Health Tips for Hemorrhoid Prevention
Hemorrhoids result from the dilation and tortuosity of veins beneath the rectal mucosa and anal skin, forming soft venous masses. These are part of the body’s normal anatomy but become problematic due to poor blood return and blood stagnation, hence there is no true "cure," only restoration to their original size.
Hemorrhoids are extremely common among adults. Depending on location, they can be classified as internal, external, or mixed hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids occur above the anal dentate line, external hemorrhoids below it, while mixed hemorrhoids involve communication between upper and lower hemorrhoidal plexuses, resulting in both internal and external components present at the same site.
☆ Health Care Tips
1. Avoid prolonged sitting or standing to prevent blood pooling in the anal area.
2. Soak in warm water for 30 minutes after defecation—cleanses and promotes circulation.
3. Exercise (at least 15 minutes, sweat-inducing, avoid wind exposure, consistent) enhances circulation.
4. Patients with hemorrhoids often experience worsening symptoms due to excessive alcohol consumption and spicy foods such as chili peppers, mustard, black pepper, ginger, etc. Therefore, patients should maintain good dietary hygiene, avoid overeating, and limit or avoid spicy, stimulating foods. Increase intake of vegetables, fruits, and water. High-fiber vegetables like celery, spinach, Chinese cabbage, bok choy, and loofah promote intestinal motility and are especially suitable for habitual constipation.
5. Pregnant women with hemorrhoids should avoid prolonged sitting or standing, prevent constipation, and promptly correct fetal position. Eat more vegetables, fruits, and plant oils; consume moderate amounts of sesame seeds and honey to keep bowel movements regular.
6. Elderly individuals with hemorrhoids may benefit from regularly consuming black sesame seeds and honey to maintain smooth bowel movements.
7. Patients undergoing hemorrhoid surgery should relieve psychological concerns beforehand. On the day of surgery, consume a low-residue diet; resume normal diet the next day. Some patients fear eating too much due to pain or risk of infection from bowel movements. To maintain regular bowel movements, encourage patients to eat easily digestible, low-fat foods such as bananas, oranges, celery, spinach, etc. Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and spicy foods like onions, ginger, garlic.
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