“Defeating Hemorrhoids: Causes, Remedies, and Diet Tips”

Hemorrhoids are like unexpected guests at a party: they can be uncomfortable, a bit embarrassing and unwanted. But what exactly are hemorrhoids?

These unpleasant “guests” are swollen veins in the lower part of the rectum or anus. These are like elastic blood-filled pads, quite similar in structure to a sponge. Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the rectal mucosa and cannot be felt. They are usually painless and make their presence felt by bleeding during bowel movements. Internal hemorrhoids can move and come out through the anus. External hemorrhoids are located under the skin surrounding the anus. External hemorrhoids affect patients of all ages, genders, races, and appear more often as we age.

How do hemorrhoids become those painful monsters we know and loathe?

Well, the top culprits are pregnancy, chronic constipation, straining during bowel movements, and prolonged standing on the toilet. It’s like living in an endless episode of Game of Thrones, where everyone is fighting for the throne, but the throne is actually the toilet. Every attempt to master the toilet can cause hemorrhoids to swell.

You wonder what you can do quickly to calm these monsters.

Here are some tips. Warm sitz baths, applying cold compresses and using topical creams can provide some relief.

Don’t forget about hydration. Water is your best friend in this fight. This can help improve intestinal transit and prevent constipation.

First aid kit against hemorrhoids

There are a variety of creams, ointments, and suppositories available that can relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids, such as pain, itching, and inflammation. Hydrocortisone creams, for example, are a kind of local superhero in the fight against inflammation and itching. Other medications, such as those containing lidocaine, provide an anesthetic effect that can ease pain. Suppositories, although they may seem a bit unpleasant, can be extremely effective in relieving internal symptoms. Do not forget, however, that these are only temporary measures.

Diet for Hemorrhoids: Eating No Regrets

Let’s talk now about a topic dear to everyone: food. If you are a person dealing with hemorrhoids, you might think that it is time to give up all culinary delights. But fear not, there’s no need to condemn yourself to a bread and water diet. The first thing you need to do is incorporate more fiber into your diet. Fiber helps prevent constipation, one of the main factors contributing to the development of hemorrhoids.

Here are the types of food that can be beneficial:

• Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables: apples, pears, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, oranges, grapes, kiwi, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach, carrots.
• Whole grains: Oats, rye flakes, quinoa, wheat bran, brown rice.
• Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, peas.
• Seeds and Nuts: Flax seeds, chia seeds, hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds.
• Healthy fats: Extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, avocados.
• Fish: Salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, which are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Low-fat dairy products: Greek yogurt, fresh cheese.
• Smoothies and natural juices: Combinations of fruits and vegetables that can be blended into smoothies or fresh juices for a high intake of nutrients and fiber.

Are you wondering what delicious dishes you could prepare from these ingredients? Here are some recipe ideas for each category mentioned:

• Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables
• Broccoli and carrot salad with Greek yogurt dressing and lemon juice.
• Smoothie with blueberries, spinach, Greek yogurt and a pinch of chia seeds.
• Brussels sprout salad with chopped walnuts and olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing.
• Baked apples with cinnamon and a teaspoon of honey.
• Fresh fruit salad including oranges, kiwi and grapes.
• Whole grains
• Breakfast with oatmeal, skim milk and toppings like blueberries, flax seeds and honey.
• Quinoa salad with fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peas.
• Brown rice with baked vegetables like zucchini, carrots and bell peppers.
• Toast with wholemeal bread, avocado and hard-boiled egg.
• Smoothie with bananas, oats, almond milk and a hint of vanilla.

Legume

• Chickpea hummus with carrots and wholemeal bread.
• Lentil soup with vegetables such as onions, zucchini and spinach.
• Black bean salad with corn, bell pepper, red onion and lemon and olive oil dressing.
• Pea curry with tomato sauce and aromatic spices.
• Chickpea stew with vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots and sweet potatoes.

Seeds and nuts

• Smoothie with almond milk, bananas, almonds and a spoonful of chia seeds.
• Spinach salad with strawberries, chopped walnuts and an olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing.
• Baked Vegetable Platter with Toasted Pecans.
• Oatmeal with flax seeds, almonds and fresh fruit.
• Homemade energy bars with sesame seeds, sunflower seeds and peanut butter.
• Healthy fats
• Grilled salmon with avocado sauce and arugula salad.
• Greek salad with extra virgin olive oil, cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese and olives.
• Toast with avocado butter and poached egg.
• Homemade guacamole with avocado, tomato, onion and lime juice.

What types of meat are you allowed to eat?

• It is recommended to choose types of meat that are easily digestible and do not cause digestive irritation. Here are some suitable meat options:
• White meat: Chicken and turkey breast are good choices because they are low in fat and easier to digest compared to red meat.
• Fish: Fish is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation. Healthy options include salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel.
• Lean beef or pork: If you prefer red meat, choose lean cuts of beef or pork and make sure you cook them at safe temperatures to prevent further digestive irritation.
• It is important to cook meat in a healthy way and avoid cooking methods that add excess fat, such as frying in oil or adding fatty sauces. Opt for healthier cooking methods such as grilling, baking or boiling.

When to Knock on the Doctor’s Door

Hemorrhoids though. are usually not dangerous, they can be a sign of other health problems, such as colorectal cancer. If you’re experiencing severe pain, bleeding that won’t stop, or hemorrhoids and you’re under 50, it’s time to see your doctor. Don’t worry, the doctor won’t judge you. He’s certainly seen far worse things than some unruly hemorrhoids!

Hemorrhoids can be painful, uncomfortable, and sometimes even embarrassing. But. with a proper understanding of their causes, a little attention to lifestyle and the help of the doctor, you can defeat this problem.