Introduction
Let’s face it! No one really wants to talk about piles or haemorrhoids. But did you know this is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems in the country?
Three out of four adolescents will endure the itching, burning, and bleeding of haemorrhoids at least once in their lifetime.
Haemorrhoids are dilated, enlarged, and swollen veins (also called varicose veins) present around the outside of the anus and in the lower rectum.
The rectum is the last section of the large intestine closest to the anus. The condition may be asymptomatic or may cause occasional bleeding and discomfort.
You must have heard of them. Even you might be unlucky enough to be one of those adults who has/had piles. Still, you may wonder.
Read more about: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment of Piles?
Despite the advancement in the medical industry and lifestyle evolution, people feel embarrassed while discussing this topic. But gastroenterologists have helped a number of individuals in finding relief from this uncomfortable medical condition.
You may be wondering how our routine habits can lead us to get piles or haemorrhoids.
How do haemorrhoids form?
Although the exact cause of piles is not known, they usually develop when you indulge in strenuous activities which put pressure on your varicose veins around the rectum and anus.
Constipation and diarrhoea could be a strong reason as they cause straining, leading to pressure on these veins. Moreover, if you use enemas or laxatives too often, as a result, improper functioning of bowel movements can happen and cause piles.
Apart from these, anal intercourse, pregnancy, and obesity are the most common risk factors for piles.
Let’s discuss these everyday habits as only certain lifestyle changes can help you treat or reduce the risks of haemorrhoids or piles.
Daily habits that can lead to haemorrhoids or piles
Spending too much time in the toilet
Did you know that sitting on the toilet seat for long periods can also be a cause of piles? This is because the shape of the toilet seat exerts extra pressure on the veins of the rectum and anus, and thus these veins get swollen. It is completely understood that not everyone has the same bowel system. Some people usually take more time to move their bowels than others.
But the ones who have a habit of using their smartphones for too long while using the toilet are the ones who are more likely to suffer from haemorrhoids. Nowadays, it is common for the current generation to splurge time while scrolling the web sitting on the toilet seat.
So avoid sitting on the toilet seat for too long if you want to stay away from piles or haemorrhoids.
Too much strenuous exercise
Are you over-ambitious at the gym? Definitely, it might seem to be a positive attribute.
However, overdoing it with heavy weightlifting would be a foolish decision as it puts pressure on your clots or external haemorrhoids. Recent studies also suggest that intense exercise can even lead to death. So, if you are a patient with piles, do physical activity in moderation until the symptoms start to subside.
Poor hygiene
Heat and high humidity levels can be the worst enemy of a piles patient. Not taking showers every day, and not keeping the anal areas dry and clean can cause irritation and itching that eventually creates a worse situation. Remember to clean your private parts thoroughly with lukewarm water and gently pat the area dry.
Learn more about Winter Hygiene Tips.
Not answering nature’s call on time
When your body is signalling you to empty your bowels, you should drop whatever you are doing and evacuate your bowels. Restraining the urge to defecate will also put pressure on your varicose veins in the anal area. It is suggested to schedule your timings according to your bowel movements and make them a routine.
Poor dietary habits
Diet always plays an important role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Consuming foods that contain low fibre or intaking hot and spicy foods can cause piles.
If you don’t eat green vegetables, and fruits, and drink less water than is required, these things will have a disturbing effect on your bowel system. Oily and deep-fried foods also contribute to an unhealthy bowel. All these in combination create an imbalanced diet that makes digestion less efficient. Besides, consuming coffee in excess can also slow down your digestion process.
Make an informed choice and always eat a healthy diet!
Sedentary lifestyle
We all know that being active goes a long way and helps us to maintain a healthy and active body along with a perfect weight. But did you know that it can also lessen your odds of developing a haemorrhoid?
Make an effort to walk more, at least a 30-minute brisk walk. Also, inculcate some aerobic exercises in your routine for a smooth movement of your bowel.
Drinking too much alcohol
Excessive consumption of alcohol can eventually make your body dehydrated. Dehydration, as discussed above, leads to constipation which contributes to haemorrhoids.
Consuming too much sugar
The more sugar you consume, the more likely you are to get constipation. Constipation exerts pressure on your anal veins and significantly increases your risk of getting haemorrhoids.
Final thoughts
Piles is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. Unfortunately, people indulge in many routine activities that can cause piles and are not even aware of them.
Follow these above-mentioned suggestions to keep yourself away from this uncomfortable and painful medical condition.
People most often rely on home remedies to cure piles which are sometimes not as effective as we think. In severe conditions, it requires permanent surgical treatment otherwise it makes the life of an individual extremely distressing.
It is better to opt for routine health checkups to keep an eye on your body vitals. Always take preventive measures to avoid any further complications as ‘Prevention is better than Cure.’
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q1. What foods trigger hemorrhoids?
Ans.
Low-fibre, spicy, and fried foods can trigger piles.
Q2. What to drink to help with hemorrhoids?
Ans.
A fibre-dense diet such as fruit juices and clear soups can help improve the fibre content in your body.
Q3. Which foods cause piles?
Ans.
Too much caffeine, excessive alcohol, low water intake, low-fibre diet, and oily, spicy, and fried foods can cause piles.
Q4. Should you remove piles?
Ans.
Yes, only a few people require surgical removal, otherwise, it can be cured with conservative treatment.
Q5. Can piles be harmful?
Ans.
Although not dangerous, the condition is extremely painful and discomforting, and even requires surgical intervention if it makes a person’s situation worse.
Written by: Anjali Dharra
