You Have Hemorrhoids!

Um. Yes I know this is an embarrassing topic for you (not me, I don’t have hemorrhoids!) but it really needs to be addressed these days. Denying that you have them isn’t productive so cut it out right now and admit you have hemorroids. Let’s say it out loud together, ” I. have. hemorroids.” See, that wasn’t so bad, was it?

First off, let’s define hemorroids as best as we can. Basically, it’s a swollen anus due to inflamed veins in your anus and rectum. Sometimes, they can be very uncomfortable and itch or bleed.

Hemorrhoids can develop from any increase in pressure in the veins in the lower rectum. Common sources of pressure and hemorrhoid causes include:

Constipation and the accompanying straining
Diarrhea and the continuous expulsion of loose stools
Sitting or standing for a long time, especially sitting on the toilet
Obesity
Pregnancy and childbirth
Genetic tendency to develop hemorrhoids

You may be asking, “Why talk about this???!” Sorry if it’s a bit embarrassing, really. While this condition is known to affect older (50+) people, that sad news is that today, more and more younger people are afflicted with it because of obesity, which is increasing at an epidemic speed, and because of the all the tech people now, who spend hours upon hours sitting down in from of their computers. Face it, hemorroids are here, whether you like it or not.

When should you see your doctor about these pesky critters?
Generally speaking, go seek medical attention if your hemorrhoids do no improve with self-care, or if they cause pain, or bleed frequently or excessively.

If your poo is black, tarry or maroon in color, see your doctor immediately. These types of stools can indicate more extensive bleeding elsewhere in your digestive tract. Lastly, go to emergency care if you feel faint and lightheaded and notice large amounts of rectal bleeding.

How to treat the problem
If you have a mild case, your doctor might prescribe over-the-counter medications. Otherwise, more intense treatment might be called for: infrared treatment cuts off the circulation to small blood vessels, which will shrink the hemorroids. Surgery is the last resort treatment when all else has failed.

More natural treatments and prevention

Eat foods high in fiber - Eat meals loaded with vegetables, fruits, grains. Later, when you pass your stools, you will not need to strain.

Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time - take frequent breaks and move around.

Exercise - Exercise is best whether you have hemorroids or not but if you do have hemorroids, exercise helps you to have regular stools and also helps you avoid sitting for too long.

Drink plenty of fluids - a sufficient amount of water and juices keep your body hydrated and healthy.

Don’t strain - When you “go” #2, try not to push too much because it puts excessive strain and pressure on your veins in your lower rectum.

Keep that area clean - wash well there and dry!

Now, that wasn’t too horrible for you, was it? Thank me for NOT including a photo on this post.