<aside>
I made you a handy dandy supplement support guide:
</aside>
Hemorrhoids—no one wants to talk about them, but if you’ve ever experienced the discomfort, you know they’re impossible to ignore.
The good news?
They’re common, treatable, and often preventable.
Hemorrhoids are protrusions of the rectal vascular tissues and are classified into two categories: internal and external.
Typically, external hemorrhoids are visible outside the anus, and internal hemorrhoids are non-visible protrusions above the anal sphincter.
These are further graded based on severity of prolapse.
It is not surprising that hemorrhoids are a common ailment of western countries.
A die low in fiber and highly processed foods promotes harder stools and can lead to an increase in straining and tearing of anal tissues.
If treated early enough, many cases of hemorrhoids respond well to natural treatments.
Very advanced cases, however, often need surgical intervention.
<aside>
💡 Causes
Among the many factors that contribute to the development of hemorrhoids are those that cause a downward pressure onto the rectum.
Hemorrhoids are a type of varicose vein that tends to occur as we get older; about 75% of Americans have hemorrhoids at some point.
Being constipated or passing large, hard stools may contribute to developing hemorrhoids.
In many cases, however, there is no obvious cause. The increased pressure during pregnancy may also cause hemorrhoids.
</aside>
Contributing factors
Symptoms
Daily Habits to Prevent Hemorrhoids
<aside>
💡 Ways to Support
I advise clients to start taking hemorrhoids seriously even if symptoms are still relatively minor. It can save years of pain and discomfort.
The focus for acute hemorrhoids is anti-inflammatory, tissue strengthening and stool softening.
- Hydration with electrolytes - I love LMNT and Buoy mineral drops. Otherwise you can just use a good mineral salt in beverages and food. I recommend 3L to 1 gallon per day or a minimum of ⅔ body weight in water.
- Fiber assures regularity and a softer stool, preventing hard, irritating stools in the rectum. A bulky stool stimulates stretch receptors, increasing peristaltic action. I recommend walking your fiber up slowly and ensure you’re matching it with hydration because fiber without hydration can worsen constipation.
- Leafy Greens (arugula, mustard greens, beet greens, spinach, kale, Swiss chard) – provide fiber and magnesium to ease bowel movements
- Whole Grains (brown rice, quinoa, oats) – help bulk up stool
- Beans & Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, black beans) – great fiber sources but should be introduced slowly to avoid gas
- Vitamin C/Bioflavonoid Complex such as quercetin, rutin and hesperidin strengthen vascular tissue – perfect for treating and preventing hemorrhoids. Anthocyanidins are also wonderful for this purpose. Dark colored foods such as berries, beets, pomegranate, etc
- Hemorrhoid and Fissure Ointment for instant relief - https://rrhoidrage.com/products/hemorrhoid-ointment/ use code POOPQUEEN
- Many herbal considerations exist for the treatment of hemorrhoids. These are in the Fullscript recommendation list along with others to help alleviate pain. Horse chestnut - Aesculus hippocastanum and butchers broom - Ruscus aculeatus have been used for centuries to strengthen blood vessels, and are the most commonly prescribed herbs for this condition.
- Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut)/Ruscus aculeatus (butchers broom) herbal combination (capsule or tincture), apply 3x a day
- Because of the portal vascular flow, improving liver function can greatly alleviate downward pressure. Cholagogues, such as Aloe Vera or Dandelion, can help stimulate bile flow into the small intestine. Further, bitter foods are also a great way to stimulate bile flow such as lemon/lime, arugula, beets, etc. Nutrients such as lecithin are also helpful to improve bile flow. When the liver is sluggish, bile and blood flow slows down, increasing pressure in the rectal veins. Supporting liver function can relieve this burden.
- One of the most effective hydrotherapeutic treatments for hemorrhoids is the cold sitz bath. This involves having a patient sit in a tub, with the hips and lower abdomen covered in 55- to 75-degree (F) water for three to ten minutes. Only the pelvis is submerged; the legs and the upper torso should remain dry. If possible, the feet should be in a hot footbath (105-110F) at the same time.
- For hemorrhoids, aerobic exercise improves blood flow, thereby improving the stagnation of the rectal vasculature, and helps to keep bowel movements regular. Make sure to have the patient avoid the heavy straining of weight lifting or impact sports like running. I recommend soft impact sports like swimming, treadmill or bicycle workouts.
</aside>