Any discussion about finding a hemorrhoids cure needs to start with an understanding of what hemorrhoids are and what causes them before you can fully understand what it takes to prevent or cure them.
What is a hemorrhoid?
A hemorrhoid is simply a weak spot in an anal vein that may bulge out when the blood pressure in the anal vein increases too much, the bulge is the hemorrhoid.
What causes hemorrhoids?
Anything that puts stress on the anal canal or increases the blood pressure in the anal veins may cause a hemorrhoid, but the leading cause of hemorrhoids is straining while using the bathroom. Other risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure, anal surgery, anal sex, pregnancy and chronic diarrhea.
Hemorrhoids Cure
Now that you know what causes hemorrhoids, this puts you one step closer to a hemorrhoids cure. Since minor constipation leading to straining is the leading cause of hemorrhoids, it then makes sense that eliminating this type of straining is the key to a hemorrhoids cure.
The single best thing you can do for hemorrhoids is improve your diet. It doesn’t matter if you have Grade I hemorrhoids or Grade IV hemorrhoids, this is the #1 recommendation that your doctor will make to help you minimize your hemorrhoid symptoms and prevent complications. In fact, diet is so important that patients with Grade I and minor Grade II hemorrhoids may be able to completely reverse their condition with a fiber rich diet alone, unfortunately, once hemorrhoids get above a Grade III, diet alone is usually not enough to work as a hemorrhoids cure. Certainly, the earlier you start the better, but even if you do already have hemorrhoids, it’s never too late to start making changes, because reducing straining is also the key to making sure your conditions doesn’t get even worse.
How much fiber does it take to cure hemorrhoids?
The FDA recommends 25 grams a day. Studies show that most Americans are only managing to get about 11 grams of fiber or less than 50% of the recommended amount. It should come as no surprise then that the incidence of hemorrhoids is so high, especially in the US where there is a heavy reliance of highly processed foods and most people aren’t’ getting the recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables.
What are the foods with the highest fiber content?
Fortified cereals and breads, fruits and vegetable are all excellent sources of fiber as well as important sources of vitamins and minerals, but legumes are the best natural source of fiber. Here is the fiber content of some legumes, this is based on a one cup cooked serving:
- Split peas 16.3 grams of fiber
- Lentils 15.5 grams of fiber
- Black beans 15 grams of fiber
- Lima beans 13.2 grams of fiber
- Vegetarian baked beans 10.4 grams of fiber
