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According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, hemorrhoids affect men and women alike, and 50% of Americans above 50 years live with this condition. Generally, the people with higher risk of hemorrhoids are those with chronic constipation, others that spend a lot of time sitting in the toilet, pregnant women, regular heavy weights lifters, and individuals older than 50 years. See below how your medications, exercises, and foods can relieve hemorrhoids:
Medication
There are different types of medication that ease hemorrhoid symptoms. The first category comprises laxatives. Taking laxatives regulates bowel movements and also makes them easier. Over-the-counter laxatives reduce hemorrhoid pain by preventing constipation.
Next are topicals, which are mainly creams that reduce itchiness and cause the hemorrhoid tissue to shrink. An example is witch hazel for hemorrhoids. In the United States, witch hazel is recognized as an over-the-counter medication in the form of ointments, gels, and creams. It relieves irritation, burning, and itchiness from hemorrhoids.
When all the conservative treatment alternatives fail, surgery is the only other option. The surgery is known as hemorrhoidectomy. A patient receives anesthesia before incisions are made into the tissues close to the hemorrhoids. The surgery involves tying of the swollen veins to control bleeding during the removal process.
Food
Hemorrhoids are directly linked to constipation. This is the reason medications, exercises, and foods that reduce constipation are recommended. In this regard, people suffering from hemorrhoids are advised to eat foods with high fiber content and drink a lot of water. Examples of fiber-rich foods include beans, nuts, and lentils or legumes. When taking high-fiber foods, however, be careful not to eat too much, as this may result in bloating.
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Grains are also a great source of fiber. In particular, rye, buckwheat, and whole grain flours are beneficial if you have hemorrhoids. Fruits and vegetables are important too, such as fresh grapes, tomatoes, kales, and berries.
Nutritionists say that you must avoid bagels and white bread to relieve hemorrhoid discomfort. Other foods to stay away from are frozen foods, dairy products like milk and cheese, meat, and processed foods.
Exercise
While some types of physical exercises relieve hemorrhoid discomfort, others may worsen the symptoms. Appropriate physical exercises should reduce constipation by enabling regular movement of bowels, enhancing blood circulation, and strengthening lower back and pelvic areas. Healthy eating and exercises are inseparable. Recommended exercises include walking, elliptical machine activities, swimming, Kegels and other exercises that target the pelvic floor, yoga, and exercises that focus on sphincter muscles. However, you should avoid rowing, riding on horseback, lifting heavy weights, and any other gym exercises that require you to hold your breath.
Knowledge Is Power
There are several things you do daily that could worsen or ease hemorrhoid pain. This is particularly true for food and exercise. Eating the wrong food and engaging in inappropriate physical activities could even prevent the right medications from relieving your hemorrhoid pain.
