Rapid Network

We often think of hemorrhoids and piles as being one and the same thing. In fact the term 'piles' is given to hemorrhoids once they become swollen and fall down past the anus. Hemorrhoids are a group of vessels within the lower rectum and their purpose is to assist in the passing of stools from the rectum and through the anus. The cause of piles can vary and is more often associated with pregnancy, poor diet, being overweight, and lack of exercise. Needless to say discomfort experienced from piles is something that any sufferer would much rather do without.

Piles are formed when the hemorrhoids are put under extensive pressure, typically over a sustained period, causing them to swell and if left untreated fall down and eventually protrude through the anus. Once the piles have fallen beyond the anus they become irritated and uncomfortable and in some cases a sufferer may need to physically push the swollen hemorrhoids back up into the anus. A sufferer will experience pain from piles once they've begun to protrude and develop fissures which is the cause of itchiness from piles. The signs to look for that are associated with hemorrhoids and piles fall into two categories: Internal Hemorrhoids - hemorrhoids become swollen within the rectum. At this point the sufferer is not likely to experience any pain, however they may notice traces of blood either on the toilet tissue, on their stools or both. External Hemorrhoids - the point at which the hemorrhoids have become so enlarged that they fall down beyond the anus. At this stage they develop fissures which is the cause of irritation. Once the piles begin to protrude from the anus they become visible.

Although piles are uncomfortable and seen by some as embarrassing, they are curable and there is a wide range of products on the market to assist the sufferer in being rid of them once and for all. These products range from pills, sprays and creams, though the most important thing when it comes to being cured of a hemorrhoid problem is a healthy diet. A healthy diet is a positive step towards comfortable bowel movements by eliminating the risk of constipation and diarrhoea which are often symptoms of poor diet. Drinking water and eating foods that have high fibre content allow the body to digest foods easier and create softer stools meaning each visit to relieve the bowels is less of a concern.

Below is a selection of suitable foods that promote a healthy immune system as well as a healthy body. All have a high fibre content which will greatly reduce the risk of constipation or diarrhoea. Provided that a sufferer of hemorrhoids and piles is prepared to implement a new approach to diet and exercise, a rapid relief can be achieved in a short period of time. High fibre foods are as follows:

Wholemeal, granary and soft grain bread
Potatoes cooked and eaten in their skin, i.e. jacket or new potatoes
Breakfast cereals, e.g. Weetabix, Bran Flakes, Muesli, Shredded Wheat and Porridge Oats
Wholemeal pasta and brown rice
Beans, lentils, peas, nuts and seeds
Fresh and dried fruits - (eaten with skin on e.g. apples)
Vegetables
Wholemeal flour