Many people suffer from hemorrhoids, which can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Hemorrhoids usually occur when the veins around the anus become distended due to constipation, childbirth, heavy lifting, or long periods of sitting.
Typical symptoms include itching and irritation around the anus area. In some cases, as the condition becomes progressively worse, there may be bleeding. The good news is that hemorrhoids can be managed and reduced or eliminated without expensive surgery.
Dietary Changes and Natural Remedies
There are a number of natural cures for hemorrhoids. One of these is to simply change your diet. Avoid eating fatty foods, like deep fried meats or fast-food hamburgers, and cut down on the heavy use of alcohol. Start eating more fiber to help soften the stool. This will reduce the strain required to evacuate your bowels and reduce the pressure on your internal veins within the anal cavity. Another simple cure is to drink more water. Drinking at least eight glasses of water each day, cleans your intestinal walls and facilitates bowel movements.
Other dietary treatments for hemorrhoids include taking vitamin C, which helps maintain the integrity of your veins, and eating more flavonoids and anthocyanins to strengthen your veins. Sources of flavonoids include lemons, limes, apples, tomatoes, onions and carrots; sources of anthocyanins include dark, red berries, blueberries, cherries, grapes and red cabbage. Another natural food remedy for hemorrhoids is eating a banana on an empty stomach every day. For bleeding hemorrhoids, eat three bananas daily, or try steamed dried persimmons.
A soothing, natural cure for hemorrhoids is taking 15-minute warm baths. This will not only relieve some of the pain and irritation but will help shrink hemorrhoids. Be sure to dry the hemorrhoid area to keep moisture from the swollen tissue. A hemorrhoids cream or ointment can reduce the burning sensation on the affected area. Ointments containing aloe vera are recommended. Be sure to gently clean the affected area twice daily with the hemorrhoid cream.
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Herbal and Traditional Remedies
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a number of treatments for hemorrhoids without the side effects of Western pharmacological remedies. Among the most popular TCM treatment is Ginkgo. Also known as , Japanese silver apricot and maidenhair tree, this popular Chinese herbal supplement has been used in China for several thousand years to effectively treat hemorrhoids. Another Chinese medication is . Taken in pill form–8 to 10 pills three times a day for one month–can offer some relief. Finally, try Fel Ursi Hemorrhoid Ointment (Xiong Dan Zhi Chuang Gao) to shrink hemorrhoids and relieve symptoms.
For bleeding hemorrhoids, TCM also suggests musk hemorrhoids ointment, which should be applied topically to the affected area. has been shown to work as well, as it serves to strengthen the veins.
While some natural methods may reduce the symptoms of hemorrhoids, you should consult with your doctor before attempting any natural cure.
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