Lifestyle Changes To Help You Recover From Piles

Piles are the swollen veins around the anal region. They are present either externally or internally. They are caused due to increased pressure in the pelvic and rectal veins.
Constipation, diarrhea and pregnancy are major reasons for its occurrence. They are also caused by straining during the bowel movement, sitting for long hours for stool, and a high-stress life.

Piles can be very painful and often bleed leading to a lot of discomforts, weakness and anemia.

There are few lifestyle changes and home remedies which if adopted can give immense relief from the discomfort and often help recover from piles.

The habit of reading books or newspaper in the bathroom or watching mobile is a major lifestyle change one should undertake. Reading makes you sit for a longer time on the seat, which in turn puts more pressure on the bowel movement, and also gives stress to the blood vessels. Both the above situations can lead to hemorrhoids.

Stacks of newspaper and magazines should be removed from the bathroom.

We are all aware that drinking water is good for health, but not many follow it. Water intake prevents constipation and regularises the bowel movement. It is recommended to drink eight to ten glasses of water to smoothen the functioning of the digestive system.

A call for defecation should never be ignored or delayed. It may lead to hardening of stool in the intestine thereby increasing the risk of piles. A hard stool is difficult to pass and requires a lot of strain and pressure. Straining puts pressure on the veins around the anal region and can lead to internal piles moving outside the anus (external piles).

The fiber in the diet helps in keeping constipation away. Constipation is a major causative and an aggravating factor for piles. The insoluble fiber helps in adding bulk to the stool and helps the stool in passing quickly through the intestine. Trials of fiber show beneficial effects on symptoms and bleeding in the treatment of hemorrhoids.⁽¹⁾

Following foods are rich in fiber and can be added to the diet,

1. Legumes like beans, peas, black beans, and baked beans.
2. Whole grains like oatmeal, barley, and brown rice.
3. Vegetables like radish, turnip, carrot, sprouts, broccoli, and many more.

Sitz or warm baths give a lot of relief from itching and irritation in the anal region. It can be repeated twice or thrice daily and the area should be cleaned and dried thereafter.

20 minutes of sitz bath after passing stool eases the pain which mostly the people suffering from piles, experience. Epsom salt or apple cider vinegar can also be added to further reduce the symptoms.

Regular exercise helps in keeping the bowel movements regular as it keeps the intestine moving. It cures constipation and hemorrhoids.

Healing of piles can be supported by wearing loose fitting and breathable underwear or pants. Wearing loose fitted clothes prevents excess sweat from irritating the area around the piles.

Piles are highly sensitive to perfumes and other chemicals. It is therefore important to avoid the usage of perfumed toilet paper and even soap in cleaning the anal region. It can irritate the piles even more.

Prevention is always better than cure. If a few simple steps can help avoid surgery why not go ahead with them. Stay healthy stay fit.

Also Read:

• Q&A on Hemorrhoid or Piles: Is It A Serious Disease?
• Dos & Don’ts for Piles
• Best Surgical Treatment for Piles
• 10 Yoga Asanas For Constipation and Piles