Between 50% - 75% - of all North American will experience hemorrhoids at one time or another. Hemorrhoids are common with women during pregnancy and more prevalent in both sexes as we get older but have been observed at all ages. There is also a known hereditary predisposition to hemorrhoids.
A hemorrhoid is simply a type of varicose vein. A clear understanding and knowledge of treatment options can help to ease the anxiety and embarrassment of hemorrhoids. Do not be ashamed to seek out a healthy supportive therapy for Hemorrhoids by using HmR Natural Hemorrhoidal Ointment from Théra Wise®.
Hemorrhoid symptoms: The most common symptoms of hemorrhoids are burning, itching, pain, irritation, inflammation, swelling, seepage, bleeding and a heavy sensation. When bleeding occurs, it is usually bright red and upon initial discovery can be quite alarming. Bleeding does indicate that there is problem in the digestive system however it is not always the symptom of serious disease. Many ano-rectal problems, including fissures, fistulae, abscesses, or irritation and itching (pruritus ani), have similar symptoms and are incorrectly referred to as hemorrhoids.
Causes: Some common causes or aggravating factors include sitting or standing for long periods, violent coughing, lifting heavy objects, straining at bowel movements (especially when constipated or also with bouts of diarrhea) being overweight or pregnancy.
Hemorrhoids and Pregnancy: Hemorrhoids often manifest as pressure on the veins of the anus and rectum (anorectal veins). A main contributing cause is when the pressure of the abdomen exerts a force to the ano-rectal veins.
Women frequently develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy and after the birth. A pregnant woman's enlarged womb increases pressure in the hemorrhoidal veins. Plus, her blood supply actually increases during pregnancy, thus raising the pressure within her veins. Additionally, the hormones present in pregnancy tend to relax muscles that support the baby's growing weight, applying ever-increasing pressure on the hemorrhoidal veins.
Prevention and supportive lifestyle suggestions:
Increase dietary fiber: A diet high in fiber is most important for the treatment and prevention of hemorrhoids. Adequate fiber is available primarily from Whole Grains, Nuts, Fruits and Vegetables.
Whole Grains & Nuts: barley, brown rice, oats, flax and rye, walnuts, hazel nuts, sunflower & sesame seeds
Fruit: (fresh & local where possible) apples, pears, grapes, peaches, apricots, plums, figs, berries & tomatoes
Vegetables: (soil grown, fresh & local) beets, carrots, turnips, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, beans, peas, corn & squash
In cases of bleeding, foods rich in vitamin K are recommended which include most dark green leafy vegetables.
Avoids fats, animal products, coffee, alcohol and unnecessarily spicy foods. Animal proteins are especially hard on the lower digestive tract.
Avoid refined starches and sugars.
Avoid the use of harsh laxatives, which can induce unnecessary straining at bowel movements. Also chemical laxatives can cause unwanted and un-natural dependency.
Drink "room temperature" water: Drinking an adequate amount of water is an important consideration and another natural stool softener. Dehydration is a cause of constipation and pregnancy requires an ever-increasing fluid intake. Failure to maintain adequate fluid intake during pregnancy may cause the body to absorb water from the intestines, causing a hard, dry bowel movement.
Exercise: Moderate regular exercise gets blood flow moving and increases the circulation of fresh healthy oxygenated blood throughout the body.
