Making certain lifestyle choices can either reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids or limit the time that a person has them. These include:
Drinking plenty of liquids
According to researchTrusted Source in The Permanente Journal, most anal problems such as hemorrhoids are caused by a lack of liquids in the diet.
Drinking plenty of liquid throughout the day keeps the stool soft and manageable as it works its way through the intestines. The result is a much softer stool that takes less energy to pass and causes less irritation to the hemorrhoids.
Fiber-rich diet
Diets high in fiber are very important to digestive health, especially when it comes to bowel movements.
Fiber can absorb water, which helps to both soften the stool and give it more body. This makes it easier to pass.
What to wear
People can support the healing of the hemorrhoids by wearing loose-fitting, breathable, cotton underwear and pants. This can help prevent the area surrounding the hemorrhoids from becoming irritated by excess sweat, and help reduce symptoms.
Correct bathroom habits
There are also a few things to consider when using the bathroom that may help control or avoid hemorrhoids.
It is important to not force a bowel movement. Straining and pushing may make hemorrhoids worse. If a bowel movement has not occurred after 2 minutes, it is best to get up and try again later. It also helps some people to have a similar schedule every day, such as sitting on the toilet for a few minutes after each meal.
It is also important to listen to the body in these cases. The moment that the body needs a bowel movement is the best time to do it. Waiting for a less social setting or waiting to use the toilet at home can actually back up the stool and cause more stress and straining. This will only make the hemorrhoids worse.
Softness goes a long way with hemorrhoids. If toilet paper is too irritating, using damp toilet paper may help. Alcohol-free baby wipes with absolutely no additives may also provide relief when wiping. Wet wipes specific for the bottom, or hemorrhoid-specific wipes, can be purchased from a pharmacy or online and will help with gentle cleaning after a bowel movement.
It may also help to take a squatting position while having a bowel movement. The rectum clears itself easily and with less force when in a squatting position. The easiest way to do this is to prop a stack of books or a stool near the toilet to rest the feet on during bathroom breaks.
Things to avoid
There are also some important things to avoid when treating hemorrhoids in the home. Commercial baby wipes or perfumed toilet papers that are common in many households should be avoided.
Hemorrhoids are highly sensitive, and perfumes and other chemicals may make symptoms worse. It is also important not to wash the anus with soap while hemorrhoids are present. This can dry out and irritate hemorrhoids even more.
Aspirin should also be avoided as it can thin the blood and make bleeding worse.
