Anyone can get the piles, but pregnant women and people who have frequent bouts of constipation are more likely to experience them than others. The symptoms of the piles include:
- Bleeding during bowel movements
- Irritation or itching around the anus
- Pain
- A lump near the anus
- Swelling near the anus
- Leaking faecal matter
Most of these symptoms occur when the piles are on the outside of the rectum, but when they are inside, there may not be any indication that you have them. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can prevent getting the piles.
Haemorrhoid Prevention
If you are pregnant or have bowel problems, then you are at a greater risk of getting haemorrhoids, but there are ways to prevent them from interfering with your life.
Eat More Fibre
People who frequently have issues with constipation are more likely to get the piles, but if you make sure to eat foods containing fibre, you can prevent them. You should try to eat about 25 to 30 grammes of fibre in your diet every day. Some of the foods you can add to increase your fibre intake include:
- Beans and legumes like split peas or lentils
- Whole grain breads, oatmeal, brown rice, or bran cereals
- Vegetables including broccoli, peas, artichokes, or leafy greens
- Fruits like apples, pears, or raspberries
Drink More Water
Along with eating fibrous foods, you should also drink plenty of water to keep your bowels working properly. By consuming water, you will keep your body hydrated, which allows your bodily functions to work as they should. Drink at least eight glasses of cool water on a daily basis to help prevent piles.
Don’t Hold Back
When you feel the urge to use the bathroom, don’t try to hold it, but instead, go use the toilet. If you wait to move your bowels, then you may not be able to go as easily as you would have when you felt the urge to defecate. You could end up straining as you try to use the toilet, which can cause piles.
Choose Laxatives Carefully
If you do get constipated, which can happen during pregnancy, then be careful about the laxatives you take. Avoid laxatives that stimulate the body, since they can end up causing symptoms. Instead, choose fibre supplements or osmotic laxatives that help add water to your gut to help move your bowels.
Treating the Piles
Most of the time when you get the piles, they will disappear on their own within a few days. However, if you need something to help treat symptoms of burning and itching, there are several natural treatments you can use to help soothe them. You can buy natural creams on the Internet to help relieve itching and burning, or you can pick up witch hazel pads at a local drug store to help relieve your symptoms.
If you eat a healthy diet that includes fibrous foods, drinking at least eight glasses of water per day, and use the toilet when needed, you can easily prevent the piles.