Hemorrhoid Treatment - Self Care

Follow your doctor\'s advice about taking care of hemorrhoids at home. Some hemorrhoids treatments relieve symptoms immediately, while others require you to modify your diet and exercise habits. These changes can relieve constipation and prevent the return of your hemorrhoids\' symptoms.

How to relieve symptoms:

Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve symptoms. The following tips will also help reduce pain and swelling.

- Take sitz baths. Taking a sitz bath means sitting in a tub containing a few inches of warm water. Soak the area for 15-20minutes twice a day can mean a big relief for painful hemorrhoids and can help you maintaining clean the area.

- Change your bowel habits. Go to the bathroom when your body needs it; do not ignore the urge to go, since postponing the evacuation can cause constipation, hard stools and straining. Also, avoid reading while on the toilet. Sit just as long as necessary, and wipe gently with soft toilet paper or unscented baby wipes.

- Use ice packs. Apply an ice pack to a thrombosed external hemorrhoid can relieve pain immediately and reduce blood clot. Use the ice for 15-20 minutes at a time; to avoid skin damage, place a cloth between the ice and the application area.

- Take other measures. Although laxatives and enemas can relieve constipation, use them only if your doctor recommends them. To ease symptoms, try to apply pads soaked in witch hazel solution that you can get at most pharmacies. Ointments for hemorrhoids (OTC over-the-counter) and petroleum jelly can also relieve discomfort.

- Add fiber to your diet Adding fiber to your diet may relieve constipation because it softens the stool and facilitates its expulsion. To increase your fiber intake, your doctor may recommend a bulking agent such as psyllium; a fiber supplement can be bought at most grocery stores and pharmacies. You will also benefit by eating more high-in-fiber foods. There are two types of fiber:

* Insoluble fiber, which is the main ingredient of bulking agents. It is also present in wheat bran, whole grain bread, fresh fruits and vegetables.

* Soluble fiber, which is present in foods such as oat bran. Although soluble fiber is beneficial, may not relieve constipation in the same way as foods that contain insoluble fiber.

- Drink more water Along with a fiber rich diet, drinking more water can relieve constipation; insoluble fiber absorbs water, which softens the stool and makes them more bulky. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Juices of certain fruits such as plums or apples can also prevent constipation.

- Get more exercise Besides being great for your health, regular exercise aids digestion and prevent constipation. Talk with your doctor to begin an exercise program. Low-impact activities such as swimming or walking are good starting points. Take it easy at first, and remember to drink plenty of water while doing physical activities.

- Fiber-rich Foods Foods rich in fiber offer many benefits. Since they soften the stool, they can help healing and preventing swollen hemorrhoids. Furthermore, they could also reduce the risk of colon and rectum cancer. Best of all is that they usually have fewer calories and taste very good. Some examples of foods high in fiber are:

· Whole grains such as wheat bran and corn, and rice.

· Vegetables, especially carrots, broccoli, cabbage and peas.

· Fruits like apples, bananas, raisins, peaches and pears.

· Nuts and legumes, especially peanuts, lentils and kidney beans long.

Simple ways to add fiber:

The following simple tips will help you adding more fiber-rich foods to your meals.

· Start your day with a breakfast rich in fiber. Eat wheat bran cereal with a sliced banana or whole wheat toast with peanut butter.

· Eat carrot sticks as a snack: they are easy to prepare, very tasty and low in calories.

· Use whole grain bread instead of white bread sandwiches.

Eat fruit when you feel for a candy. Try to eat an apple and some raisins instead of a candy bar.

Altogether, these recommendations form a natural hemorrhoids treatment. I will be happy to acknowledge your progress in getting rid of your hemorrhoids.

If you would like to learn more on hemorrhoids treatment alternatives, please visit hemorrhoids treatment where I also have a section for bleeding hemorrhoids and a natural cure for them. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jose_L_Camacho_Padilla

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