Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Prevent Hemorrhoids?

Alex Paul
Alex Paul

There are many ways that you can try to prevent hemorrhoids, including eating a diet that contains a lot of fiber, ensuring that you consume a large amount of fresh vegetables, and exercising regularly. Eliminating frequently, and making sure that you don’t strain while doing so, is also important when trying to prevent hemorrhoids. Other techniques include eating wholegrain foods, cutting down on alcohol consumption, and avoiding medication which causes constipation if it is safe to do so.

One of the most effective ways of reducing the chance of getting hemorrhoids is to keep your stool as soft as possible. This can partly be achieved by eating a diet that is high in fiber. In some cases, you may decide that taking fiber supplements is the easiest way to achieve this if you find it hard to modify your diet. Drinking a lot of water will also help to keep your stool soft.

A healthy, balanced diet is essential to avoiding hemorrhoids.
A healthy, balanced diet is essential to avoiding hemorrhoids.

To prevent hemorrhoids, a healthy, balanced diet is essential. Aside from fiber and lots of fluid, you should try to eat vegetables and fruit on a daily basis. It is usually recommended that a person eats five portions a day. Although consuming a proper diet isn’t a guaranteed way to prevent hemorrhoids, it can reduce the likelihood of this condition.

Eating foods that are high in fiber, like flax seeds, may help prevent hemorrhoids.
Eating foods that are high in fiber, like flax seeds, may help prevent hemorrhoids.

Along with eating a healthy diet, regular exercise is also essential for preventing hemorrhoids. Physical activity is said to be a proven way to prevent constipation, which is a common cause of hemorrhoids. Being overweight can sometimes increase the chances of suffering from the problem, so exercise and a healthy diet can work together to address this problem.

Drinking plenty of water keeps stools soft and prevents straining during bowel movements.
Drinking plenty of water keeps stools soft and prevents straining during bowel movements.

Straining while passing a stool is a common, yet often overlooked, cause of hemorrhoids. While on the toilet, you should try to keep your whole body relaxed because this will stop you from straining. It’s also important to go to the toilet regularly; infrequent trips to the bathroom can cause excess pressure and make hemorrhoids more likely.

There are a number of other things that you can do to prevent hemorrhoids, although none are guaranteed to work for everyone. Eating a lot of whole grain foods, for example, can sometimes prevent the condition. If you drink a lot of alcohol, reducing your consumption may also make hemorrhoids less likely. Some medication is known to cause constipation; if you’re taking prescribed drugs, it may be a good idea to talk to your doctor about an alternative.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A healthy, balanced diet is essential to avoiding hemorrhoids.
      By: monticellllo
      A healthy, balanced diet is essential to avoiding hemorrhoids.
    • Eating foods that are high in fiber, like flax seeds, may help prevent hemorrhoids.
      By: Vidady
      Eating foods that are high in fiber, like flax seeds, may help prevent hemorrhoids.
    • Drinking plenty of water keeps stools soft and prevents straining during bowel movements.
      By: anyaivanova
      Drinking plenty of water keeps stools soft and prevents straining during bowel movements.
    • Avoiding becoming constipated can help prevent hemorrhoids.
      By: rob3000
      Avoiding becoming constipated can help prevent hemorrhoids.
    • Having regular bowel movements can help prevent hemorrhoids.
      By: Africa Studio
      Having regular bowel movements can help prevent hemorrhoids.