Hemorrhoids are swollen veins, similar to varicose veins, in or around the anus or lower rectum. Often they itch, bleed and cause significant pain, especially when a blood clot forms and creates a hard lump. Anything that puts pressure on or strains the rectum can trigger hemorrhoids, I was told by Richard C. Sheinbaum, MD, a gastroenterologist in Stamford, Connecticut, and assistant clinical professor of medicine at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York CIty. To keep that from happening…
- Adopt an anticonstipation diet so that you won’t have to strain to push out stool. Most important: Get plenty of fiber, which softens and bulks up stool. Good sources include whole-grain breads and cereals… vegetables and fruits… and ground flaxseeds. Increase your fiber intake gradually so that you don’t have problems with gas. Avoid or limit consumption of foods that contribute to constipation, such as those that are high in fat (cheeses, meats) or low in fiber (white rice, pasta, white bread). Also: Drink at least six to eight glasses of water each day.
- Check the side effects of your medications and supplements. Many commonly used drugs (such as statins and hypertension medications) and dietary supplements (including calcium and iron) can contribute to constipation. To find out if any of your drugs do this, check the labels and literature that come with the medications… then talk to your doctor about trying different drugs or natural alternatives. If constipation persists, take an over-the-counter stool softener, such as Colace, or a psyllium fiber supplement, such as Metamucil, following the instructions on the package… or lubricate stools by taking one to two tablespoons of flaxseed oil daily with meals.
- Spend the right amount of time on the toilet. If you’re in too big a hurry, you’re likely to strain — so allow time for nature to take its course, if necessary. But if you sit there too long, that spread-open position puts extra pressure on the rectal area… so break the habit of reading or doing a crossword puzzle while on the toilet.
- Go when the urge strikes. Many women resist the urge to go to the bathroom in a public restroom or friend’s house — but suppressing a bowel movement can contribute to hemorrhoids by making the stool hard and dry and placing pressure on the anal opening. Remind yourself that a moment’s self-consciousness is a small price to pay to prevent a real pain in the you-know-what.
