Are my symptoms due to piles/haemorrhoids?

Piles can cause the following symptoms:

• Severe pain while passing stool
• Lump or a protrusion near the anus
• Rectal bleeding during or after passing stool. Blood is usually not mixed with stool.
• Redness and soreness around the anus, along with an urge to itch ever too frequently.
• Pain and discomfort in the anal region while sitting for long durations

If ignored for long, piles can lead to anal infection, faecal incontinence, development of fistulas and even anaemia, owing to the excessive bleeding. It might seem a little embarrassing for you to discuss this condition with your doctor, but piles are a very common condition, and hence there is no need for you to suffer in silence. The sooner you seek treatment for this condition, the higher are your chances of full recovery without surgery. If they are at the early stages, they usually go away in a few days after diet correction and treating the cause. Here are a few simple home tips and ayurveda remedies to treat piles.

The ayurvedic approach to treating piles

Generally piles may be either internal or external and this can be confirmed by your physician after a physical examination and also using an instrument called the proctoscope. Ayurveda indicates that there are five types of piles or the arsh roga.

1. Born out of vitiation of vata dosha [air body humor]
2. Born out of vitiation of pitta dosha [fire body humor]
3. Born out of vitiation of kapha dosha [phlegm body humor]
4. Born out of vitiation of any two doshas
5. Born out of vitiation of all the three doshas—vata, pitta and kapha.

Home remedies and ayurveda advice for managing piles

According to ayurveda, the use of certain herbs, along with a combination of diet and lifestyle modifications can provide relief from the problem.

• Soak 1 tsp each of fennel and cumin seeds in 1 litre lukewarm water for 2 hours, strain and consume this water 2 – 3 times a day.
• Aim to drink one glass water per hour and at least 8 glasses per day. This would reverse any dehydration or constipation you could be suffering from, thus making your bowel movement smooth and comfortable.
• Make a detox drink by adding 1 tsp chopped ginger, handful of mint leaves, lemon wedges and 1 tbsp honey to 500ml water. Sip on this during the day to help flush out toxins.
• Eat green leafy vegetables, ghee and buttermilk daily.
• Consume foods that are high on fibre such as apples, papaya, oranges, sweet lime and cucumber to relieve the problem of constipation and hard stool.
• Dried, soaked figs are also known to be effective stool softeners.
• Including some raw garlic in daily diet helps prevent the bleeding associated with piles.
• Carrots are also known to reduce rectal bleeding. You can have fresh carrot juice or well-cooked carrot.
• You need to include some mild laxative in your diet like Triphala [Herbs combination of harad, baheda and amla], Gulkand [sweet jelly made from the rose flowers] and fennel or saunf.
• Fresh juice of amla taken on an empty stomach proves useful.
• If blood oozes out of the swollen piles, have ½ tsp sesame seeds mixed with some butter.
• Warm fomentation of the affected area with a warm poultice using the Haridra [Turmeric] helps.
• Sesame seeds paste may be applied on the piles for relief.

Most people with this condition swear by Sitz bath to give them relief. In this you sit in a tub of warm water for about 15 – 20 minutes. Soaking the anal region in warm water helps to relax the area and this should especially be done after passing stool. Do this at least twice a day.

Simple home hacks

• Massaging your abdomen area using tea tree oil or rosemary oil may help relieve the pain.
• Avoid using soap containing harsh chemicals around the anal region. After stools, gently wash it with clean hands using lukewarm water.
• Make sure to avoid using alcohol based wet wipes around the anal region. It only worsens the problem. You may try using a soft, moist cloth if you wish to.
• Taking oral pain killers or applying a local anesthetic cream can help relieve the pain to some extent, but only temporarily.
• In case, prolapsed piles becomes a permanent feature, surgery may be needed.

What to avoid

For someone who is suffering from the distressing condition of piles, soft and bland foods are usually recommended. Avoid chillies, hot and spicy foods, processed foods and caffeinated drinks. Also avoid foods that are high on starch, such as potatoes, and bakery items.

The post Ayurveda and home remedies to relieve painful piles appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Benefits of a diet high in fiber

1. Keeps digestive system healthy

The most undisputed advantage of insoluble fiber is its ability to soften and expand stool volume easing bowel movement. In case of watery stools, fiber soaks in the water, while adding bulk to the stool. Thus, fiber ensures a clear passage of stools, which would otherwise stay in the digestive system, get fermented by the intestinal bacteria and lead to constipation, colitis and hemorrhoids [piles].

2. Keeps cholesterol levels in check

Soluble-fiber [one that dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance] binds with the cholesterol in the blood and helps in its elimination from the body. Gradually, the blood cholesterol levels come down, and so do your chances of heart related disease.

3. Maintains blood sugar levels

Fiber-rich foods have a low glycemic index that means there is a gradual release of sugar in the body and hence no fluctuations in blood sugar levels or insulin.

4. Aids weight loss

Roughage, being energy-dense, provide few calories [since most of it is not digested by the body]. They also take time to chew, which in turn gives the body time to realize whether it’s still hungry. This reduces overeating. Also, such foods are digested slowly, leaving you feeling satiated for long.

Besides the above, roughage may protect you from colon cancer, suggest some studies. It also has cholesterol-lowering effects, thus improving your heart health too.

What if enough fiber is not consumed?

The digestive system is constantly at work, digesting the food and getting rid of the waste. And only a good supply of fiber helps it function smoothly. A diet generous in refined or processed foods and one lacking in fiber, leads to inefficient digestion. This leads to several digestive disorders.

Difference between soluble and insoluble fiber

While soluble fiber dissolves in water, the insoluble variety doesn’t.

The soluble variety absorbs water to form a gel-like material. This helps reduce cholesterol and blood glucose levels. It is mainly found in whole grain cereals like oats, pulses, vegetables and fruit.

The insoluble variety is found in whole grain cereals, wheat bran, skin of fruits, nuts and vegetables. This remains undissolved in water thus adding bulk to the stool and allowing easy movement and elimination of material from the digestive tract.

Your daily requirement

According to the Institute of Medicine, USA, one should consume about 14g fiber for every 1000 calories every day. So, if you are consuming 1500kcals, you should consume 21g fiber. You can take the help of your nutritionist/dietician to calculate your daily calorie intake.

Following are some general intake recommendations for adults*. It is usually lower for women and elderly.

Men Below age 50 and younger = 38g
Women Below age 50 and younger = 25g

Men Above age 51 and older = 30g
Women Above age 51 and older = 21g

*The National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine, USA

However, the Harvard School of Public Health encourages having 20g or more fiber each day for children and adults from natural foods rather than supplements.

Easy does it

Sudden increase in consumption of roughage causes cramping, flatulence or bloating. So, one must go easy by adding it slowly into one’s diet. Add a portion like a fruit daily and wait for a week or two. Gradually introduce other food sources. This gives time for the natural bacteria in your digestive tract to adjust to the fiber. Here’s how to go about it…

• Begin including fiber in your diet with whole grain cereals like oats, muesli and wheat. You can have wheat flakes or whole wheat or multi grain [wheat, bajra or ragi flour] chapattis. In case you consume breakfast cereal, ensure it has 5g or more.
• Include 2 or 2 ½ cups vegetables in every meal in the form of fresh raw salads, vegetable or soups.
• Eat at least ½ cup of beans or pulses in every meal.
• Consume at least two cups of fresh fruit daily.
• Snack on a handful of nuts and dry fruits as they contain good amount of fiber.

After having roughage, drink plenty of water. Since fiber absorbs the water, you need to maintain the water levels in your body. Water also helps your body in processing the fiber. Also, reduce the consumption of caffeinated beverages like tea, coffee or carbonated drinks to avoid dehydration.

Alternative to natural fiber

Some individuals are allergic to certain foods such as wheat. However, for such people, given the wide variety of foods that are high in fiber, finding the suitable food to include in their diet shouldn’t be a problem.

Those with severe food allergies or intestinal problems need not deprive themselves of fiber. They can resort to supplements under the guidance of a physician. This is also important for diabetics as fiber supplements tend to lower blood sugar levels and may require monitoring, if taken along with insulin.

To wrap it up

Although dietary fiber seems to be the least digested nutrient, its sources are rich in carbohydrates, proteins and fats and are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help build strength and immunity. So, including roughage in your diet brings in more benefits than intended.

Last updated on 3^rd July 2020

The post Why You Should Load Up on Fiber appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

The best ones are plump, fragrant and have a very slight dent when touched. Avoid those that are hard, mushy, or show signs of mould.

However, dried figs are more popular and commonly used than the fresh ones.

The many health benefits of figs

Figs are healthy. Here’s why eating them is good.

Relieves constipation and helps heal piles

They have a mild laxative effect because of their high fibre content [the fibre content in figs is higher than in any other fruit or vegetable]. Eat two dried figs soaked in water overnight every morning and before going to bed with a glass of warm water to stay away from problems like haemorrhoids (piles) and constipation.

Helps control blood pressure

The potassium in fig helps control blood pressure. Also being high in magnesium, the potassium-magnesium combination combats acidity and gas formation to a great extent. Soaking a fig overnight in water and having it early in the morning with 4 – 5 basil leaves is of great help here.

Improves heart health

Dried fig is rich in phenol, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. The high soluble-fibre content helps reduce cholesterol levels in the blood by over 20 per cent, thus preventing plaque buildup in the arteries.

Promote weight loss

They have zero cholesterol or saturated fats, which, along with their fibre content promotes weight loss.

Elevates mood

They are abundant in vitamin B6, which enhances production of serotonin [mood-boosting hormone] and prevents water retention.

Eases symptoms of menopause

Menopausal women with major mood swings can benefit from eating figs. Women on birth control pills too can have figs to replenish their vitamin B6 levels, which gets depleted by the pill.

Increases bone density

Being rich in calcium, figs help in increasing bone density.

Helps sleep better

Get rid of insomnia by eating them regularly—figs are rich in tryptophan, a vitamin that induces good sleep.

Soothes respiratory ailments

Soothe your respiratory ailments with this simple remedy. Boil 4 – 5 fresh figs in about half litre water. Bring the water to a boil and then strain the mixture. Once cooled, drink the mixture and get instant relief from a sore throat.

Boosts skin health

Get soft, glowing and blemish-free skin by including them in your daily diet. A natural way to treat boils is by applying the inner red part of a fresh fig over it and sealing it. Keep it on for 10 – 15 minutes and then wash it away with warm water.

Figs in your food

Here are some ways to incorporate figs into your diet and reap its benefits:

• Dried figs added to milkshakes or smoothies lend extra flavour, while making the drinks high in energy—an ideal way to start your day.
• They can be added to baked goodies like muffins, cakes, cookies, muesli and energy bars.
• They double up as natural sweeteners in oatmeal, ragi or any other wholegrain breakfast porridges.
• Dried figs can also be added to fruit salads or custard. You can finely chop the figs and add them to your favourite salad with cinnamon before serving.

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Symptoms of piles

• Pain and bleeding while passing stools and feeling of irritation after passing stools.
• The patient cannot sit comfortably due to itching, discomfort, and pain in the rectal region.

Symptoms of grading

Piles vary in intensity.

First-degree piles bleed; second-degree piles prolapse but retract spontaneously. Third-degree piles are those, which require manual replacement after prolapsing.

• Bright red rectal bleeding occurs after defecation.
• Other symptoms include pain, pruritus ani [itching around the anus] and mucus discharge.

Symptoms of a fissure

Most common cause for a fissure is a tear in the anal mucosa caused by the passage of hard stools. Severe pain occurs on defecation and there may be minor bleeding, mucus discharge and pruritus.

Preventive measures

The most important contributory factor for the development of piles and fissures is constipation. Avoiding constipation not only prevents the development of piles and fissures, but also halts further progression of the disease.

Here’s how you can avoid constipation:

• Drink sufficient water.
• Have plenty of fruits especially figs and bananas with milk daily in the morning.
• Soak a handful of dried figs in warm water overnight. Next morning, take the figs along with the water on an empty stomach.
• Include lots of fibre in your foods as it helps in loosening and softening the stools. Oat bran and other whole grains bran are also very effective in curing constipation.
• Take caster oil with milk [one tsp castor oil to one glass of warm milk] at bedtime.
• One tsp of isabgol husk with warm milk will help in softening the stool and cause easy and painless passage thereof.
• Take one tsp of triphala with a glass of warm water at bedtime.

To prevent piles, it is also important that you empty your bowels as soon the urge occurs; keep the anal area dry and avoid irritating the rectum. To prevent anal fissures in infants, change their diapers frequently.

Simple remedies

Given below are some easy solutions to treat piles. Most of the essentials are readily available to us at home.

• If bleeding and pain persists, use Krishna til [black sesame]. Take one tsp of black sesame seed paste, add it to one tsp of jaggery and ginger and consume it at bedtime regularly
• Lack of exercise, junk food and sedentary lifestyle favour development of constipation, piles and eventually fissure. Eat healthy, exercise regularly and avoid spicy foods. Follow a regular diet pattern
• To cure bleeding piles, boil one tsp of pomegranate bark in a glass of water till it is reduced to half. Drink this decoction once a day
• Include a salad of radishes, turnips and other fibrous root vegetables in your diet.
• Avoid long rides, hard seats and sitting for long hours.
• Apply a thick coating of petroleum jelly/oil inside the anus [at least half an inch upwards the rectum]. This must be done before each bowel movement. This practice causes soft bowel movement, is soothing to the anal canal, and avoids unnecessary straining and bleeding.
• Apply neem seed oil locally as it has a laxative as well as emollient effect.
• Apply paste of sesame seeds, neem leaves and castor leaves to relieve pain in both piles and fissures.
• To improve local circulation, a sitz bath/tub bath would be suitable. Boil water with Panchavalkala Kvatha Churna or Triphala Churna [both are readily available in ayurvedic medical stores]. Use this medicated decoction for tub bath. It is an effective pain reliever and healer. Sitz bath/tub bath with decoction of liquorice and milk is very effective in controlling bleeding and acts as anti-inflammatory.
• Look for risk factors which contribute to the development of piles and fissures. Pregnancy, chronic cough and other conditions, which lead to undue pressure on the abdomen and pelvic blood vessels hampering venous outflow will definitely cause haemorrhoids.
• Take triphala powder added to buttermilk [one tsp to one glass of buttermilk] with a few drops of ginger juice is highly effective in relieving pain, discomfort and even constipation associated with piles and fissures.
• Add a tsp of butter with equal quantity of sesame seed powder and have it regularly at bedtime if you have bleeding piles / fissures.? Include tubers like amorphophallus [commonly called elephant foot or suran] in your diet, and dishes prepared from barley, horse gram [kulthi], snake gourd [chichinda], garlic, onion, pepper, Indian gooseberry [amla], ghee, cumin seeds, winter radish, and pumpkin.

Last updated on 21^st September 2019

The post Piles: No easy way out appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.