Constipation and Hemorrhoids

Constipation causes hemorrhoids in several ways: by damaging tissues during passage of hard stool; by the pressure of full bowels pressing down on the pelvic floor; and by straining during defecation, which leads to distended anal veins. If you have hemorrhoids and suffer from occasional constipation due to your diet, try these tips to overcome constipation so your body can heal naturally.

The large bowel movements suffered by constipated people often lead to hemorrhoids. Anal tissues, though resilient, become sensitive over time to extreme stretching and can be torn rather easily by feces as it passes through. Repeated passage of large, hard bowel movements can stretch the supporting tissues in the anus, resulting in prolapse (falling) of the underlying tissue cushions that protect hemorrhoid veins. Many older adults who suffer from constipation are at higher risk for hemorrhoids, because the pelvic floor tissues and muscles weaken with age.

As if that's not bad enough, many constipated people suffer from decreased intestinal transit time, so their bowels carry feces longer than usual. Especially when combined with prolonged sitting, the additional weight of the impacted feces on the pelvic floor can be enough to impede circulation to the area. In addition, the protective tissue cushions in the anus can get pushed down into a lower position, leaving veins more susceptible to injury and swelling.

Straining during a hard bowel movement also worsens hemorrhoids by increasing resting anal pressure, which can force delicate tissues out of position during defecation. In fact, anything that increases anal or intra-abdominal pressure (such as lifting weights, certain kinds of hypertension, or even severe diarrhea) may be a cause of hemorrhoids, especially if there is a pre-existing anal weakness or injury.

Certainly, if you have hemorrhoids you don't want them to get worse. Fortunately, if constipation is the main reason for your hemorrhoids, you can correct it by adding stool-softening foods such as legumes, fruits, and green vegetables to your diet. Research has proven that dietary fiber is the safest and most effective way to regulate your bowels and reduce your risk of many digestive disorders including colon cancer. Dietary fiber also increases "good" cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.

If you find that changing your diet is too challenging at this time, you may benefit from an over-the-counter supplement containing psyllium. Psyllium consists of the husks of the crushed seeds of the Plantago ovata plant. These husks are 70% soluble and 30% insoluble fiber which is indigestible by humans. This type of fiber soaks up water as it travels through the intestines, causing larger but softer stools. Because psyllium husks are so absorbent, you must drink plenty of water to avoid dangerous choking or intestinal blockage. A safe rule of thumb is to drink two glasses of water for every 3 grams of psyllium. Most people don't need more than 20 grams of psyllium per day.

If you take prescription medication, check with your doctor to make sure psyllium doesn't affect the way it's digested. Also, psyllium can cause gas and abdominal bloating, so start with small doses until your body adjusts.

Flaxseed is another plant product that can relieve constipation. Flaxseed works the same way as psyllium: as an absorbent fiber that bulks up stool and helps you pass it more easily. Flaxseed also has the nutritional benefits of Omega-3 oil which can reduce cholesterol and lower blood sugar. You can buy whole flaxseed or ground flaxseed meal at any health store, most large supermarkets, and online. Add a teaspoon or two to flavored yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothie. Note: You must drink plenty of water with flaxseed, too.

A word of caution about another plant product used to treat constipation. Bark from the buckthorn plant (Rhamnus purshiana) has been used by American Indians for ages as a laxative. This bark, known as cascara sagrada, has chemicals called anthroquinones that cause intestinal movement and contractions, making it an effective and fast-acting laxative. The usual dose for laxative purposes is 300 mg, taken in the evening in order to produce a bowel movement the next morning.

However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ruled in 2002 that cascara, as well as aloe, were not generally recognized as safe and effective laxatives because some studies showed a link between excessive cascara usage and colorectal cancer and hepatitis. Therefore, products containing cascara may not actually be marketed as stimulant laxatives. Cascara is not recommended for people with serious digestive disorders including diverticulitis and Crohn's. Use of cascara for more than seven days is not recommended.

Add more fiber to your diet, treat your constipation and rid yourself of hemorrhoids the natural way.