Haemorrhoids / Piles

Haemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure in the veins of the anus. The pressure often happens when straining while having a bowel movement. Other causes are congestion & constipation, prolonged sitting & a lack of natural oil in the intestinal tract

What are haemorrhoids?

Internal haemorrhoids occur near the beginning of the anal canal and external haemorrhoids occur at the anal opening. Haemorrhoids also sometimes protrude outside the anus. This type is very common, especially during pregnancy and after childbirth. The incidence of haemorrhoids is 2 out of 1000 people.

Haemorrhoids are unique to human beings. No other animal develops this problem. This can be an indication that our dietary and nutritional habits probably play a greater role in this disorder than anything else.

Suggestions to help alleviate haemorrhoids

The suggestions offered below are an ideal plan to follow to help eliminate this problem. Follow as many of the suggestions as you can.

1. The first step is to include more dietary fibre foods such as vegetables with their skins on (preferably raw), fresh fruit and ground whole grains in your diet. We recommend a combination of soluble and insoluble fibres, starting with a moderate amount and increasing your intake gradually. If you wish to take a fibre product, then it must be taken separately from other supplements and medications. Foods that are high in dietary fibre are apples, broccoli, carrots, oat bran, lima beans and lentils.

2. Eliminate white flour, sugar, coffee, alcohol and all pips, seeds and nuts, due to their abrasive action.

3. Apply Hypericum ointment from Greenridge botanicals as required, around the anus area, as well as inside the rectal opening.

4. Drink no less that 2 litres of pure water daily. Water is the best, most natural stool softener in existence. It also helps prevent constipation, as it is one of the best laxatives available.

5. If you need to use a laxative, choose the herb Cascara sagrada. Ask for an individual sheet on this herb. Please be aware that laxatives should only be for occasional use.

6. You should take a multivitamin daily and extra Vitamin C with bioflavanoids.

7. Start taking flax seed oil in a supplement form. This can be taken in liquid form or in a capsule.

8. A daily supplementation with Vitamin A in natural oil form to assist with repair and bowel lubrication.

9. Take the herb White Oak Bark to repair damaged or enlarged veins.

10. Take an Acidophilus supplement to improve natural bowel flora and intestinal/bowel health.

11. Pelvic floor muscle exercises will improve muscle tone. Flex the same muscle you use to stop urine flow, several times a day. Learn proper lifting techniques. Bend your knees, not your back.

All these supplements and more can be purchased at Ideal Health or online at www.healthy.co.nz