Taking steps to soften your stools, so you don’t have to strain excessively during a bowel movement, is the most effective and most common way to avoid the development of hemorrhoids. It is important to make certain that the bowels are completely emptied each time the need is felt. It is also recommended that a person drinks plenty of water and includes fiber-rich foods in his or her daily diet. The following tips can help your battle or prevent the pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids.

If you have hemorrhoids, you should always keep them clean. If you can purchase them, select moist wipes rather than toilet paper. They will be more comfortable, and less irritating on the infected area. For added relief from the swelling and pain of hemorrhoids, try a lukewarm sitz bath. You should soak in it for a minimum of 20 minutes.

A simple remedy you can use at home is applying ice, then heat. By switching back and forth from cold to hot, you are shrinking the swelling while also soothing the pain away. 10 minutes of ice, followed by 20 minutes of moist heat should be directed to the area at least once per day.

Bowel Movement

If you are trying too hard when involved in a bowel movement, you may give yourself hemorrhoids. Eating less processed food and drinking lots of water will make your stools softer, and thus require less straining to pass. Squatting, instead of sitting, during a bowel movement also reduces the amount of straining required to defecate. When using the toilet, a stool placed at your feet can help. Hemorrhoids are actually less common in parts of the world in which people squat to eliminate fecal matter.

Eating whole grains such as whole wheat bread can improve your digestion, which helps reduce hemorrhoids. It also reduces irritation and blotchy skin. Before you eat another sandwich, try eating wheat instead of white bread!

If you know precisely what hemorrhoids are, you can alleviate some of your worries. Although this is not the most pleasant topic, a little information goes a long way in finding relief. Essentially, it is the swelling, and thus over-sensitivity, of some nerve endings that creates a painful hemorrhoid.

Always refrain from scratching hemorrhoids, much as you would with any other type of infection. Scratching them could cause them to bleed and become infected. You will be in more pain if you tear them open. You will also be prone to getting an infection.

Losing excess weight is a great way to reduce hemorrhoid pain. People who are obese are at a higher risk for developing hemorrhoids. Abdominal pressure from extra weight can cause tension in your anal veins. You can lower this pressure by following a weight loss regiment that includes high fiber dieting. Don’t take laxatives to lose weight or use them to treat hemorrhoids since this is very unhealthy.

Eat foods that are high in fiber. The more fiber you eat, the softer your stool will be. Softer stools let you use less force when going to the bathroom, and will help minimize any pain or discomfort you may feel when pushing. Foods, such as fruits and fiber supplements, may help to soften your stool.

As previously stated, the best way to avoid hemorrhoids is to keep your stools soft which will reduce straining and pressure. Adding more water and extra fiber to your diet can help. By following the advice in this article, you can help to ensure that hemorrhoid attacks do not occur as often.