Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are enlarged veins found either externally or internally near the anus. They are produced by increased pressure on the pelvic and rectal veins and are frequently associated with constipation, diarrhea, and stool straining.
In addition, pile pain can be excruciating, making daily life difficult and uncomfortable. Natural therapies, fortunately, can provide relief. However, you should consult a doctor if you endure bleeding or have hemorrhoids that do not go away.
1. Avoid taking laxatives. Laxatives can create bad habits and weaken the bowels, potentially leading to chronic constipation.
Instead, if necessary, use dietary adjustments and herbal medicines to stimulate your bowels.
2. Bathe in a Sitz bath. Sitz baths only contain a few inches of water to soak the anus, but if you want a full bath, it can do the same. If you prefer the conventional Sitz bath, fill the tub with a few inches of water or purchase a Sitz bath from any pharmacy or medical supply store. Some commercial bags include tubes and vents to allow water to circulate continuously.
These give a steady flow of water, which is handy but unnecessary; You may achieve the same benefits at home with a tub. In addition, these baths promote anal circulation and relaxation, and healing of the tissues surrounding the anus.
Add around one cup of Epsom salts to a full bathtub or two to three tablespoons of Epsom salts for every several inches of water in the tub. Maintain a warm but not boiling temperature for the water. Repeat twice or three times each day.
Fill your bathtub with around 6 inches (15 cm) of warm water and stir in a handful of Epsom salt to dissolve it. Sit in the bathtub with your knees bent for the next fifteen minutes. Bending the knees exposes your anus to the water, which will ease the pain and irritation. (Warm) water Apply the compress directly to the pile for 10 to 15 minutes. Four to five times every day.
3. Make use of ice. Ice packs can assist minimize pile swelling. You can make your ice packs or put some ice in a plastic bag and wrap it in a piece of fabric. Then, apply it to the hemorrhoid area.
Use ice packs for no more than five to ten minutes at a time. Applying ice straight to the skin can have negative consequences.
4. Use wet unscented wipes. Maintaining hygiene is essential for someone suffering from hemorrhoids because it prevents complications such as infection or scorching of the anal mucosa due to excessive dryness from arising.
To avoid such issues, use unscented cotton wet wipes, sometimes known as “baby wipes,” which can be found in many popular stores, to wipe the anal region after each bowel movement gently.
5. Avoid wiping with conventional toilet paper or hand towels after a Sitz bath and in general. Instead, only use delicate and gentle cleaning procedures. A baby wipe is a valuable and calming device.
Additionally, avoid using scented or colorful toilet paper. Despite the appearance, the chemical compounds used to create aroma and color can cause local irritation on the body.
6. Astringent should be applied to the affected region. Pharmaceutical witch hazel is a naturally produced antioxidant and astringent that can help calm engorged hemorrhoids, make them feel less sore, and considerably lessen pile irritation.
7. Witch hazel. You can rub witch hazel directly to the skin with cotton swabs or pads. However, in the presence of auto-immune disorders. Such as moderate to severe dermal sensitivity and, of course, allergy to a substance in question.
Therefore, you should avoid witch hazel and other astringents and before using medicinal drugs, evaluate your overall health as well as any other known or suspected health concerns.
Repeat as often as necessary. Apply witch hazel at least four to five times per day.
You can use warm olive oil instead of witch hazel. Because it is a rich lubricant with antioxidants, olive oil will also relieve the dryness of the affected area. Choose non-virgin oil for non-dietary use for a reduced price and better resource utilization.
Anal pain can also be relieved by using warm wet tea bags. Tea includes a natural astringent that helps reduce swelling, and the heat from the teabag can assist in relieving discomfort. Check that the teabag is not heated before using it.
8. You may try topical pain and itch relief. To relieve hemorrhoidal pain and discomfort, apply a small amount of aloe Vera gel or Preparation H ointment after a bath and thoroughly dry off. Use as often as necessary (consult directions and ingredients written on labels).
Components in aloe Vera gel have been shown to suppress infection and aid in healing minor wounds. To utilize the gel directly from an aloe plant, take a large leaf and cut it open to release the gel. Alternatively, you can get 100% natural aloe Vera gel at a drugstore.
Preparation H ointment, widely available in supermarkets, comprises petroleum jelly, mineral oil, shark liver oil, and phenylephrine, which serves as a decongestant and helps shrink hemorrhoids.
9. Vegetable juice should be extracted and applied. For example, you can extract beetroot and carrot juice by crushing and squeezing the liquid afterward. Then, soak a thick piece of cotton or a large part of gauze in the juice and apply it to the enlarged veins.
According to a preliminary study, beetroot can help reduce high blood pressure and may assist minimize swelling of engorged hemorrhoids.
10. Think about using herbal supplements. Herbs of many varieties can be helpful as natural laxatives. Some good alternatives are:
Senna is a gentle and natural stool softener. Senna can be taken as tablets (as directed by the manufacturer) or as nighttime tea.
Psyllium is a natural softening and bulking agent. Adults should take 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of psyllium (such as Metamucil) in 8 ounces of water daily.
Flaxseed: Use as a bulking agent in cereals, salads, soups, and smoothies. It might aid stool passage by consuming 2 to 4 tablespoons of flaxseed daily.
11. Look at various natural pain relievers. In addition, you may have some items in your kitchen that you didn’t realize could aid with heaps. Here are some suggestions:
You can administer bitter gourd leaves locally to reduce pile pain when crushed.
You can use baking soda to enlarge veins as a powder or paste (use one tablespoon of baking soda and mix with water). Keep it on for no more than 10 to 15 minutes since the paste may dry out the region and worsen the condition.
When combined with a serving of milk and ingested once daily (particularly in the morning), 3-5 ml of the latex or juice of the banyan tree is helpful for piles patients.
A decoction (an extraction through boiling) of ginger and honey, seasoned with a splash of mint leaves, sweet lime and mint leaves, helps detoxify the body and chill the bodily system. In addition, it will guarantee that the piles receive adequate blood flow.
Three teaspoons of honey, two teaspoons of pepper, two teaspoons of fennel, and 500 millimeters of water form a great blend that can consume throughout the day.
12. Make use of essential oils. Before applying mostly strong essential oils to the skin, they must be mix them with a carrier oil. To dilute, combine 2 to 4 drops of essential oil with two fluid ounces (59.1 ml) of base oil, such as castor oil, castor oil, almond oil, or avocado oil. Mix thoroughly before applying to exterior heaps. In a combination, use one essential oil or up to 2 to 3 essential oils.
- Lavender oil is excellent for treating pain also and irritation.
- Cypress oil is also good to calm and aid with tissue recovery.
- Tea tree oil is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.
- Avocado oil can be used alone or combined with other oils. It hydrates, calms, and speeds up healing.
13. Consume more fiber. Softening the stool to prevent painful or straining bowel motions is a primary strategy for preventing and treating piles. Thread is crucial in this aspect.
This helps keep water in the stool and bulks it up, allowing the stool to pass more smoothly through the rectum and anus and, in the event of hemorrhoids, with less pain. (Note: Before following any eating advice, determine ingredient sensitivity and allergy.)
Fiber-rich foods include:
1. Beans
2. Broccoli
3. Berries
4. Avocados
5. Popcorn
6. Whole Grains
7. Apples
8. Dried Fruits
9. Potatoes
10. Nuts
Whole Grain Brown rice, barley, rye, bulgur wheat, kasha (buckwheat), corn, and oatmeal are examples of whole grains. Consuming grain while suffering from auto-immune illnesses or gluten or starch sensitivity might result in bloating, cramping, diarrhea, intestinal damage, and other symptoms.
Such as Cherries, plums, prunes, raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries, in particular.
Vegetables include collard greens, Swiss chard, spinach, lettuce, and beet greens.
Lentils with beans (You should note that eating beans and legumes can cause intestinal flatulence.)
14. Drink plenty of water. It is impractical to overestimate the importance of drinking enough water. Therefore, it is advisable to consume 8 to 10 8-ounce portions daily. Adequate water consumption maintains bowel movements soft and organs well hydrated and lubricated.
15. Increase your intake of vitamin C. Vitamin C can tone and shrink veins, preventing them from becoming slack, prolapsing, or bleeding easily. In addition, vitamin C, combined with anthocyanins, helps keep your veins strong and can protect against anus straining or tears.
Citrus and other fruits frequently contain bioflavonoids, which aid in vein strength. Lemons and limes, apples, and tomatoes are all high in flavonoids. Onions, red cabbage, carrots, and fruits like berries, grapes, and cherries, are high in anthocyanins.
(Note: Most of the foods included in this section are listed as cautious items in auto-immune diet protocols because they can alter digestion, blood pressure, and immunological response in sensitive persons with deficient auto-immunity.)
Berries of all kinds enable easy stool movement due to their anti-inflammatory qualities and high vitamin C and flavonoid levels. They’re also high in antioxidants.
16. Consume more vegetable juices. Drinking beetroot juice has been reported to lower blood pressure by roughly 2% and may help minimize hemorrhoid swelling. You may try drinking a glass of it once a week or eating a boiled beetroot every day for four weeks to see if you see a difference.
Either way, radish juice is one of the best solutions for flushing toxins from the body while ensuring that the stool passes without pain or discomfort. However, one should be cautious about the amount ingested. Fourteen cups of radish juice once a day is more than enough.
More than 12 teaspoons per cup can worsen the symptoms. A little turnip leaf juice can be added to the radish juice or consumed independently.
17. Don’t strain yourself. Allow gravity to assist, but let your bowels perform most of the work. If nothing happens, wait an hour; most essential, don’t strain!
18. Make your bowel movements a habit. Check to see if you can set up a regular time to use the restroom without interruptions. Consistent bowel motions at the same time every day make bowel movements easier. Furthermore, having regular bowel motions is a strong indicator of general health.
After a bowel movement, clean yourself with baby wipes.
19. Put on cotton underwear. If you have piles or hemorrhoids, wear 100% cotton underwear. Cotton is quite mild on the skin, reducing any irritation caused by other materials such as polyester or silk. In addition, cotton minimizes pile irritation, is absorbent, and is soft on delicate piles.
It would help if you avoided thongs since they may irritate the tissue surrounding the piles.
20. Exercise. Aerobic, endurance, cardiovascular, or simply strolling exercise are all options. By gently massaging your bowels, body movement is thought to help keep them moving. It can aid with circulation to the piles and overall bowel regularity.
Maintaining healthy circulation in the piles, which are little more than engorged anal veins, is essential. If the blood supply stops, it may become dangerous, resulting in an emergency.
21. It would be better if you avoided long periods of sitting. People who suffer from hemorrhoids may benefit from not sitting for long periods. Sitting might cause excessive intra-abdominal pressure and worsen hemorrhoids. If your work is at a desk, get up every hour and take a short stroll.
If you need to sit for a while, find a foam cushion or a doughnut cushion (a coccyx cushion) to sit on. It can help you alleviate some of the stress.
22. Reduce your alcohol consumption. Alcohol is among the first things you should avoid because it dehydrates and promotes firm stools. Alcohol usage can have a bad impact on piles, reducing the odds of recovery and increasing bleeding. It has been noticed that excessive alcohol consumption causes portal hypertension (liver swelling) and hemorrhoids.
Limit yourself to one to two drinks each day at most. It is the suggested quantity; however, if you currently suffer from piles, you may wish to drink even less.
When to Seek Medical Treatment
1. If you notice bleeding, see your doctor right away. Although this may not be cause for alarm, it is always a good idea to visit a doctor if you experience rectal bleeding. But, first, let your doctor check to ensure you don’t have another condition and that your hemorrhoids aren’t infected.
Your doctor may advise you to take medicine to address the leading underlying cause of the bleeding.
My take: If your hemorrhoids are interfering with your life, make an appointment with your doctor soon. There’s no need to be embarrassed because this is an entirely normal condition.
2. Consult your doctor if you have chronic hemorrhoids or if they last more than 4-7 days. Although hemorrhoids are common, you should see a doctor if they become regular or do not go away with home treatment.
You must make certain dietary or lifestyle modifications, which your doctor can help you determine. In addition, your doctor may also advise you to use a cream or ointment to alleviate your symptoms.
3. A physical exam can help you get a diagnosis. In most situations, your doctor can diagnose hemorrhoids simply by looking at the region. They’ll also ask you about the symptoms you’ve been having and how long they’ve been going on.
Your doctor may use a gloved finger to check for hemorrhoids inside your rectum. The process is frequently straightforward and quick.
4. If nothing else works, consider medical therapy. Most hemorrhoids go on their own, but if yours won’t go away with home therapy, you may want to investigate other choices. If your hemorrhoid is large or bothersome, consult your doctor about your treatment choices. They may advise you to try one of the following therapies to obtain relief:
Suppositories, creams, or ointments: These remedies are frequently accessible without a prescription at your local pharmacy. Your doctor can, however, prescribe a stronger version.
Banding is a simple technique in which your doctor wraps a tight elastic band around a hemorrhoid to block the blood flow. Your hemorrhoid should fall out after a few days.
While asleep, large hemorrhoids can be removed or diminished during surgery.
Summary:
More Details On Food To Eat and Not as Mention Above
Understand which foods to avoid. Certain meals can quickly worsen piles. For example, you should prevent strongly seasoned food with spices and chilies because it can exacerbate pile discomfort and bleeding.
You should also avoid processed foods, canned foods, and foods with preservatives because they are poor in fiber and often include chemical additives that can aggravate piles.
Fatty or deep-fried foods such as meat, fast food, and French fries can further aggravate piles symptoms because of their low fiber, fat, and chemical additives.
Now let’s go into details about the food and beverages you should eat and what foods and drinks you should not eat if you have hemorrhoids.
So the first meals or categories of foods I want to discuss here are those high in fiber, and the research proving that high fiber is beneficial for hemorrhoids comes from my article titled fiber for treating hemorrhoids.
A high fiber diet intake of foods with high fiber is essential if you have hemorrhoids because increased fiber consumption has been shown to reduce symptoms and complications involving hemorrhoids, so this can reduce symptoms of internal and external hemorrhoids.
The goal you want here for high fiber intake is at least 35g of fiber per day; now, you might see some sources saying 25 to 35g, so at least 25g, but I’ll say here at least 35g of fiber.
As previously stated, you should increase your water consumption if you have hemorrhoids. The reason for this is that water, along with increased fiber consumption, helps reduce the chances of constipation, which increases the risk of developing hemorrhoids and reduces your risk of symptoms and complications associated with hemorrhoids.
Avoid alcohol because it can aggravate hemorrhoid symptoms. Alcohol consumption is positively associated with an increased likelihood of internal hemorrhoids and thrombosed external hemorrhoids, so the possibility or risk of developing internal hemorrhoids and having thrombosed external hemorrhoids increases as well, so it increases with the amount of alcohol you consume.
Caffeine is another type of beverage you should avoid if you have hemorrhoids. Caffeine may function as a digestive stimulant, increasing the frequency of bowel movements. Each bowel movement can irritate hemorrhoids, and if you have an increased frequency of bowel movements, it can lead to increased irritation of hemorrhoids.
You get this reduced time for adequate healing of hemorrhoids, so limiting and reducing or avoiding caffeine consumption is essential if you want to improve your spotting.
Low fiber foods are another type of food to avoid if you have hemorrhoids. Just as high fiber foods are essential for reducing symptoms and complications of hemorrhoids, you should increase your intake of high fiber foods while decreasing your intake of low fiber foods because low fiber intake increases constipation.
Low fiber foods include white bread, pastries, meats and eggs, and dairy products such as yogurt and cheese. If you have hemorrhoids, you should avoid low fiber foods because low fiber intake can cause constipation. In addition, conservation can increase the risk of developing hemorrhoids in the first place and worsen symptoms and complications.
But there is one caveat here: spicy foods may worsen hemorrhoids simply because they cause increased diarrhea or bowel movements, and as previously stated, increased frequency of bowel movements may cause irritation of those hemorrhoids or reduced time for healing of hemorrhoids.
So in individuals where spicy foods cause a lot of increased bowel upset or bowel movements, it’s probably best to avoid spicy foods, but in individuals where this does not occur, spicy foods are probably safe.
