Free 3-DAY Shipping!*
By Hemorrhoid.com | July 27, 2024
Did you know that one in 20 Americans will face hemorrhoids at some point? This info comes from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases1. This condition can bring a lot of discomfort and trouble. If you’re looking for home remedies for hemorrhoid relief, there are several easy treatments. These can ease the symptoms and make life better.
A helpful way to ease hemorrhoid pain at home is by taking warm baths with Epsom salt after going to the bathroom1. Cold compresses applied for 15 minutes also work well. They reduce swelling and pain for big, uncomfortable hemorrhoids1. Many benefit from using natural stuff like witch hazel and aloe vera. These are known for easing inflammation and soothing irritation1. Adding these simple remedies to your daily routine can bring noticeable changes.
Hemorrhoids are common, affecting roughly 1 in 20 people in the U.S. Those over 50 years old are more likely to get them2. They can form inside the rectum or outside around the anus. Each location causes different symptoms and discomforts.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum and anus. Inside, they often don’t hurt because that area has fewer pain nerves. But, they might cause bleeding2. Outside, they hurt more because there are more nerves. They can be painful and itchy2.
Prolapsed hemorrhoids poke out of the anal opening, adding discomfort2. Thrombosed hemorrhoids have blood clots and change to blue or purple. They’re extremely painful and can bleed2.
Many things can cause hemorrhoids. Chronic diarrhea or constipation, straining during bowel movements, and sitting for too long are common causes3. Eating not enough fiber and not exercising also contribute3. Pregnancy puts pressure that can cause them. As we age, supporting tissues weaken2. Family history can up your risk, too2.
Sitting can hurt or ache. An itching feeling around the anus and bleeding from the rectum are signs. Internal hemorrhoids don’t hurt until they bleed, while external ones are more obvious because of nerve endings2. Untreated, they can get worse. Severe cases cause anemia from blood loss and blood clots3.
Looking for relief? Try home remedies. Eat lots of fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. Natural treatments like witch hazel and aloe vera can soothe pain too.
Warm baths and sitz baths are great for easing hemorrhoids at home. They lessen irritation, itching, and swelling effectively.
Warm baths help a lot with DIY hemorrhoid relief. Soaking in warm water for 15-20 minutes eases pain. This is especially useful after going to the bathroom. It’s a natural way to manage hemorrhoids.
Sitz baths have you sitting in warm water in a shallow basin. The first sitz bath in the U.S. was in 1859, showing it works well4. Doctors recommend them for hemorrhoid relief. They ease pain and swelling54. For best use, fill the basin with 3 to 4 inches of warm water. Soak for 10 to 20 minutes, three times a day5. Always dry gently afterward. Avoid scrubbing to prevent more irritation5.
Using Epsom salt in your sitz bath might offer more relief. But, be cautious as it can sometimes cause minor inflammation5. A 15 to 20-minute soak in Epsom salt water is a widely suggested remedy6. Yet, there’s little scientific proof it helps specifically with hemorrhoids. If you try it, watch for any irritation. Always talk to doctors about new remedies.
For hemorrhoids, you can use OTC creams or natural remedies. External ones hurt and itch. Internal ones usually don’t hurt but might bleed7.
Preparation H is a common cream that helps quickly. It reduces swelling and eases pain7. NSAIDs, like Aleve or Advil, also help by lowering pain and swelling. Using these together can help control symptoms well.
Many people turn to witch hazel for help. It’s good at calming pain and shrinking hemorrhoids7. Over half of people who try natural solutions find them helpful. This makes witch hazel a trusted choice for relief.
Aloe vera soothes and reduces swelling. It’s great for easing hemorrhoid discomfort8. Coconut oil relieves pain and fights bacteria. It works when you put it on the skin or eat it. It also helps with constipation, a big cause of hemorrhoids7. Using these can really help with symptoms and healing.
| Type | Product | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| OTC Hemorrhoid Treatments | Preparation H | Reduces swelling, relieves pain |
| Natural Remedies | Witch Hazel | Astringent, anti-inflammatory |
| Natural Remedies | Aloe Vera | Soothing, anti-inflammatory |
| Natural Remedies | Coconut Oil | Analgesic, antibacterial |
When choosing a cream, make sure it has no alcohol or fragrance to avoid irritation. Also, check for allergies to ingredients like aloe vera to prevent reactions.
Key dietary changes are essential in managing and preventing hemorrhoids. These adjustments can greatly lessen symptoms and stop them from happening.
A diet rich in fiber is crucial for easing hemorrhoids. The 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest 14 grams of fiber for each 1,000 calories you eat9. Adults should aim for 21–38 grams of fiber every day, based on age and gender10. Fiber can cut bleeding from hemorrhoids by half11. Soluble fiber, found in oat bran, nuts, and beans, helps, as does insoluble fiber from wheat bran and vegetables11.
Eating fiber-rich foods is key. A cup of cooked lentils has 15.6 grams of fiber9, and a medium pear has about 6 grams10. Include foods like raw raspberries, navy beans, and sweet potatoes for more fiber. Each of these choices provides a good fiber boost.
| Food Item | Fiber Content (grams) |
|---|---|
| Cooked Lentils (1 cup) | 15.6 |
| Medium Pear | 6.0 |
| Raw Raspberries (1 cup) | 8.0 |
| Cooked Navy Beans (0.5 cup) | 9.6 |
| Baked Sweet Potato with Skin | 3.8 |
Try to eat less low-fiber food like dairy, meat, and processed items. They can make constipation and hemorrhoids worse11. Always drink plenty of water alongside fiber to keep digestion smooth.
Drinking plenty of fluids is vital for preventing hemorrhoids. It softens stools, making them easier to pass. Though the needed amount varies, most adults should drink several glasses of water each day. This supports a high-fiber diet in keeping hemorrhoids at bay11.
These diet tips, focusing on fiber and fluid, are a big part of preventing and treating hemorrhoids. By following these steps, you can greatly reduce hemorrhoid symptoms and improve your digestive health.
Getting better from hemorrhoids means changing how you live. You need to move more and be smart about your bathroom habits.
Moving your body helps your digestive system work better, which means less chance of hemorrhoids12. Try pelvic floor exercises a few times a day12. Swimming is another good choice. It’s gentle and the warm water helps13. But stay away from heavy lifting and too many situps12.
Try to exercise lightly for 150 minutes a week and strengthen your muscles two days a week14.
It’s important to listen to your body and go to the bathroom when you need to12. Don’t wait around; this can lead to problems14. If you’re still having trouble, talk to a doctor14.
