Piles or hemorrhoids are very unpleasant and rarely talked about. 75% of people will have it at some stage of their life.
There are many causes and most common are:
Prolonged constipation or diarrhoea
Standing or sitting for long periods of time
Pregnancy or childbirth
Weakening of connective tissue in old age
Sluggish liver
Straining or spending long time on the toilet doesn’t help either
There are many things that can help temporary, but long term solution would be dietary changes as healthy bowel movement is important.
Increase water intake at least up to 6-8 glasses per day
Gradually introduce more vegetable and fruits into your diet
Reduce processed white flour and processed sugar products (white pasta, white bread, pastries, sweets, cakes)
Reduce alcohol, coffee, fizzy drinks and smoking. Smoking is a big factor as it puts strain on cardiovascular system and piles are enlarged veins.
Reduce cheese and red meat. Have more good fats like avocado, oily fish, nuts.
Eat light unprocessed easily to digest foods (soups, stews, lightly cooked vegetables)
Good fiber sources to keep bowels regular are Flaxseeds and Psyllium husks.
Soak tablespoon of Flaxseeds overnight and add it to smoothies or porridge or have it on its own.
Alternatively mix tablespoon of Psyllium husks in a glass of water, drink it and follow it with one more glass of water.
It is very important to keep hydrated when eating fiber rich foods. Not enough fluids can have opposite effect.
Bowel function could also be affected by medication too. Talk to your doctor, if you think that could be the cause.
During Naturopathic consultation we look for underlying cause of haemorrhoids. Patient gets dietary and lifestyle advice, also individual herbal remedies-herbal mix to take orally and herbal ointment or suppositories to soothe piles.
Ointments and suppositories are made by herbalist from handpicked herbs.
Contact us for a chat or to book an appointment on 0860224575. Clinic is based in Celbridge.
