Home remedies for piles

Piles, also medically termed as hemorrhoids, are perhaps the most uncomfortable condition to even talk about. Possibly because it’s an intimate area issue affecting the lower rectum and anus - areas many people find difficult to discuss openly. You might find it surprising to know that it’s much more common than you might imagine it to be. Piles can literally put a pause on your daily activities. While there is no denying that piles can cause severe pain and discomfort, there are a number of natural home remedies for piles that can help ease the symptoms.

Don’t let the embarrassment typically associated with piles hold you back - taking action is the first step toward feeling better.

What are piles?

Piles are swollen or inflamed blood vessels in the lower rectum and anus. Increased pressure from conditions including constipation, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, or straining during bowel motions can cause these veins to expand.

There are two types of piles:

Internal hemorrhoids: Although they can cause bleeding after bowel movements, internal hemorrhoids are painless and often occur inside the rectum.
External hemorrhoids: These appear beneath the skin around the anus and can cause pain, particularly if a thrombosed hemorrhoid (blood clot) forms inside of them.

Symptoms of piles

Itching
Discomfort
Swelling
Bleeding
Lumps in the anal region
Pain during bowel movements

Causes of piles

Typically the causes of piles are related to increased pressure on the veins in the lower rectum and anus.

Constipation: When a person's stool becomes hard and difficult to pass, they may strain excessively, which puts additional strain on the rectal veins.
Long periods of standing or sitting: Long periods of sitting or standing puts stress on the veins in the rectal area, which can lead to hemorrhoids. Pay attention if you also spend a lot of time sitting at work or not moving around much.
Diarrhea: Frequent loose stools or persistent diarrhea often irritate and inflame the veins present in the rectal region, which can result in hemorrhoids.
Obesity or being overweight : Extra body weight can place increased pressure on the pelvic and rectal veins, leading to other problems such as constipation.
Pregnancy: As the uterus expands when you are pregnant, it places pressure on the pelvic veins, which could lead to the development of hemorrhoids.
Ageing: Tissues that support the veins in the rectum and anus may weaken or stretch in the older population. Also, constipation being common in the elderly tends can worsen the condition.

Home remedies for piles

The good news is that you don’t always have to depend on medications or invasive treatments to find relief, these home remedies for piles can offer long-term results:
1. Load up on fluids: Your body can more readily digest food and facilitate bowel movements if you are consuming water or healthy liquids in a good quantity. You can go for herbal tea, fresh juices etc.
2. Coconut oil: Because of its hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties, coconut oil can leave a calming effect. Pain and swelling can be lessened by dabbing the hemorrhoid area with a tiny bit of coconut oil. It's also an awesome choice for avoiding dryness and skin irritation around the anal area.
3. Consume a lot of fiber: It's crucial to remember that a diet high in fiber will soften the stool, making it easier to pass, and even lower the likelihood of constipation and straining. These meals also have a reputation for enhancing digestive health in general and even preventing piles. Add items like spinach, carrots, peas, chickpeas, beans, lentils, apples, and pears.
4. Warm sitz bath: One easy and efficient way to ease the pain brought on by piles is to take a warm sitz bath. Pain, swelling, and inflammation can all be lessened by spending ten to fifteen minutes sitting in warm water. You can add epsom salts, which have anti-inflammatory properties, to increase the effects.
5. Aloe vera: Its soothing properties ensure faster healing. You must be careful that the gel you are using is not just pure but also does not contain any other harmful or harsh ingredients and is fragrance-free. Use a topical aloe vera gel to relieve pile-related pain, swelling, and irritation.
6. Olive oil and vitamin E oil: Both these oils help to moisturize and soothe the hemorrhoidal area by reducing inflammation. Mix both the oils in equal quantity and gently apply the mixture onto the affected area.
7. Lemon juice: With its high vitamin C content it can strengthen your blood vessels and prevent further irritation in the area. Simply drink a glass of warm water with freshly squeezed lemon juice every morning.

Lifestyle and diet recommendations for piles

While these home remedies for piles can be of great help in bringing comfort, you can also add a few dietary and lifestyle changes for even better results. With these simple alterations in your daily routine you will be able to reduce the frequency and intensity of hemorrhoids:

Engage in regular exercise: By encouraging regular bowel movements and a healthy digestive system, exercise helps prevent constipation. It also improves blood flow, which reduces the risk of hemorrhoids. Simple exercises like yoga, jogging, cycling, and walking can be beneficial without putting too much strain on the body.

Don't control the urge to use the restroom: Ignoring the urge to use the restroom can lead to constipation and straining. Therefore, don't put it off for too long and go whenever you feel the need to.

Cut back on processed foods and caffeine: Constipation can be worsened by processed foods, fast food, and foods heavy in fat and sugar. Similarly, too much caffeine can cause dehydration, which can also contribute to constipation.

Maintain a clean and dry anal area: After every bowel movement, ensure that you gently wash the region with warm water using a soft towel to completely dry it. It's important to keep the region dry to prevent moisture accumulation, which can contribute to hemorrhoid symptoms.

Add probiotics in your diet: They are well known to boost digestion as well as the general well being of the intestines by improving the gut microbiome. Probiotics in yogurt and other fermented foods are effective in reducing the frequency of bowel motions as well as the chances of getting constipation.

It’s crucial to remember that when dealing with a condition as personal and sensitive as piles, it's important to set aside any hesitation and take proactive steps. By addressing the issue early with the remedies and tips mentioned above, you can ease the discomfort.