Description Hemorrhoids are a very common, but not often talked, about problem. In fact, most adults over the age of 50 have experienced them at some point in their life. Although they can lead to excruciating pain, hemorrhoids are not a serious threat to your overall health. Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in and around the anus and lower rectum that stretch under pressure, similar to varicose veins in your legs. This results in sac-like protrusions into the anal canal. There are different types of hemorrhoids, classified by their location and degree of severity. External hemorrhoids occur under the skin near the opening of the anal cavity. An external hemorrhoid can be full of clots and connective tissue, turning blue or purple in colour. They can also be quite painful. Internal hemorrhoids are normally located inside the rectum and often do not produce any sensations, especially if they are located above the anorectal line. Internal hemorrhoids tend to bleed, however, which can frighten people who experience them. Prolapsed hemorrhoids are internal hemorrhoids that collapse and protrude outside the anus. This is often accompanied by heavy bleeding and mucous discharge. Prolapsed hemorrhoids also have a tendency to become thrombosed, meaning they form clots to prevent their recession. Sometimes they can become strangulated, meaning they have prolapsed to such a degree that their blood supply is blocked by the anal sphincter. This often leads to severe pain.
Symptoms and Signs: Itching, burning, swelling, pain, inflammation, irritation, and seepage around the rectal area are common symptoms of hemorrhoids. And, as mentioned above, some hemorrhoids produce no symptoms at all. Bright red blood, whether on toilet paper, on the stool, or in the toilet bowl, can cause quite a concern. Although this is generally not a serious problem and clears up once the hemorrhoids are gone, you are advised to consult your naturopath or other health practitioner if bleeding persists, so that you may rule out the presence of intestinal disorders. Other anoranal disorders, such as fissures and fistulas, often produce similar symptoms and are mistakenly referred to as hemorrhoids. Irritation caused by excess straining or wiping around the anus can lead to a vicious cycle of symptoms.
Causes: Although many more cases are found in older people, it is not uncommon to develop hemorrhoids as early as your 30s or even your 20s. Excess pressure on the veins when trying to move bowels is a common cause of hemorrhoids. People who suffer from chronic constipation and intestinal disorders often have difficulties with hemorrhoids. Excess physical exertion, especially bike riding, can also lead to hemorrhoids. Ironically, being obese or sedentary is also a common cause. As hemorrhoids result from excess strain on veins, pregnant women and women who have had children are especially susceptible to hemorrhoid formation. Sitting or standing for long periods of time, diarrhea, lifting heavy objects, food allergies, and low intake of dietary fibre can all lead to hemorrhoid formation.
What to Expect: Hemorrhoids can be an acute problem that lasts only a few days, though for many it is a chronic problem that persists over years. Hemorrhoids themselves do not cause much of a concern, other than the pain they inflict. Bleeding hemorrhoids, however, can produce severe anemia due to chronic blood loss, and need to be looked after if the problem persists.
Remedies
Food Supplements Psyllium seed husk and guar gum act as natural laxatives by attracting water to the stools to form a gelatinous mass. Fibre has much the same effect. Furthermore, psyllium seed husk and guar gum are generally less irritating than wheat bran. Herbs Aloe Vera can be used externally to relieve burning and irritation. Take internally for constipation, and other digestive disorders associated with hemorrhoid formation. Comfrey is effective for relief of the inflammation associated to hemorrhoids. Add 1 to 3 teaspoons dried root per cup of hot water. Simmer for 15 minutes. Drink 3 times daily. Witch Hazel can be used as a topical treatment to provide relief of pain. Bring 1 cup water and 1/2 tsp. bark to a boil, simmer for 10 minutes, and take when needed Homeopathy Certain remedies can be used in acute situations if your symptoms fit the symptom picture of the remedy. For dosages, see the dedicated section on Homeopathy. Consult your homeopath or naturopath to determine your constitutional remedy: the remedy that best fits you as a whole person. Your homeopath or naturopath will take a complete case history considering all of your mental and physical ailments and match these symptoms with the symptom picture of the remedy. Aloe: When hemorrhoids protrude like grapes, are very sore and tender, and made better with cold applications. Kali Carbonicum: Hemorrhoids are large, swollen and painful. Pain in hemorrhoids when coughing. Nux Vomica: Hemorrhoids are very painful, but pain subsides after a bowel movement. Phosphorus: Hemorrhoids are bleeding and very painful when passing stool. Sepia: For bleeding and painful hemorrhoids that are relieved by walking. Lifestyle A well-balanced diet high in fibre is essential in preventing hemorrhoids. A diet rich in fibre cleanses your system and promotes stools that are softer and easier to pass, ensuring less strain when you move your bowels. Add plenty of raw fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains to your diet. Avoid spicy foods and junk foods, which can further irritate your digestive system. Drink plenty of liquids. Aim for eight 8oz glasses daily to help flush the system and prevent constipation and hard stools. If you are not accustomed to drinking this quantity of water, start with 4 glasses daily and work your way up over the course of a week. If you are sitting or standing for long periods of time, try and take regular breaks to stretch, which benefits circulation as well. Flaxseed oil helps soften stools. Take 1 to 2 tablespoon daily. Add it to your salad. Be sure not to cook with this oil, though, as it will turn rancid when heated. If all else fails, seek help from your naturopath or other health practitioner, as rectal bleeding, over a long period of time, is associated with problems such as infections, anemia, and a compromised immune system. As a last resort, surgery may be needed to alleviate the problem, especially if there is excessive bleeding. Minerals Calcium and magnesium are very important for blood clotting. Take 1,500mg calcium and 750mg magnesium daily. Potassium helps alleviate constipation. Take 99mg daily. Therapies, Healing Aids and More Getting regular exercise not only promotes healing of your hemorrhoids but is essential for your overall well-being. Avoid excess bike riding, though, as this can irritate your hemorrhoids. Use proper lifting techniques, even for light objects. Lifting with your back causes strain that promotes hemorrhoids. A warm sitz bath can prove to be very effective in relieving the pain of uncomplicated hemorrhoids. However, this may only offer short-term relief. The temperature of the water should be around 100 to 105°F. When taking a bath, do not add any oils or bath beads, which can irritate sensitive areas. Vitamins Vitamin B Complex is crucial for healthy digestion and can help alleviate hemorrhoid formation. Take 50mg 3 times daily. Vitamin C and E promote healing and normal blood clotting. Take 2,000 to 3,000mg daily of vitamin C and 600 IU daily of vitamin E. Vitamin K promotes blood clotting and is effective in healing hemorrhoids. Alfalfa and dark, green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamin K. Avoid excess vitamin K however, if you have a heart condition and are taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as aspirin.
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