Home remedies for hemorrhoid flare ups
Inflammation of the veins in the lower rectum and anus is known as hemorrhoids. People prone to constipation are susceptible to hemorrhoids or piles. The pressure exerted on the veins while straining the anus to pass hardened stool, leads to this condition. These swollen blood vessels on the outer rectum and anus can turn bowel movements into intensely painful experiences. Classic symptoms include rectal pain, itching, bleeding, and possibly prolapse (protrusion of hemorrhoids into the anal canal).
Although hemorrhoids are rarely dangerous, they can be a painful recurrent bother. According to Harvard health publication, Hemorrhoids come in two varieties. The internal type sprout from within the rectum. External hemorrhoids develop on the anus itself. Either way, stools passing by them can cause pain and bleeding.But simple self-help measures can ease the ordeal of most hemorrhoids and allow healing.
Below are home remedies for hemorrhoid flare ups:
1. Step up the fiber. Most adults experience anal itching, discomfort and bleeding associated with hemorrhoids at some point, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Internal hemorrhoids typically cause bloody stool and less pain than external, or prolapsed, hemorrhoids. If a blood clot forms in an external hemorrhoid, the dissolved clot may leave itchy, excess skin behind. A low-fiber or low-fluid diet, chronic constipation and pregnancy are common hemorrhoid causes. Certain foods may help to minimize your symptoms.
“The most important thing is to add fiber to your diet,” This is best done with food, but some people find they need to take a fiber supplement to get 20 to 30 grams of fiber per day. To start, try a psyllium husk fiber supplement, such as Metamucil or a generic equivalent. If psyllium causes gas or bloating, try a supplement containing wheat dextrin or methylcellulose.
Legumes, such as beans, lentils and split peas, provide valuable amounts of protein, micronutrients, such as B-vitamins and iron, and fiber. Increasing your fiber intake can increase stool softness and ease pressure on hemorrhoids during bowel movements. Americans consume 15 g of fiber daily, on average, according to the NDDIC, which is well below the daily recommended amount of 25 g daily for women and 38 g daily for men. A one-cup serving of cooked lentils provides more than 15 g of fiber. Cooked lima beans provide close to 11 g per cup. To increase the fiber content of common dishes, replace ground beef and other meats with legumes in chili, casseroles, soups and tacos. Additional fiber-rich varieties include chili beans, white beans, black beans, chickpeas and kidney beans.
2. Lubricate the process. Mixing a tablespoon of mineral oil with applesauce or yogurt and eating it at breakfast or lunch allows stool to slide by the hemorrhoid more easily. But don’t do this for a long period, (if you try this, you may want to place a liner in your undergarments to absorb any oil leakage.)
Fruits and vegetables are top sources of antioxidants, such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, which promote a strong immune system. As valuable sources of fluid and fiber, fruits and vegetables may also help to manage hemorrhoid symptoms. A one-cup serving of fresh raspberries provides 11 g of fiber. A medium-sized mango provides nearly 4 g. Fiber-rich vegetables include broccoli, leafy greens, cabbage and boiled carrots. Choose whole, colorful fruits and vegetables over juices, which contain less fiber. Juices do, however, promote hydration. Particularly hydrating produce varieties include berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, cucumbers, melon, water chestnuts and celery. Broth-based vegetable soup is a rich source of hydration and fiber.
In addition to hydrating fruits and vegetables, consuming plentiful amounts of fluid is important for alleviating hemorrhoid strain. According to MayoClinic drinking six to eight glasses of water and other non-alchoholic liquids per day for stool softness. Additional hydrating fluids include herbal tea, low-fat milk, fresh fruit smoothies, gelatin, ice chips and all-fruit frozen bars. Spending time in hot weather and exercising intensely increase your fluid needs.
3. For Home remedies for hemorrhoid flare ups, don’t delay. When you feel the urge, go to the bathroom immediately; don’t wait for a more convenient time. Putting off bowel movements can worsen constipation, which then aggravates hemorrhoids.
4. Try elevation. Elevating your feet a bit with a step stool as you sit on the toilet changes the position of the rectum in a way that may allow for easier passage of stools.
5. Off-the-shelf remedies. Over-the-counter products are available for hemorrhoids. These include witch hazel infused pads and soothing creams, like the iconic brand Preparation H and its generic equivalents. If these don’t work, ask your doctor about prescription preparations.
6. Sit in a sitz. Don’t overlook the relief offered by sitz baths. Using a basin that fits under the toilet seat, soak the inflamed area in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, two to three times a day.
Home remedies for hemorrhoid flare ups