Eat high-fiber foods. Eat more fruits, vegetables and grains. Limit
your intake of low- or no-fiber foods, such as ice cream, soft drinks,
cheese, white bread, and red meat.
Drink plenty of liquids. The exact amount of water and other fluids
you should drink each day varies and depends on your age, sex, health,
activity level and other factors. Avoid liquids that contain caffeine
(such as coffee and tea) or alcohol.
Consider fiber supplements. Over-the-counter products such as Metamucil
and Citrucel can help keep stools soft and regular. Check with your doctor
about using stool softeners.
Exercise. Stay active to reduce pressure on veins, which can occur with
long periods of standing or sitting, and to help prevent constipation.
Avoid long periods of standing or sitting. If you must sit for long
periods, don't use an inflatable doughnut cushion to pad your chair. Always
stand and walk during your breaks at work and try to stand and walk at
least 5 minutes every hour.
Avoid straining during bowel movements. Straining and holding your breath
when trying to pass a stool creates greater pressure in the veins in the
lower rectum.
Avoid reading or spending excess time on the toilet. Reading in the
bathroom is considered a bad idea, because it adds to the time one spends
on the toilet and may increase the strain placed on the anal and rectal
veins.
Go as soon as you feel the urge. Do not delay or try to prevent a bowel
movement when the urge is present. If you wait to pass a bowel movement
and the urge goes away, your stool could become dry and be harder to pass.
Train your digestive tract to have regular bowel movements. Schedule
a 10-minute period to sit on the toilet at approximately the same time
each day. The best time to do this is usually right after a meal.
Avoid the overuse of laxatives, type of medication that affects the
bowels, because they may cause diarrhea, which can irritate hemorrhoids.
Use laxatives only when absolutely necessary.
Keep the area around the anus clean and dry.
Wipe gently. Blot the anus gently with white toilet paper moistened
with water or a cleansing agent (such as Balneol) after bowel movements.
Baby wipes or other premoistened towels (such as Tucks) are also useful
for this purpose.
Avoid rubbing the anal area. You can rinse off in the shower or on a
bidet instead of wiping yourself with toilet paper. Cool water washing
provides instant relief for nagging pains and discomfort. After cleansing,
gently pat the anal area dry with a soft, absorbent towel or cloth.
Soap or toilet paper that is perfumed may irritate the anal area and
should be avoided, as should excessive cleaning, rubbing, or wiping of
that area. Use a soothing wipe, such as baby wipes or witch hazel pads,
to clean after each bowel movement and to ease the pain.
