Authored by Debra Cornelius in Diseases
Published on 10-11-2009

Hemorrhoids are simply varicose veins in the anal region. Like other varicose veins they become swollen, twisted and itch. There are some things you can do to prevent or cure hemorrhoids from the comfort of your own home. Home cures for hemorrhoids often combine several steps aimed at improving the overall health of your digestive system.

The early signs of hemorrhoids include burning and itching around or in the anal area. Often after a bowel movement a small streak of blood is noted on the tissue or on the stool itself. Slight streaks of blood occurring after a strained or hard bowel movement is usually a sign of hemorrhoids.

Large amounts of blood in the stools or obvious bright red blood when having a bowel movement can also be a sign of serious conditions including colon cancer. While a slight streak of blood is no cause for alarm, any continual blood in the stools or bright blood noticed in the toilet following a bowel movement should be brought to your doctors attention as soon as possible.

The most common cause of hemorrhoids is straining to pass large dry stools. Pregnant women are also at increased risk of hemorrhoids due to the pressure of the fetus bearing down on the colon. Everyone has an increased risk of hemorrhoids as they grow older.

Home cures for simple hemorrhoid relief include taking steps to bring relief to symptoms such as burning and itching. This can be done by using a cold compress on the anal region or gently applying a light coating of petroleum jelly to the inner rectal area. Another step to curing hemorrhoids begins with diet and exercise. Dehydration and lack of dietary fiber are primary causes of constipation. Straining to pass dry hard stools while constipated is the leading cause of hemorrhoids in most otherwise healthy individuals.

By making a few simple changes such as drinking plenty of water, eating fresh fruits and vegetables and taking a fiber supplement you immediately give your digestive tract the balance of nutrients, fiber and water it needs to produce soft stools. Soft stools are then more easily expelled without straining the swollen varicose veins in the colon and anal region. Regular daily exercise also goes a long ways in helping your digestive system to function properly. Paying attention to these simple changes can show a great improvement in your hemorrhoids within just a few days.

Colon Cleansers and Nutritional Supplements

Other treatments often used at home to cure hemorrhoids include colon cleansers and nutritional supplements. Colon cleansers can be helpful with some individuals.

* While cleansers and supplements can be useful in supporting a healthy digestive system you should always discuss adding supplements to your routine with your doctor. Individuals currently under medical treatment for a chronic health issue should never begin a new treatment or supplement without discussing it with their doctors first. Colon cleansers and nutritional supplements could react with your prescribed treatments to cause further complications or decrease the effectiveness of your medications.

If colon cleansers or further nutritional or herbal supplements are right for you, ask your doctor for recommendations.

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