to Aloe Vera. So do a patch test before application.

Witch hazel:

It may reduce pain, itching, bleeding, and swelling. It is an astringent so users say it tightens the skin. Tale small amount of natural witch hazel and directly apply on hemorrhoids using cotton ball.

Dietary guidelines:

Eat fibre rich food:

Infrequent and irregular bowel movements lead to piles. Fill up on fibre to make your bowel movement regular. Almost incorporate 20-30 grams of fiber in your diet.
Fibre-rich food includes legumes, whole grains, vegetables, fruits. Pears, strawberries, avocado, banana, apple, corn kidney beans are fibre-rich foods.

Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water:

Eight glass of water a day keeps your digestive system smooth and running. Drink enough water and get rid of anal and digestion problems in short time.

Foods to avoid:

Following foods can aggravate those symptoms. Eliminate and reduce their consumption.
• Cut back on caffeinated foods like tea, coffee, and colas.
• Deep dried foods
• Dairy products specifically skimmed milk
• Processed foods containing tons of preservatives and additives.