Listly by Nexus Surgical
Haemorrhoids or piles are a common health issue among Singaporeans, but why is that so? In many cases, people form them due to a culmination of bad habits they keep practising.
If we want to avoid having haemorrhoids so severe that we would need piles surgery, then it is time for us to reconsider our ways and change them for the better.
Are you not sure which habits we should avoid? Here is a list to get you started.
Have you made it a habit to exert as much force as you can during bowel movements? This practice puts plenty of pressure on the veins in your anus, which in turn makes them swell and become haemorrhoids. If you persist with straining yourself, the haemorrhoid may become prolapsed, requiring piles surgery.
Ignoring the urge to move your bowels can lead to constipation later on, making you strain while passing stool.
It would be wiser to listen to your body’s signals — if you feel the need to go to the restroom, then do so. You can also adopt some habits to reduce your risk of feeling the urge at inopportune times. For example, you should finish your business in the toilet before leaving home to lessen your chances while outside.
Do you tend to sit down on the toilet for more than necessary because you are distracted on the phone? Consider leaving the phone behind next time. Spending excessive time sitting down can increase the pressure on your anus and rectal area, leading to haemorrhoids. Aim to be more efficient on the toilet instead.
Water is important for softening our stool. Even if we eat more fibre-rich food like brown rice, fruits, and vegetables, it would still be difficult to form softer stools if we are constantly dehydrated.
As the general rule goes, try to aim for around a gallon of water daily.
Working out at the gym and doing cardio and resistance training are all good. After all, keeping a healthy weight and being physically active reduces our risk factors for haemorrhoids. However, if you do not practise proper weightlifting techniques, you can put unnecessary strain on your internal organs, including the rectal area.
Be sure you have already learned how to lift properly from a trainer before you start lifting heavy weights.
Our food choices can impact the likelihood of developing haemorrhoids. The type of stool we produce, influenced by our diet, affects our susceptibility to constipation. Eating too few high-fibre meals leads to harder stool, causing straining on the toilet. Foods low in fibre to avoid include processed foods, red meat, and dairy, as well as white rice and bread. If you have haemorrhoids, steer clear of spicy foods, which can irritate them.
Haemorrhoids can be uncomfortable and painful, but you can prevent them by avoiding the habits listed here. If you still develop haemorrhoids despite making wiser lifestyle changes, approach your doctor for advice and management plans. They can examine your condition and recommend appropriate treatments. Depending on the severity, these can range from topical creams and sitz baths to piles surgery. Remember, seeking advice from a healthcare professional is wise if you can't resolve the issue independently.
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes
https://www.healthxchange.sg/digestive-system/colorectal/piles-haemorrhoids-common-problem-singapore
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/best-worst-foods-hemorrhoids
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hemorrhoids
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15120-hemorrhoids
https://healthmatch.io/hemorrhoids/can-lifting-weights-cause-hemorrhoids