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As you age, your risk of having hemorrhoids also increases.
Medical experts state that more than half of the population ages 50 and above, have reported at least one incident of hemorrhoids, or have experienced one symptom associated with this condition, which include passing bloody stools and pain during bowel movement.
Majority of diagnosed hemorrhoid cases are not severe and does not require any invasive interventions.
Because hemorrhoids are common, various remedies, interventions and guidelines have been identified or formulated to help those people suffering from this ailment.
Hemorrhoids are not life threatening, but having them can cause discomfort and become a recurring problem.
Thankfully, the available treatment options are easy to follow and can provide great relief to those that have hemorrhoids.
What is Fiber? One of the most effective home cure for hemorrhoids is eating more fiber.
Fiber or specifically, dietary fiber is major component of plants that our bodies cannot digest or absorb.
Basically, we obtain fiber whenever we eat fresh produce and plant products such as fruits and vegetables.
The fiber of these foods then passes through our digestive tract, causing a variety of effects and chemical changes that aid our digestion before being excreted.
There are two types of fiber.
These are soluble fiber and insoluble fiber.
Soluble fiber encourages the growth of bacteria in our large intestine that help with our digestion and absorption of nutrients from food.
Soluble fiber acts as food for the good bacteria living in your gut, and getting enough soluble fiber ensures that you have enough good bacteria in your large intestine.
Insoluble fiber absorbs water as they pass through our digestive tract, softening your stools and regulating your bowel movement.
This is the type of fiber that directly helps you in managing your hemorrhoids because insoluble fiber makes it easier for you to defecate, lessening the pain and discomfort you experience whenever you pass your stools.
What foods are good sources of fiber? Fruits and vegetables are the main sources of fiber in our diet.
If you have hemorrhoids, it is advisable to increase your intake of these foods to help you manage your condition.
Cooked legumes such as beans and soybeans have high fiber content.
Nuts and seeds are also good sources of fiber.
Dark green, leafy vegetables such as collard greens, spinach, lettuce, and broccoli are good sources of fiber.
Root vegetables also contain large amounts of fiber.
Just make sure to leave their skin on when eating them.
Whole grain products such as brown rice, oatmeal, and buckwheat are good sources of fiber.
Make sure to include foods made from whole grain products in your diet to improve your digestion and regulate your bowel movement.
Aside from these listed products, there are also a variety of products that are fortified with fiber.
Examples of food products that are now fortified with fiber include dairy products such as milk, cream and ice cream, bread and juices.
The large variety of fiber rich foods ensures that you have many options on how to increase fiber in your diet that fits your preference.
It is important that you enjoy what you are eating so that you will be encouraged to continue eating foods rich in fiber, even f your hemorrhoids are already healed.
Fiber supplements are also an option.
Ask your physician about them so that the proper supplements are prescribed to you.
However, please understand that fiber supplements should not take the place of a healthy diet, Things to remember when eating fiber rich foods Remember to increase your fluid intake when you eat a diet rich in fiber.
This is because fiber works best if it can absorb large amounts of water in your digestive tract to make your stools softer.
If you do not hydrate yourself properly, then the fiber you eat would have less water to absorb, making them less effective in softening your stools.
Eating large amounts of fiber-rich foods can also make you feel bloated.
This is because most fiber-rich foods release large amounts of gas when digested, causing your abdomen to swell.
If you regularly experience bloating, then ask your physician for possible treatment methods that you can take as you continue to eat fiber-rich foods.
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