Hemorrhoids are a medical nuisance that affect millions of Americans every year. While it might seem like hemorrhoids develop over time, they are actually a normal part of human anatomy. Hemorrhoids are just veins; they are problematic when they become swollen and painful. Hemorrhoids are treatable, but you might be wondering what you can do to prevent this painful ailment in the first place.
Fortunately, there are a number of precautions you can take to try and prevent hemorrhoids from becoming problematic:
Stay Active
Staying active helps prevent hemorrhoids in multiple ways. Exercising regularly can help you lose extra weight, which could be a factor contributing to your hemorrhoids. However, be careful not to strain too much while exercising (like lifting heavy weights), because straining can be a cause of hemorrhoids. It's also important not to sit for too long, as that can increase pressure on the veins in the rectum.
Drink More Water
You've probably been told to drink more water to prevent multiple problems, and hemorrhoids are no different. Drinking enough water will help you have healthy bowel movements and prevent constipation, so you won't be straining when you go to the bathroom. Getting enough water is defined differently for everyone, but it's important to always drink when you're thirsty. You can also use the color of your urine as an indication of your hydration; light yellow means you're getting enough water, while dark yellow indicates you need more water.
Eat More Fiber
One major way to prevent hemorrhoids is by making regular bowel movements. The key to regular bowel movements is to increase the fiber in your diet. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains tend to be high in fiber and will benefit your body in other ways as well.
If you're having trouble adding fiber into your diet naturally, consider taking fiber supplements. Fiber supplements can help improve symptoms of hemorrhoids that have already acted up.
Exercising regularly, drinking more water, and eating more fiber are all great precautions to take to try and prevent hemorrhoids from occurring. If you're already suffering from hemorrhoids and conservative treatments aren't helping, there are advanced treatments that can help cure them, such as hemorrhoid banding.
Hemorrhoid banding is a procedure that cuts off the blood flow of the hemorrhoid by tying a rubber band around it. If you think you need a more advanced hemorrhoid treatment, discuss it with your doctor as soon as you can.
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