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Hemorrhoids ... Hints and Tips.
Copyright 2004, Ginacor, Inc.
Prevention Tips:
- If you sit a lot during the day, take breaks. Make it a point to stand
and walk at least 5 minutes every hour. Shift frequently in your chair
to avoid direct rectal pressure.
- Don't hold your breath when you are straining or lifting. Be sure
to exhale.
- Control coughing, diarrhea and constipation with early treatment
since hemorrhoids may soon follow.
- Eat a well-balanced, high-fiber diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables,
whole grains, bran, and beans. Fiber adds bulk and moisture to the stool,
and it speeds movement through the bowel.
- Do not strain or sit on the toilet for long periods of time. Bowel
movements should not take longer than 3-5 minutes.
- Squat using the HealthStep®. REB Tagart (1966) did a study that
showed that the anorectal angle when squatting was partially straightened
out. He concluded that squatting reduced the pressure required for elimination
and recommended a hips-flexed position for elimination to help treat
constipation and prevent hemorrhoids.
- Decrease or eliminate alcohol and caffeine, because these can cause
small, dry stools.
- Drink more water.
Natural Treatment Tips:
- Sit in a warm tub or sitz bath several times a day for about 10 minutes.
- Use ice packs to help reduce swelling.
- Take natural fiber supplements to soften the stool.
- Use emollients locally to soften the hemorrhoidal tissue.
- Some people find that a warm, wet tea bag applied to the area is soothing.
It is the tannic acid in tea that helps shrink delicate tissue. Others
use compresses of witch hazel applied to the area for 10 to 15 minutes
3 or 4 times a day.
- Keep the rectal area clean to help relieve the itching.
- Do not wipe yourself vigorously. Patting with toilet paper will help.
Using moistened toilet paper or baby-wipes after a bowel movement can
protect the skin from further irritation.
- Squat when eliminating, with the HealthStep®. Squatting can lessen
pressure in the anal and rectal veins helping the hemorrhoids to heal.
References:
Tagart REB. The Anal Canal and Rectum: Their Varying Relationship and
Its Effect on Anal Continence, Diseases of the Colon and Rectum 1966:
9, 449-452.
Haas PA, Fox TA Jr, Haas GP: The pathogenesis of hemorrhoids. Dis Colon
Rectum 1984 Jul; 27(7): 442-50[Medline].
Resources:
Stehlin, D. No strain no pain: The bottom line in treating
hemorrhoids. FDA Consumer 1992; 26(2): 31-33. General information article
for patients and the public.
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/index.htm
The FDA has not evaluated these statements. The information in this
brochure is provided for information purposes and is in no way intended
to replace the knowledge or diagnosis of your doctor. Our intention is
to focus on overall health issues or strategies. For specific guidance
regarding personal health questions, we advise consultation with a qualified
health care professional familiar with your particular circumstances.
We advise seeing a physician whenever a health problem arises requiring
an expert's care.
These statements are not intended to treat, cure, diagnose or prevent
any disease. |
