Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus. They can be generally classified as either internal or external hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids are much less common than external ones, which affect about half of adults at some point in their lives. External hemorrhoids tend to cause more discomfort, itching and irritation than internal ones do. But both can be extremely painful and even lead to blood in the stool if left untreated. Fortunately, there are simple home remedies for hemorrhoids that can relieve the pain and itching from this annoying condition.
7 Home Remedies to Help Relieve Hemorrhoids
Eat Foods That Help Relieve Hemorrhoids
If you’re struggling with hemorrhoids, you may want to consider starting
a food journal. There are certain foods that have been proven to help relieve
the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Eat more fiber-rich foods like beans, whole
grains, and fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables like avocados,
bananas, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, carrots, celery, cucumbers, and apples are
rich in fiber, which can help reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids in the
first place. If you already have hemorrhoids, consuming a low-fat diet high in
fiber can help to soothe the symptoms and make them less painful. Eating more
omega-3s has also been shown to reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids.
Foods rich in omega-3s include fish, eggs, nuts, and seeds.
Use a Warm Salt Bath
A warm salt bath is one of the easiest home remedies for hemorrhoids. A
warm bath with Epsom salts will help soothe the irritated hemorrhoids. The warm
water will help soothe the inflamed and irritated veins, reduce swelling and
relieve pain. Add about a cup of Epsom salts to your bathwater. Epsom salts are
naturally soothing and help draw out toxins from the skin, making them a great
addition to your bathwater. Keep in mind that you don’t need to go to the spa
to get these benefits. You can make your own salt bath at home using ordinary
table salt. The only difference is that Epsom salts are more therapeutic and
contain magnesium and sulfate which are known for their healing properties.
Using a sitz bath is another type of salt water bath that's used as a treatment
for hemorrhoids. It's a type of warm water immersion that's used by doctors to
treat hemorrhoids.
Try A sitz bath
A sitz bath is a warm water bath that’s used to treat hemorrhoids. It is
recommended that a sitz bath be used at least once a day, but not more than
three times daily. The water should be at least 30 to 35 degrees Celsius, but
not over 37 degrees Celsius. The water should be about 10 centimeters deep and
have about one-eighth of a cup of Epsom salts dissolved in it. The salt water
bath should be left on for about 10 to 15 minutes and then be removed, followed
by drying the area off with a piece of clean, soft cotton or paper towel. There
are also special hemorrhoid sitz bath machines that can be used at home if you
experience discomfort while using the saltwater bath. The warm water of a sitz
bath helps to soothe the inflamed and irritated veins, reduce swelling and relieve
pain. Sitz baths are also very easy to do at home and don’t require a trip to
the doctor’s office.
Apply Aloe Vera For Pain Relief
The soothing properties of aloe vera gel can be applied directly to the
skin around the anus to relieve pain and itching from hemorrhoids. Cut open a
fresh aloe vera leaf and apply the gel directly to affected area.
Alternatively, you can also buy aloe vera gel from the local drugstore and
apply it directly to the affected area. Aloe vera has been used as an herbal
remedy for various health issues and is known to have healing properties. It’s
been proven to be effective against the symptoms of hemorrhoids, such as pain
and itching.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Eating more fruits and vegetables has been shown to reduce the risk of
developing hemorrhoids in the first place. Vitamins A and C in particular are
known to help prevent and treat hemorrhoids. You can get more vitamin A in your
diet by eating more carrots, apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes,
and spinach. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, broccoli, bell peppers, kiwi,
and strawberries. Fiber is also very important for your overall health,
including reducing your risk of developing hemorrhoids. Dietary fiber can be
found in fruits, vegetables, oats, beans, and whole grains.
Get Plenty of Exercise
Exercising regularly can help reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids
in the first place. It can also help to relieve the pain and discomfort from an
already existing hemorrhoid. Exercising regularly will help improve your
overall health and well-being. It can reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and
boost your energy levels. Regular exercise can also help to prevent
constipation, which can further aggravate hemorrhoids. There are lots of
different types of exercise you can do, but the most important thing is to find
something you enjoy doing. If you’re not used to exercising regularly, you might
want to start out slowly, such as taking a 30-minute walk every day. You can
then gradually increase the amount of time you spend exercising as your body
gets used to it.
Bottom line
Hemorrhoids are a common ailment that most people will experience at
some point in their lives. Many people think that hemorrhoids are caused by
constipation, but that’s not the case. It is actually caused by increased
pressure in the veins of the lower rectum and anus. Luckily, there are many
natural remedies that can help relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Eating more
fiber-rich foods, getting plenty of exercise, and drinking plenty of water can
help prevent hemorrhoids from occurring in the first place. Similarly, you can
use aloe vera, warm baths, and Epsom salt to relieve pain and itching from
hemorrhoids.
