Lifestyle

A Lifestyle to Beat Haemorrhoids

There are a number of aspects of one’s lifestyle that should be adapted to ensure that haemorrhoids do not re-occur. This consists of a good mix of nutrition, exercise, toilet habits, anal hygiene, and practicing using the sphincter muscles.

Nutrition:

1. Try to eat fibre every day.
2. It is recommended that everyone eats 5 portions of fruit and vegetable a day.
3. It is recommended that everyone drinks 2 litres of water a day.
4. Too much sugar can cause constipation.
5. The ideal diet contains a lot of wholegrain foods and pulses (peas, lentils) and few fats
6. Do not take laxatives, and try to ingest as few products with laxative properties (coffee, tobacco, etc.) as they can increase the amount of time one is straining during bowel movement and can harm the bowels.

Exercise:

1. It is recommended that everyone takes at least 20 minutes of exercise a day.
2. This also includes exercising the sphincter muscles. Contracting and releasing these muscles repeatedly will help fortify the tissue.
3. Try not to remain seated all day long.

Defecation habits:

1. Try to spend as little time as possible on the toilet as this puts pressure on the affected area.
2. Don’t rush your natural needs. Straining can result in exerting too much pressure.
3. Try to go to the toilet regularly and do not try to hold it in. This could result in constipation which results in more pushing.

Anal hygiene:

1. Be gentle when ‘wiping’. Scrubbing with toilet paper can damage the tissue.
2. Follow up the wiping with a moist treatment. Most appropriate is a gentle stream of warm water. One can also use a wet tissue for this.