Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around the anus. They can form either internally or externally, and the resulting lumps can cause pain and bleeding. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, it’s estimated about half the people in the U.S. will have hemorrhoids by age 50. Hemorrhoids are actually quite rare in less industrialized cultures.
What are the Symptoms?
Anal itching, blood on toilet paper, pain while sitting, lumps near the anus, painful bowel movements.
What are the Causes?
Hemorrhoids are usually related to stress, B-vitamin deficiency, constipation, pregnancy, improper diet (not enough fiber), lack of exercise, prolonged period of sitting without getting up in-between, being overweight, heavy lifting, obesity, liver damage, and allergies.
Diet and Lifestyle
The diet follows principles similar to the diet for constipation. Easy elimination is the goal, which means more vegetables and fruits — along with avoiding constipating foods like sugar and refined carbohydrates.
- Consume a diet high in vegetables (especially broccoli, kale and all dark green vegetables)
- Have an apple a day
- Keep bowel clean (a bidet, water, or wipes are better than toilet paper)
- Avoid constipation; don’t strain or push too hard when moving the bowel
- Exercise daily (including walking)
- Drink 8 glasses of water (for each cup of coffee add 2 more glasses of water)
- Include olive oil and coconut oil in your diet
Recommended Supplements
B-vitamins often alleviate the problem and help prevent hemorrhoids from occurring. Some clients that experience chronic hemorrhoids have had the MTHFR gene mutation and require methylated b-vitamins.
Assists elimination.
Helps prevent the physiological effects of stress, especially with hemorrhoids.
