Simply defined, Hemorrhoids are painful, swollen veins in the lower portion of the rectum or anus. You wouldn't have to define that for someone experiencing them, though. The pain and inflammation is enough to know something is awry.
Common symptoms of hemorrhoids include anal itching, burning, anal ache especially when sitting, bloody stool or blood on the tissue, pain during bowel movements, and hard and tender lumps near the anus.
Being that hemorrhoids are the result of increased pressure in the veins of the anus, what causes the increased pressure? Childbearing and pregnancy places extra pressure in this region for women; excessive straining during bowel movements on account of constipation and/or diarrhea also increases pressure; obesity; and simply sitting for long periods of time may also contribute.
Hemorrhoids can be prevented with healthy lifestyle habits, like proper nutrition and having regular daily bowel movements. High fiber diets and adequate hydration will help with regular bowel movements. The American Heart Association recommends adults should consume at least 25 grams of fiber per day. This can come from sources of food that provide soluble and insoluble fiber. Foods high in soluble fiber include oat bran, oatmeal, beans, peas, rice bran, barley, citrus fruits, strawberries and apple pulp. Foods high in insoluble fiber include whole-wheat breads, wheat cereals, wheat bran, rye, rice, barley, most other grains, cabbage, beets, carrots, Brussels sprouts, turnips, cauliflower and apple skin.
There are a lot of recommendations for proper hydration. Regardless, if you typically don't drink water or have fluids throughout the day, start with trying to get at least 8 cups of water per day. This can come from water, tea, coffee, and even soda. Please keep in mind your best source for hydration is calorie-free, as obesity can also be a contributor to hemorrhoids. Other sources suggest drinking half your body weight in ounces. In other words, take your weight (in pounds) and divide it in half. Drink that amount of water in ounces per day. So, if you weigh 200 pounds, you should drink 100 ounces of water per day (12.5 cups).
Healthy lifestyle habits may not prevent hemorrhoids, alone, however. Chronic constipation may be more than just a physical ailment. Because we are whole, integrated beings, digestive troubles may have psychological components involved. Since homeopaths view health as a condition of the entire individual, rather than in terms of isolated symptoms from specific locations of the body, this makes homeopathy a viable solution to help people experiencing hemorrhoids
There are several homeopathic remedies that are well suited to assist someone in finding relief if they experience hemorrhoids. Below is a brief list of six homeopathic remedies and their unique indications:[1]
Aesculus: Hemorrhoid pains that cause or are associated with low back pain. Pain as if the rectum were full of small sticks. Worse from standing and better from kneeling.
Aloe: Congested hemorrhoids that protrude like a bunch of grapes. They feel better from cold compresses or cold bathing.
Ignatia: Hemorrhoids or fissures with terrible rectal spasms.
Nux Vomica: Painful, congested hemorrhoids and fissures, especially with persistent constipation. The person generally feels worse if the hemorrhoids are suppressed. The person generally feels better after stool.
Ratanhia: Tremendous pain after stool, like broken glass. Worse after a hard stool, or from touch.
Sulphur: Large, congested, and moist hemorrhoids with irresistible itching. Worse at night, after having beer, or from standing.
There are many, many other homeopathic remedies that may help people experiencing hemorrhoids. This list is for acute-related complaints. If your symptoms are chronic (long-standing) or severe it's best to consult qualified professional assistance.
Please note this information is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose, or cure any diseases. If you have questions about your health, please consult a physician.
Thank you for reading,
Noel
[1] Desktop Companion to Physical Pathology. Roger Morrision, MD. 2002
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