Hemorrhoid Prevention
Based on the list presented on the Risk Factors page, you can probably easily imagine some of the preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of hemorrhoids. Here are some:
- Avoid pregnancy: Of course, if you want to have children you probably won't be able to follow this preventive measure. And even if you've never experienced hemorrhoids, you should know that adoption (or choosing not to have children entirely) is an extreme solution for trying to avoid hemorrhoids.
- Consume more fiber: Yes, fiber seems to be the answer to every problem except world peace (although come to think of it, fiber might help that too.) But it's true: increasing your fiber intake can help to avoid constipation, one of the risk factors for hemorrhoids. Doctors recommend consuming at least 20 grams of fiber a day to prevent colon cancer, heart disease, type II diabetes, and diverticular disease. Preventing constipation usually doesn't even take that much. Adding a bowl of high fiber cereal to your breakfast each morning can be enough to get you "going". See here for a list of other good ways to get more fiber in your diet.
- Drink more water: Yes, you've heard this one a thousand times as well, but if you succeed in adding fiber to your diet you need to drink more water as well. Have you ever made oatmeal without enough water? That's what happens to your stool if you eat fiber without drinking enough fluid. Make sure that most of the fluid doesn't come from caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, cola drinks, etc.) because the caffeine will just make you urinate more, which kind of defeats the purpose. If you don't like to drink straight water, use a lemon or a flavor packet to make it tastier. Decaffeinated tea, coffee, or soda also works (preferably also sugar-free). If you are an athlete or engage in strenuous exercise, you need to be especially careful to replace the fluids you lose by sweating as well as the fluids you need to soften your stool.
- Get more exercise: OK, I get it, you're tired of people telling you to get your sorry butt over to the gym. I'm not talking about that kind of exercise (even though it's also probably good for you). If your job requires you to stand or sit for long periods of time (or if your lack of a job makes you want to sit all the time), make sure you take frequent breaks to move around. This little bit of exercise will keep the blood from pooling in the veins that cause hemorrhoids, and will help your heart health as well (see here for a summary of a research study). If you do decide to go to the gym, make sure you drink enough fluids, as discussed above. Also, note that bicycling is a source of exercise that involves a lot of sitting, so if that is your exercise of choice, make sure you take frequent breaks.
- Don't strain during a bowel movement: This is easier said than done and there is a complete page devoted to bowel habits that relate to hemorrhoids. Briefly, the idea is to go to the bathroom when you have the strongest urge and let nature take its course. In other words, don't put off going to the bathroom, and don't force more stool out than what comes out naturally.