Hemorrhoids Prevention

Prevention Is Always Better Than Cure

Develop Good Bowel Habits

• Each person’s bowel habits are different. Just like any other muscle in the body, the bowel can be trained. Develop a routine for yourself by going to the bathroom every day at about the same time whether you have the urge or not. Sooner or later your bowel will adjust to this schedule.
• Never strain while on the toilet. If you do not move your bowel easily within 2-3 min get up. Don’t ignore the urge to go. This can lead to constipation, hard stools, and straining. Also, don’t read while on the toilet. Sit only as long as needed. Wipe gently with soft, unscented toilet tissue or baby wipes.
• Bowel movement need not occur daily to be called “normal”. Many healthy people have more than one bowel movement a day; some have but a single movement every 2-3 days. This is normal.

 

Add Fiber to Your Diet

Adding fiber to your diet can help relieve constipation by making stools softer and easier to pass.

 

High-Fiber Foods

High-fiber foods offer many benefits. By making your stools softer, they help heal and prevent swollen hemorrhoids. They may also help reduce the risk of colon and rectal cancer. Best of all, they’re usually low in calories and taste great. Here are some examples of fiber-rich foods.

• Whole grains, such as wheat bran, corn bran, and brown rice.
• Vegetables, especially carrots, broccoli, cabbage, and peas.
• Fruits, such as apples, bananas, raisins, peaches, and pears.
• Nuts and legumes, especially peanuts, lentils, and kidney beans.

 

Easy Ways to Add Fiber

It’s not always easy to change your diet. But the tips below offer some simple ways to add more high-fiber foods to your meals.

• Start your day with a high-fiber breakfast. Eat wheat bran cereal along with a sliced banana. Or, try peanut butter on whole-wheat toast.
• Eat carrot sticks for snacks. They’re easy to prepare, taste great, and are low in calories.
• Use whole-grain breads instead of white bread for sandwiches.
• Eat fruits for treats. Try an apple and some raisins instead of a candy bar.

 

Drink More Water

Along with a high-fiber diet, drinking more water can help ease constipation. This is because insoluble fiber absorbs water, making stools soft and bulky. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Drinking fruit juices, such as prune juice or apple juice, can also help to prevent constipation.

 

Get More Exercise

Regular exercise aids digestion and helps prevent constipation. It’s also great for your health. Low-impact activities, such as swimming or walking, are good places to start. Take it easy at first. And remember to drink plenty of water when you exercise.

 

Preventing Future Problems

Once you’ve been treated for hemorrhoids, you don’t want them to come back. So take steps now to prevent future problems. Keep drinking plenty of fluids and eating high-fiber foods. Maintain good bowel habits. And exercise as often as you can. If needed, be sure to see us for any follow-up visits.

Anyone can have trouble with hemorrhoids. But you don’t have to live with them. By working with us, your hemorrhoids can be treated so you feel good again.