Relieving Hemorrhoid Pressure Naturally

Preparation H is one of the most stolen items from stores. The funny nature of this statistic causes people to try and guess why. One theory is that people are too embarrassed to admit they have hemorrhoid problems. So rather than face the store clerk, they just steal it. Another theory is that hemorrhoids are so common that the cream is easy to sell on the “grey market.” Even companies that sell remedies for hemorrhoids sweep this prevalent problem under the proverbial rug.

If you have hemorrhoids, read on! You’ll not only find out why you have it, but also what to do about it so you don’t have to face another store clerk with that tube of relief.

People often seek relief from any discomfort before looking for the cause of the problem. After all, we just want to be out of pain! This is why pain is so important. Pain tells us if something’s wrong and motivates us to do something about it. If I had a broken leg, I would avoid walking on it, allowing the bone to heal. Why are hemorrhoids so different? People suffer with hemorrhoids for years without fixing the problem. But why continue to seek pain relief without understanding the cause?

Hemorrhoid Anatomy

First stop: The anatomy of the rectum. The rectum probably has the lowest regard of any part or organ of our body. But it’s so important to our health – just ask anyone who has a colostomy bag! There are several important parts of its anatomy.

Essentially, hemorrhoids are like having varicose veins of the rectum. The veins in the rectum enlarge for the same reasons people get varicose veins in their legs: pressure, inflammation or lack of nutrition.

From outside the rectum to about an inch inside, there is normal skin with nerves. The skin is important because it explains why certain things happen. The skin near the anus has nerves so it can have itching, burning, and pain. But the skin is also tough so it protects the veins from bleeding. However, deeper inside the rectum there is no skin, just the normal lining of the intestines. This lining:

• Stretches easily
• Has no sensory nerves (except some pressure nerves)
• Is very flimsy, allowing the veins to get damaged and bleed

Thus, internal hemorrhoids (deeper inside) bleed but don’t hurt. External hemorrhoids (near the anus) burn and itch, but don’t bleed.

Hemorrhoids are predominately caused by poor diet. However, there are other factors involved like pressure and inflammation.

Pressure on the veins over a long period causes the veins to swell. This pressure comes from different sources, such as:

• Sitting for long periods (truck drivers frequently have this issue)
• Constipation (HARD stools)
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Stress

Besides pressure, inflammation from various sources causes swelling and pain. Inflammation comes from:

• Trauma – such as anal intercourse, which can increase the enlargement of the veins
• Bacteria – Good bacteria reduce inflammation. The right kind of bacteria in the colon produces butyrate and other substances that heal and calm the rectum. Bad bacteria increase inflammation by increasing the acidity of the lining.
• Infections – such as colitis
• Food allergies

Hemorrhoid Prevention and Treatment

Fiber is essential – this is the sine qua non of all treatments for the rectum. If you want to care for your rectum, you need fiber. Fiber comes from fruit, vegetables and whole grains. Fiber does so many good things for our colon and rectum because it: