Hemorrhoids – Cause, Prevention And Cure.Hemorrhoids (or haemorrhoids, or piles) are basically varicose veins in the rectum/anus.They’re usually caused by straining too much – straining on the toilet because of constipation, straining from heavy lifting, the strain of birth or of the weight of the womb in late pregnancy, even a persistent cough can cause piles. Piles can also be caused by lack of exercise – particularly for people who spend a lot of time sitting. Sitting on a cold surface has long been known to cause piles, but also sitting too long on a hot surface e.g. a heated car seat on a long journey. Over use of laxatives is another way of getting hemorrhoids. There are several things you can do to avoid or cure piles: · Change diet if necessary to avoid constipation – drink more water, eat more high fibre food – e.g. vegetables and wholegrains. Avoid too much cheese and other dairy products, as these can cause constipation. · Avoid heavy lifting or other straining that might be putting pressure on that area. Learn how to lift correctly, bending your knees, not your back, and not holding your breath while you lift (this increases the pressure in your abdomen). · If you spend a lot of time sitting down, try doing pelvic floor exercises while you sit. (Squeeze tight as if you’re trying not to wee – squeeze and relax as often as you think of it.) Get up and move around as often as you can. Important - If you have a tendency to get piles, or varicose veins in your legs, it could help to take extra vitamin C to strengthen your blood vessels. For existing piles, there are several herbal and homeopathic remedies to help. Pulsatilla is a homeopathic remedy that I found useful after a rapid labour had caused enormous piles (I couldn’t sit for a week!). See a homeopath for the best remedy for you. Horse chestnut is a traditional herbal remedy for haemorrhoids. Calendula (marigold) and Hypericum (St John’s Wort) are both very good for soothing the itching and pain. Chamomile is also soothing. This is easily available in tea form – try sitting on a warm chamomile teabag! You can get herbal remedies from some health food stores, or from an herbalist.
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