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Hemorrhoids are commonly known as piles. They are basically small, dilated blood vessels that occur in the region of the bowel exit - the anus. They may cause irritation and some pain.
Hemorrhoids can also result in bleeding from the bowels, particularly after the bowels have been opened. Sometimes a hemorrhoid can descend and protrude through the anus.
The condition is normally caused because of excessive pressure on the anus.
It sometimes occurs in pregnancy, due to increasing pressure caused by the growing child. Most commonly however, it is the result of chronic constipation.
Treatment of piles in severe cases is by simple laxatives and suppositories in the initial stages. If the condition doesn't respond to the treatment, it has to be corrected by surgical removal. While many factors have been named responsible for this ailment, diet plays a very important role. If the diet has low fiber content, the stools formed are extremely hard and exert additional pressure on the colon which can easily cause hemorrhoids or aggravate an existing condition. Diet control is one of the most effective ways to treat hemorrhoids as long as the problem is not too severe or chronic.
Whether you are suffering from hemorrhoids or have already undergone treatment and are convalescing, you should be very careful about your diet. The thumb rule is that the diet should be extremely rich in fiber. This considerably softens the stools and they pass smoothly through the bowels without exerting excessive pressure. Cooked vegetables, green leafy vegetables, fresh fruit like bananas and papayas and boiled potatoes must be included in the diet as they provide roughage which is of vital importance in the smooth movement of bowels.
Fast food and frozen foods are to be avoided at all costs. These foodstuffs have very little roughage and can wreak havoc with the internal lining of the anal tract. Also, one must drink as much water as possible. Drinking large quantities of water the first thing in the morning is known to be extremely beneficial. Regular consumption of bitter gourd juice and onion juice provides a soothing affect to the pain experienced due to piles. Likewise, a pinch of asafetida mixed in a glassful of water is also known to give similar effects. You may also try psyllium husk with plain water or buttermilk before going to bed. Whatever remedies you may choose, you should be consistent if you expect to see results soon.
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