For something so painful, you will be surprised how easy it is to avoid and stay abreast of hemorrhoids. A hemorrhoid is a common condition that is characterized by swollen blood vessels in your rectum and anus. These can make your trips to the restroom a very painful and unpleasant experience. First, let’s understand how hemorrhoids are formed. Your rectal blood vessels swell when excessive pressure is applied on your rectum (the last section of your intestine). This is commonly seen with excess body weight when your pregnant or obese, or when you strain while lifting something heavy, during persistent vomiting, sneezing or coughing, or trying to push hard for a bowel movement. The most straightforward way to avoid hemorrhoids is to keep your stools soft, which will facilitate easy motion. There are 5 simple lifestyle changes that you can follow to prevent hemorrhoids and keep your bowels regular.
1. Increase your intake of fiber
Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of fiber. They draw water and provide bulk to stools, making them soft and easy to pass out. However, some people may require additional fiber supplements.
2. Drink lots of water
Six to eight glasses of water a day formula works for a healthy bowel movement as well. It helps keep the stools soft and your motion easy.
3. Follow good bathroom habits
Setting good bowel habits is just as important as eating right. Don’t strain while passing motion as it can create great pressure on the rectum veins, causing them to bulge.
- Visit the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge, as a delay can cause your stools to harden and become difficult to pass.
- Maintain good posture while sitting on the toilet. Lifting your legs a little by placing them on a low stool can open up the rectum and help the stools move down without any constrictions.
- Avoid sitting for too long on the toilet. The time spent in the bathroom should be only a necessity and not a time to unwind. The longer you sit, the more pressure you are applying on the blood vessels.
4. Exercise regularly
Maintaining a healthy weight with regular exercises can help prevent constipation.
5. Stay active
Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. This can increase pressure on the rectal veins. Being physically active helps in the easy passage of stools and regularizes bowel movements. These are simple steps that you can follow to stay healthy and prevent the formation of painful hemorrhoids. If you would like to talk about this with a doctor and visit a specialist, contact a GIA location near you.
