What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed veins located around the anus or in the lower rectum. They are a common problem and are usually not life-threatening, although they can cause significant discomfort and pain.
Hemorrhoid symptoms can vary depending on the type, but the most common include:
Painless bleeding during bowel movements (bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl).
Itching or irritation in the anal area.
Pain or discomfort, especially if they are external or thrombosed.
Swelling around the anus.
A lump near the anus (in the case of external hemorrhoids).
A sphincter that allows the passage of stool.
Hemorrhoids occur due to increased pressure on the veins of the anus and lower rectum. Factors that can increase the risk include:
Straining during bowel movements.
Sitting for long periods of time, especially on the toilet.
Having chronic diarrhea or constipation.
Being obese.
Being pregnant.
Having anal sex.
Following a low-fiber diet.
Regularly lifting heavy objects.
Chronic constipation or diarrhea.
When to see a doctor: If you bleed when you have a bowel movement or have hemorrhoids that don't improve after a week of home care, talk to your healthcare provider.
Don't assume rectal bleeding is due to hemorrhoids, especially if you have changes in bowel habits or if your stool changes color or consistency. Rectal bleeding can occur with other conditions, such as colorectal and anal cancer.
Seek emergency medical attention if you experience heavy rectal bleeding, lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting. Complications of hemorrhoids are uncommon, but can include:
Anemia. In rare cases, continuous blood loss from hemorrhoids can cause anemia. Anemia occurs when there are not enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body's cells.
Strangulated hemorrhoid. When the blood supply to an internal hemorrhoid is cut off, the hemorrhoid is known as strangulated. Strangulated hemorrhoids can cause extreme pain.
Blood clot. Sometimes a clot can form in a hemorrhoid. This is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid. Although not dangerous, it can be extremely painful and sometimes requires drainage.
Hemorrhoids as a Symbol of Emotional Imbalance.
Hemorrhoids symbolize vital energy flowing in the opposite direction. Life is lost; the energy flows backward instead of forward. Vital energy becomes stuck and becomes an obstacle or blockage of the posterior outlet. It is oppressed, stubborn energy, a conflict related to the capacity to give. Symbolically, it is a mechanism of closure, that is, an inability to assert oneself, a conflict of authority over one's own life rights.
If you suffer from hemorrhoids, you must be aware of your vital energy, perceive the nodules or "situations" you are sitting on, and be conscious of the pressure you are under. Take hold of your vitality, conserve it, and use it for yourself. Critically question the blockage of the posterior outlet and allow the energy to flow again (before the surgeon does). Dedicate time to your own affairs, identify and eliminate the pressure to dissolve the nodules. Complement this with a balanced diet, and avoid consuming products with vinegar, especially pickled chilies and chilies cooked in cooking oils, as well as excessive amounts of flour and red meat.
What can you do to care for hemorrhoids?
To avoid discomfort and stains on your clothes, and to keep the area clean, always use a bidet (water instead of toilet paper) to wash the area as often as possible, ensuring it is free of any residue. Dry with a cotton or microfiber towel. If there is internal or external bleeding, use a cream, ointment, or suppository containing zinc oxide. This acts as a skin protectant, forming a barrier that reduces irritation, pain, and itching. It also helps dry secretions and has antiseptic properties, which contribute to the healing of the area. After washing, use gauze to avoid staining your clothes. Dispose of it at the end of the day or whenever necessary. Use Fresh Care solid soap with 4% camphor in the shower to help noticeably reduce hemorrhoids in a short time.
Diet and Hemorrhoids.
Food itself doesn't cause hemorrhoids, but it does contribute to their appearance or worsening. A poor diet, low in fiber and fluids, causes constipation to some degree, which can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids. There are foods that negatively affect the intestinal lining, irritating or inflaming it, which in most cases causes severe constipation that worsens the symptoms of hemorrhoids if they are already present. An increased intake of certain foods with excessive fats or sugars is another factor that promotes the development of hemorrhoids.
Fat is necessary for the proper functioning of our body, but it's important to take precautions. Vegetable oils and foods of animal origin are sources of saturated fats, which in excess are harmful to our body.
In the case of digestion, excessive fat consumption can slow it down and cause constipation. Irritating foods can include alcohol, coffee, animal fats, spices, salty foods, and chili peppers, especially pickled ones. These are difficult to digest and cause inflammation of the intestinal wall, which can lead to significant discomfort during bowel movements.
Refined sugar can inhibit digestion, making our organs work harder and generally reducing the amount of nutrients we receive from food. This is harmful to both our health and bowel movements, as it disrupts the digestive process.
On the other hand, there are foods that benefit intestinal function and therefore help prevent hemorrhoids. The following foods promote healthy digestion:
Fiber:
Fiber is present in various foods, such as artichokes, cereals, lentils, and especially fruits and vegetables. Frequent consumption of these foods helps regulate bowel movements and improves digestion.
Water:
Water is essential for the digestive process: it dilutes nutrients and waste, and it is also the main "vehicle" for transporting everything we ingest. That's why it's recommended to stay hydrated, with at least two liters of water daily.
Other foods:
Prebiotic foods, such as natural yogurt, tepache, tejuino, kombucha, among others, can promote digestion and prevent constipation.
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Tobacco and alcohol.
Nicotine is a chemical that constricts blood vessels and impairs circulation. This substance is present in all tobacco products, such as cigarettes, bidis, cigars, etc., and is introduced into the body when smoked. When blood flow to the anal area is restricted, the decreased blood flow can aggravate hemorrhoids by increasing venous pressure and causing edema.
Constipation is a common consequence of tobacco's effects on the digestive system and is a significant risk factor for hemorrhoids. Straining during bowel movements due to constipation can overload the rectal veins. This can promote the growth of hemorrhoids or worsen existing ones.
Tissue damage: The tissues and blood vessels in the anal region can be weakened by the toxic compounds in cigarettes. This increases the risk of hemorrhoids and complicates the healing process.
Slower recovery: Smoking also impairs the body's ability to heal. The toxins in cigarettes can slow the recovery process after hemorrhoid surgery or treatment. This can prolong discomfort and increase the risk of complications.
Alcohol is a diuretic, so it can cause dehydration by increasing urine production. Constipation is a major factor in the development of hemorrhoids and can be triggered or aggravated by dehydration. The body experiences greater straining during bowel movements when it doesn't contain enough water. This makes it difficult to pass stool, which can eventually lead to hemorrhoids.
Alcohol and Liver Health:
Impact on the Liver: Long-term alcohol abuse can damage the liver and cause diseases such as cirrhosis. This can raise blood pressure in the veins of the rectum and anus (a condition called portal hypertension). This increased pressure in the veins can cause or worsen hemorrhoids.
Weakened blood vessels: Alcohol abuse can weaken blood vessels in the rectal area, increasing the risk of bleeding and swelling.
Nutrient deficiency: Alcohol consumption is often associated with unhealthy eating habits, such as consuming very low-fiber foods. Hemorrhoids can result from constipation caused by chronically consuming such a low-fiber diet.
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References:
-https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268.
-La enfermedad como símbolo, Alternativas (Robinbook), Alternativas Series, AutorRüdiger Dahlke,EditorAmerican Bar Association, 2002
ISBN8479275448, 9788479275440.
-https://www.iml.com.mx/contenido/hemorroides/la-comida-puede-causar-hemorroides.
-Wilbert Gutiérrez-Sarmiento, Betsy Anaid Peña-Ocaña, Anayancy Lam-Gutiérrez, Jorge Martín Guzmán-Albores, Ricardo Jasso-Chávez, Víctor Manuel Ruíz-Valdiviezo, Microbial community structure, physicochemical characteristics and predictive functionalities of the Mexican tepache fermented beverage, Microbiological Research, Volume 260, 2022, 127045, ISSN 0944-5013, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micres.2022.127045.
-https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268.
-La enfermedad como símbolo, Alternativas (Robinbook), Alternativas Series, AutorRüdiger Dahlke,EditorAmerican Bar Association, 2002
ISBN8479275448, 9788479275440.
-https://www.iml.com.mx/contenido/hemorroides/la-comida-puede-causar-hemorroides.
-Wilbert Gutiérrez-Sarmiento, Betsy Anaid Peña-Ocaña, Anayancy Lam-Gutiérrez, Jorge Martín Guzmán-Albores, Ricardo Jasso-Chávez, Víctor Manuel Ruíz-Valdiviezo, Microbial community structure, physicochemical characteristics and predictive functionalities of the Mexican tepache fermented beverage, Microbiological Research, Volume 260, 2022, 127045, ISSN 0944-5013, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micres.2022.127045.
