When it me to food to avoid with hemorrhoids, clearly a correct diet is the first step to find relief from the annoying symptoms caused by the inflammation of hemorrhoids , starting with the consumption of light meals characterized by an abundant intake of
- fiber (in the form of vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains)
- water ,
The combination of which allows the formation of soft and easy to expel stools , thus reducing the necessary effort and pain during the evacuation; an approach of this type is also essential with a view to preventing new episodes.
As for water, it is essential to drink at least 1.5-2 l per day, which can be increased in summer when sweating is greater due to the heat; a good indication of the state of hydration of the organism is offered by the observation of urine, which must always be transparent and very light yellow in color.
The guidelines for a healthy diet provide for the intake of at least (at least!) 30 g per day of fiber (it is recommended to increase the consumption very gradually, to avoid meteorism ).
What not to eat
All patients suffering from hemorrhoid inflammation are advised to limit or avoid the consumption of:
- spicy or spicy foods,
- aged cheeses,
- sausages,
- shellfish,
- chocolate,
- spirits,
- high doses of caffeine ( coffee, tea, cola-based drinks…).
Food to avoid with hemorrhoids, the lifestyle
Regular physical activity is of fundamental importance for the well-being of the organism, both from the cardiovascular point of view and from the intestinal function; an active life makes it easier to maintain an adequate weight and promotes bowel motility, counteracting the risk of constipation.
In patients predisposed to inflammation of hemorrhoids it is also recommended to:
- avoid sitting on the toilet for a long time,
- always evacuate when needed, without postponing,
- during defecation, place your feet on a small stool, the position will favor the expulsion of feces),
- avoid spending many consecutive hours without changing position (sitting or standing),
- avoid too intense efforts,
- take care of your personal hygiene,
- prefer underwear made of cotton or other natural fibers,
- avoid excessively hot baths.
Creams and other medications
From the point of view of pharmacological therapy, usually initially only local action is taken, with applications of ointments based on cortisone active ingredients and local anesthetics (Proctolyn®, Proctosedyl®, Proctosoll®, …), or by administering similar preparations but in the form of suppositories, with the aim of relieving the main ailments caused by hemorrhoids.
When more or less abundant bleeding is also present among the symptoms, it is preferable to avoid the use of cortisone, which would delay healing, in favor of products such as Ruscoroid®, Preparation H®,… which do not contain this substance.
When local remedies prove to be ineffective, it is possible to move towards drugs to be taken orally with capillaroprotective function, that is, capable of protecting the wall of blood vessels thus reducing
- swelling,
- bleeding,
- ache.
Of this category, especially the flavonoids (for example Tegens®, Venoruton®, Daflon ® and Arvenum®, which do not require a medical prescription).
Finally, it is worth mentioning the presence on the market of homeopathic alternatives, but therefore lacking scientifically proven efficacy.
ICE ON HEMORRHOIDS?
It is a common belief that to relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids an ice pack can prove to be decisive, but in reality from this point of view there are different schools of thought. According to some authors, applying ice to hemorrhoids would cause an increase in the tone of the anal sphincter, which favors the constriction of blood vessels already strongly inflamed and irritated.
In this sense, the ice, causing vasoconstriction of the veins (the veins decrease in diameter because, in a certain sense, they contract on contact with the ice), would further increase the blood pressure on site, ending up worsening the clinical picture.
The possibility of incurring a cold burn due to direct contact between the ice and the mucous membranes should not be excluded.
On the other hand, the use of lukewarm sitz baths (or packs) is more common , for 10-15 minutes, to be repeated 2-3 times a day.
