How to Prevent Hemorrhoids

Help Prevent Hemorrhoids

Although rubber band ligation helps keep hemorrhoids from coming back, there are lifestyle changes you can make to prevent hemorrhoids.

• Eat high-fiber foods: Increase your fiber intake by eating healthy, fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and whole grains. Fiber makes it easier for your body to pass stool and keeps you from having to strain during bowel movements. If you’re not able to get adequate fiber from food, consider taking a fiber supplement.

• Drink more water: Women should have about 11.5 cups of fluids each day, and men should have about 15.5 cups, according to the Mayo Clinic. It’s essential to stay hydrated to decrease your risk of constipation, which is a common cause of hemorrhoids. Drinking plenty of water will also help keep your stools soft as you increase your fiber intake.

• Exercise: Aim to get 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise every day. Exercise can prevent hemorrhoids because it keeps waste moving through your body. When you’re sedentary, your bowels slow down, and you’re more likely to experience constipation. One note of caution, though if you have hemorrhoids: Avoid heavy-duty weight-lifting squats and similar motions that increase abdominal pressure. If you’re trying to prevent hemorrhoids, these exercises can do more harm than good.

• Don’t sit on the toilet too long: While it may be tempting to spend more than a few minutes in the bathroom with a book or smartphone, it’s important not to stay seated for too long. Sitting on the toilet increases pressure in the rectal region, which can lead to hemorrhoids — especially if you strain. Aim to be out of the bathroom in two minutes or less. If you need more time, leave the bathroom and return to try again later.

• Go when you get the urge: Go to the bathroom as soon as you get the urge to make a bowel movement. If you wait too long, the stool could become dry, hard and more difficult to pass, leading to constipation and straining.

Foods to Eat When You Have Hemorrhoids

To minimize the irritating, painful, and disruptive symptoms of hemorrhoids, fiber is your friend; your body needs a healthy amount of soluble and non-soluble fiber to maintain bowel health. Oatmeal, beans, wheat bran, nuts, vegetables, and green beans are great sources of fiber, and the Mayo Clinic recommends you eat a wide variety of high-fiber foods to maximize the health benefits.

Foods to Avoid When You Have Piles

Spice is not your friend when you have hemorrhoids for a number of reasons: it can aggravate your digestion, resulting in diarrhea or constipation, and some compounds may cause anal itching as they’re expelled, intensifying the discomfort of your hemorrhoids. Avoid spicy food and hot sauces. Citrus fruits, chocolate, and alcohol can also trigger anal itching, so it’s a good practice to avoid them during hemorrhoid flare-ups.

If you are experiencing uncomfortable or painful hemorrhoids,

schedule an appointment with Kansas City Hemorrhoid Center (816) 836-2200