Hemorrhoids: Causes and risks
Most people discover that they have hemorrhoids (or piles) when they happen to see blood in the toilet bowl. A quick self-examination might reveal the presence of a sac-like structure protruding from the anus. Sometimes, this is accompanied by pain or itching.
What causes hemorrhoids? To put it simply, increased pressure on the veins in the anus causes hemorrhoids. This increased pressure could result from several factors like:
Prolonged standing or sitting:
When a person sits or stands for a long time, blood tends to pool in the lower regions of the body, causing pressure in the rectum and anus.
Constipation, Recurrent diarrhea, hard bowels or straining at the toilet:
When people suffer from diarrhea, frequent usage weakens the muscles in the rectum and causes hemorrhoids. When you are constipated, hard stools and straining at the toilet are common, which cause the nerves in the rectum to strain.
Lifting heavy objects: Any work that makes you grunt, strain or hold your breath can cause hemorrhoids. So, lifting heavy weights, pulling or pushing objects or even strenuous work like chopping wood can put tremendous pressure on the veins down there.
Pregnancy: Pregnant women carry the weight of their baby. This, along with the stress and strain of labor causes hemorrhoids in some women.
Hypertension: High blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to increased pressure in the tissues, veins and blood vessels in the rectal and anal area, which in turn causes hemorrhoids.
Stress: Surprised? Don’t be. Stress can lead to constipation and irregular bowel movements, which in turn causes hemorrhoids.
Aging: As people age, the tissues, muscles and veins in the rectal area lose elasticity and become slack. This could lead to hemorrhoids.
Heredity: In a number of cases, the weakness of the rectal muscles could be the direct result of birth defects or genetics. This could be the reason why hemorrhoids tend to run in families.
Fast foods: A diet that is low in fiber and high in fats and sodium is the perfect recipe for a case of acute constipation. Since many people on the run are used to such foods, they can become severely constipated. Combined with long hours in front of the computer, these people run a major risk of developing hemorrhoids.
Obesity: People who are overweight generally have poor bowel movements. Also, their excess body weight puts more pressure on the lower part of their body, which causes hemorrhoids.
In addition to these, drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes are also risk factors that contribute to the development of hemorrhoids.
Since lifestyle factors play an important role in the development of hemorrhoids, it is only natural that a good percentage of the population suffers from it. In fact, surveys show that more than 50% of the population develops hemorrhoids after the age of 40. With the problem being so widespread, you’d think that we already have a hemorrhoid cure.
But the truth is, conventional, over the counter medication can at best provide temporary relief. They do not offer a complete cure because they not deal with the underlying causes of hemorrhoids. This and the fact that the continued use of strong chemicals produce undesirable side effects, is leading more and more people to natural alternative healing methods for treating hemorrhoids.
A number of select, powerful medicinal herbs and roots available in Chinese medicine may be used to heal and strengthen veins, regulate bowel movements and help in the production of soft stools. Along with the regular use of these herbs, good food patterns and a healthy lifestyle can help people achieve a permanent cure for hemorrhoids.