Preventing Hemorrhoids

Here are some of the best suggestions that will help you to prevent hemorrhoids, or help prevent a relapse if you've had them before:

• Keep stools soft. 
• • This is so that they can pass easily thereby reducing pressure and straining.
     
• Empty the bowels as soon as possible after the urge occurs. 
• • Do not postpone bowel movements because the stools tend to become drier, making them more difficult to pass.
     
• High fiber diet. 
• • Increasing the fiber in your diet will help reduce or eliminate constipation thereby making it easier to pass stools without strain.
     
• Stay well hydrated. 
• • Make sure that you drink plenty of water. This will also help to make stools softer.
     
• Keep toilet visits brief. 
• • Do not just sit there reading the newspaper! Prolonged sitting is a well-known risk factor for developing hemorrhoids. Consider this - did you know that the incidence of hemorrhoids is very rare in countries where squat toilets are used?
     
• Use plain and soft toilet tissue. 
• • Colors and fragrances can sometimes irritate sensitive skin and rectal tissue.
  • If your skin is particularly sensitive, consider moistening the paper.
     
• Clean gently. 
• • Avoid excessive wiping.
     
• Exercise. 
• • Help your body function properly by maintaining a reasonable level of fitness and muscle tone throughout. No-one is saying that you need to be training for a marathon, but include at least 30 minutes of walking per day, or perhaps 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes later in the day?
  • Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight then try to lose weight.

If you follow the suggestions outlined above then you are likely to avoid hemorrhoids. Further information can be found in our article on Causes of Hemorrhoids.

Some people are more susceptible and will need to be especially careful - such as those with a genetic predisposition to hemorrhoids, pregnant women, and those who regularly perform a lot of strenuous physical activity.