Every person has hemorrhoids. They perform an important task in the intestinal closure system. Normally, hemorrhoids are not noticed. If the hemorrhoids enlarge, the typical complaints such as burning, itching, pain or bleeding occur. However, there is no reason to suffer from enlarged hemorrhoids. Nowadays, there are a variety of options and home remedies that can be used to treat or alleviate hemorrhoidal conditions. Nevertheless, you should definitely talk to your family doctor about your problems, so that serious diseases in the rectal area in particular can be ruled out. This is especially true if bleeding occurs in the anal area.
Diet tips for hemorrhoids
A regular, balanced diet rich in fiber can prevent enlargement of hemorrhoids. Allow time for your meals while drinking plenty of fluids. This is because dietary fiber (30 to 40 grams daily) can only swell in contact with liquid. Drink at least one and a half to two liters of a liquid you like throughout the day. Mineral water, juice spritzers, fruit or herbal teas are best. You may also be selective in your food choices. These foods are especially good as a diet for hemorrhoids:
- Whole grain bread, cereals
- Fresh fruits and vegetables, for example spinach, broccoli or figs
- Raw vegetable salads
- Dairy products such as cottage cheese, yogurt or cheese
- 2-3 tablespoons of wheat bran or a teaspoon of psyllium per day with a little yogurt or juice.
The following foods should be reduced:
- Sugary foods, such as chocolate or soft drinks.
- Low-fiber foods with white flour, such as white bread.
- Flatulent foods, such as cabbage or onions.
- Sausage
- Very greasy food
- Alcohol and nicotine
Proper nutrition for hemorrhoids means strengthening the intestinal flora and stimulating the intestines rather than overloading them. Stool consistency can also be improved by the above foods. Strongly spiced foods need not be avoided across the board if they are well tolerated. However, if the anus is already irritated by constipation or diarrhea, it is also better to avoid too spicy food.
Exercise tips for hemorrhoids
Hiking, swimming, gymnastics or walking are a good sporty balance and help to prevent hemorrhoids. If you don’t have time for this, take the stairs instead of the elevator. You can also run small errands on foot or by bicycle instead of by car. Pelvic floor exercises are particularly suitable. This is offered in special gymnastics courses. Sports such as tennis, jogging, aerobics or weight training should be avoided if you have enlarged hemorrhoids, as they put too much strain on the pelvic floor.
Body care for hemorrhoids
You can promote the healing process of the skin with sitz baths, ointments or even special toilet tissues soaked with chamomile or witch hazel. Chamomile and witch hazel have a soothing effect. However, you should only use toilet paper with nourishing oils. Counterproductive, on the other hand, is conventional moist toilet paper, which is often treated with artificial fragrances or alcohol. Natural skin care can also mean letting the skin rest. The thin anal skin in particular must not be irritated too much and should find its way back to its correct acid mantle in a natural way. It is also important to always pat the buttocks dry and not to aggravate the skin irritation by rubbing too hard. Also, after using the toilet, it is recommended to use an anal shower, a bidet or a damp washcloth as opposed to toilet paper.
The right clothes
Your underwear should be breathable, excellent at absorbing moisture and allowing your skin to catch its breath – so: 100 percent cotton is the first choice. Synthetic fibers do not allow the skin to catch its breath and lead to moisture stagnation, which puts additional stress on the delicate skin in the anal area. If you sweat a lot, you can also use special underwear made of functional fabrics. These dry faster compared to cotton. Also pay attention to the right detergent – it happens that certain ingredients cause allergies.
Home remedies for hemorrhoids
The following home remedies can help relieve hemorrhoids:
- Take a lukewarm sitz bath in which you add three liters of chamomile or oak bark tea
- Mix honey and calendula ointment and rub the affected area regularly with the mixture.
- Mix equal parts of chamomile and sweet clover, pour 0.25 liters of boiling water over one tablespoon and steep the tea for ten minutes. Drink three cups of chamomile sweet clover tea daily.
- Rub the affected area with a witch hazel ointment or use appropriate suppositories.
Help from the pharmacy
Medicines relieve the discomfort of enlarged hemorrhoids, but do not cause them to shrink. Grade I hemorrhoids can be treated well with surface numbing, disinfecting, and anti-inflammatory agents. These are available at pharmacies as hemorrhoid ointments, suppositories, or bath additives. Some herbal medicines are also suitable for the treatment of hemorrhoids, but it should be remembered that they often do not act as quickly as special chemical agents. These include horse chestnut extract (in tablet form). This has vaso-sealing properties. Anti-inflammatory substances such as arnica or chamomile provide relief, for example as an additive in sitz baths. Witch hazel extract (witch hazel) contains tannins that contract the surface of mucous membranes, i.e. have an astringent effect. Witch hazel also has an anti-inflammatory effect and relieves itching.
Five tips against hemorrhoids
These five tips once again summarize the most important remedies and behaviors you can use to relieve discomfort from hemorrhoids:
- Only go to the bathroom when you feel the urge. Each person has his or her own rhythm. You don’t necessarily have to go to the bathroom every day. Do not force yourself to go to the toilet. Avoid pressing too hard when having a bowel movement.
- Your stool should be sufficiently soft and firm in shape. Therefore, take plenty of fluids and fiber-rich foods.
- Take soft toilet paper with which you gently dab your buttocks after defecation. Alternatively, you can use a bidet or anal shower.
- Do not use soap to clean the anal area. This often irritates and causes eczema. Lukewarm water is quite enough.
- Exercise gets your bowels going. With swimming, gymnastics or walking you ensure better digestion.
