There is a strong correlation between diet and hemorrhoids. Turns out that what you eat, and what it subsequently turns into, has a huge effect on the health of your bowels- and that includes hemorrhoids, those pesky swollen veins that no one wants to talk to their doctor about. Basically, repetitive stress on the vascular hemorrhoidal cushions causes the supporting tissue to weaken and become inflamed, which results in the hemorrhoids getting blown up like a balloon. Trust me, you don’t want any balloons down there. With the skin and tissue stretched so thin, it can tear and bleed onto your toilet paper, an alarming sight for anyone procrastinating at work. It can get a lot worse than that too, like if it develops into an external hemorrhoid, becomes thrombosed, or, god forbid, gets infected. But that’s not what this is about. Today we’re talking prevention.
There are three big things when it comes to hemorrhoids: stool hardness, toilet habits, and inflammation. Don’t strain too long or too hard on the toilet, as it puts pressure on the hemorrhoids.
Have you gotten your fiber today? It’s recommended that women consume at least 25 grams of fiber a day, and that men consume 30-38 grams of fiber a day. Most likely, you’re one of the 95% of people in America that don’t get the proper fiber intake they need. Fiber adds bulk to stool, making it easier to pass and reducing the chance of constipation. Constipation is problematic. The less fiber you eat and water you drink, the harder your stool. The harder your stool, the more constipated you get. The more constipated you get, the more you strain. The more you strain, the more pressure you put on the hemorrhoidal cushions, and, well, you know the rest.
Good toilet habits: move your bowels as soon as you feel the urge; Do not sit on the toilet for long periods of time.
Inflammation is swelling. increased blood flow. Heat. Irritation. Hemorrhoids. Diet can be a big factor in inflammation. Here are a few things to take note of:
-Reduce refined carbohydrates and animal products
-Reduce alcohol consumption
-Get enough micro minerals such as zinc and chromium
-Get enough essential fats such as Omega-3 fats
-If possible, don’t be overweight