Hemorrhoids are dilated veins in the anus, which usually become inflamed, causing pain and discomfort, especially when having a bowel movement and sitting.
Most hemorrhoids usually go away with home measures like sitz baths. However, analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen, for example, may also be needed to help relieve pain and combat inflammation.
Check out the video below for some tips for relieving hemorrhoid pain:
The main natural tips for dealing with hemorrhoids and helping to alleviate symptoms are:
1. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day
Keeping your body well hydrated is one of the simplest ways to relieve pain caused by hemorrhoids. This is because, when it is well hydrated, the body has a greater capacity to heal and the stools are also not very hard, not causing irritation when they pass through the hemorrhoids.
To ensure adequate hydration, you should drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day, or the equivalent of 8 or 10 glasses a day, for example.
2. Eat a diet rich in fiber
Just like water, fiber is also very important for those with hemorrhoids, as it helps to make stools softer, as fibers are what can hold water.
Therefore, in addition to helping to reduce pain during a hemorrhoid crisis, fibers also help prevent the emergence of new hemorrhoids, as they combat constipation. Some of the foods richest in fiber include oats, prunes, flaxseed or beans, for example. Check out a more complete list of foods with fiber.
3. Take sitz baths
Sitz baths are a type of natural treatment widely used to alleviate the pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids, as they increase blood circulation to the area, accelerating healing and relieving irritation.
To take a sitz bath, place warm water, around 37º C, in a basin and then sit inside, so that the hemorrhoids are completely submerged in the water.
See what plants you can add to the sitz bath to ensure a faster recovery.
4. Avoid using toilet paper
Although toilet paper is a very practical and simple way to clean your butt after using the bathroom, it has a very uneven surface and, therefore, can cause irritation of the hemorrhoids, making the pain worse.
Therefore, the ideal is to clean with wet wipes or wash the anus area in the bathtub after defecating, avoiding using soap.
5. Apply cold compresses
The heat of sitz baths is an excellent way to relieve pain and promote healing, however, if there is a very large swelling in the anus region, it is best to apply some compresses dipped in cold water for 5 to 10 minutes, avoiding use ice directly on the skin. See how to prepare cold compresses correctly.
6. Passar witch hazel pomadas
For external hemorrhoids, ointments with witch hazel are a great option, as they relieve irritation and also stimulate healing. Some examples of ointments with this plant include Hemovirtus or Proctosan, for example. The ointments should be applied 2 to 3 times a day, preferably after bathing. See other ointments that can be used on hemorrhoids.
7. Be careful when sitting
Simple everyday habits, such as sitting, can cause a lot of pain when you have hemorrhoids, as the increase in pressure in the anus region reduces blood circulation to the area. So, to sit more comfortably, you can use a special pillow for hemorrhoids with a hole in the center, for example.
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