COMMON DISEASE “PILES”(HEMORRHOIDS)-REMEDIES

Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swollen blood vessels located in the rectum or anus. They can be internal, where they develop inside the rectum, or external, when they form under the skin around the anus. Piles can cause discomfort, pain, itching, and sometimes bleeding during bowel movements.

The exact cause of piles is not always clear, but several factors contribute to their development. One of the primary causes is increased pressure on the veins in the rectal area. This pressure can be a result of various factors, including:

Straining during bowel movements:

When individuals strain excessively while passing stools, it puts extra pressure on the rectal veins, leading to the development of piles.

Chronic constipation:

Constipation often involves hard and infrequent bowel movements. The straining required to pass hard stools can contribute to the formation of piles over time.

Chronic diarrhea:

ForSimilarly, frequent episodes of diarrhea can also strain the rectal area, causing piles to develop.

Pregnancy:

The growing uterus during pregnancy exerts pressure on the rectal veins, making pregnant women more susceptible to developing piles.

Obesity:

Excess body weight can put additional pressure on the rectal area, leading to piles.

Constipation and piles:

There is a close relationship between constipation and piles. Chronic constipation can lead to straining during bowel movements, which puts pressure on the rectal veins and increases the risk of developing piles. Similarly, the presence of piles can exacerbate constipation, as individuals may avoid bowel movements due to the discomfort and pain associated with the condition. This avoidance can further contribute to constipation, creating a cycle.

Dietary measures:

To help alleviate and prevent piles, it is important to adopt a healthy and balanced diet. Some dietary measures to consider include:

Fiber-rich foods:

Consuming a diet high in fiber helps soften the stool and promote regular bowel movements. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts in your diet.

Ample water intake:

Drinking an adequate amount of water hydrates the body and helps prevent constipation.

Avoidance of processed foods:

Processed foods are often low in fiber and high in fat, which can contribute to constipation. Minimize the consumption of fast food, fried food, and processed snacks.

Limitation of caffeine and alcohol: Both caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate the body and potentially worsen constipation. Limit their intake and ensure sufficient hydration.

Natural treatments for piles can provide relief and support the healing process. Here are some options:

Sitz baths:

Sitting in warm water for 10-15 minutes several times a day can alleviate itching, pain, and swelling associated with piles.

Cold compress:

Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and discomfort.

Topical creams and ointments: Over-the-counter creams or ointments containing witch hazel or hydrocortisone can provide temporary relief from itching and pain.

Lifestyle modifications:

Regular exercise, avoiding long periods of sitting or standing, and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent the worsening of piles.

Living with piles can present certain challenges and hazards. Some of the potential difficulties include:

Discomfort and pain:

Piles can cause discomfort, pain, and itching, making it challenging to carry out daily activities and impacting overall quality of life.

Bleeding:

Piles can sometimes lead to bleeding during bowel movements, which can be alarming and may require medical attention.

Social and psychological impact:

Piles can cause embarrassment and self-consciousness, potentially affecting social interactions and causing emotional distress.

Recurrence:

Without appropriate measures, piles may recur or worsen over time, leading to chronic symptoms and complications.

Ayurvedic remedies for piles

Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus. This condition can cause discomfort, pain, itching, and bleeding during bowel movements. While there are various treatment options available for piles, including medical interventions and surgery, Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, offers natural remedies that can help manage the symptoms and promote healing. Here are some Ayurvedic remedies commonly recommended for piles:

Triphala:

Triphala is a popular Ayurvedic formulation made from three fruits, namely Amalaki (Indian gooseberry), Haritaki (Chebulic myrobalan), and Bibhitaki (Bahera). It has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and promote bowel regularity. Triphala can be taken orally as a powder or in capsule form.

Aloe Vera:

Aloe vera has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate the discomfort associated with piles. Applying pure aloe vera gel directly to the affected area can provide relief from itching, burning, and pain. It is important to use fresh aloe vera gel or commercially available gel without added chemicals.

Buttermilk:

Buttermilk is a probiotic drink that aids in digestion and softens the stools, making bowel movements easier. It can help prevent constipation, which is a common contributing factor to piles. Regular consumption of buttermilk, preferably with a pinch of rock salt or roasted cumin powder, is beneficial.

Trikatu:

Trikatu is a blend of three spices – ginger, black pepper, and long pepper. It is known for its digestive and detoxifying properties. Trikatu can be taken in powdered form mixed with honey or warm water to stimulate digestion and relieve constipation, thus reducing the strain during bowel movements.

Ayurvedic Herbs:

Various herbs are used in Ayurveda to treat piles. Some commonly recommended herbs include Haritaki (Chebulic myrobalan), ArshoghniVati (a herbal formulation), Nagakesar (mesua ferrea), and Neem (Azadirachta indica). These herbs possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and astringent properties, which can help reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and promote healing.

Dietary Recommendations:

Ayurveda emphasizes a balanced and fiber-rich diet to prevent and manage piles. Consuming foods high in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, can soften the stools and promote regular bowel movements. Adequate hydration is also essential to prevent constipation.

It’s important to note that while these Ayurvedic remedies may provide relief from piles, it is advisable to consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any treatment. They can assess your specific condition and recommend personalized remedies and lifestyle modifications to address your symptoms effectively.

FAQ on piles.

Q: What are piles?

 A: Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swollen and inflamed blood vessels in the rectum and anus. They can occur internally, inside the rectum, or externally, around the opening of the anus.

Q: What causes piles?

A: The exact cause of piles is not clear, but several factors can contribute to their development. These include chronic constipation or diarrhea, straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, prolonged sitting or standing, and a family history of piles.

Q: What are the symptoms of piles?

A: The symptoms of piles can vary depending on the type and severity. Common symptoms include pain or discomfort during bowel movements, itching or irritation around the anus, swelling or lumps near the anus, bleeding during bowel movements, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation.

Q: How are piles diagnosed?

A: Piles are typically diagnosed through a physical examination of the anus and rectum. In some cases, a doctor may perform a digital rectal examination or use a proctoscope, anoscope, or sigmoidoscope to examine the area more closely. Other diagnostic tests, such as a colonoscopy, may be recommended if there are concerns about other gastrointestinal conditions.

Q: What are the treatment options for piles?

A: Treatment for piles can vary depending on the severity and symptoms. Mild cases often respond well to lifestyle changes, including a high-fiber diet, increased fluid intake, and regular exercise. Over-the-counter creams, ointments, or suppositories may help relieve symptoms. In more severe cases, procedures such as rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or surgical removal may be necessary.

Q: Can piles be prevented?

A: While it may not be possible to prevent piles entirely, certain measures can help reduce the risk of developing them. These include maintaining a high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of water, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding straining during bowel movements.

Q: When should I see a doctor for piles?

 A: You should consider seeing a doctor if you experience persistent or severe symptoms of piles, such as persistent bleeding, excessive pain, or the presence of a lump that doesn’t improve with self-care measures. Additionally, if you have a family history of colon cancer or if you’re over 50 and haven’t had a colonoscopy, it’s important to seek medical advice.

Q: Are piles a serious condition?

 A: Piles are generally not considered life-threatening, but they can cause significant discomfort and affect the quality of life. In most cases, they can be managed with conservative measures and medical treatments. However, if left untreated or if complications arise, such as blood clots or excessive bleeding, they can lead to more serious issues. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.

{Nutrition Life Circle}