HEMORRHOIDS
Hemorrhoids are a common affliction affecting up to 75% of Americans during their lifetime. The veins in the anal area become enlarged and can cause bleeding, pain and itching. Causes and risk factors may include pregnancy, heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, excessive sneezing and coughing, constipation, low fiber diets, and liver cirrhosis.
Conventional therapies include regular exercise, stool softeners, increased fluid intake, avoiding straining or heavy lifting, zinc oxide ointment to sooth tissue inflammation, over-the-counter 0.5% hydrocortisone cream, and warm sitz baths. Use of OTC medications may be helpful but clinical trials are lacking. In severe cases, surgical excision is performed.
Holistic treatments include the conventional therapies as well as a variety of supplements. For local irritation, use witch hazel wipes, zinc oxide, cocoa butter, cod liver oil, Peruvian balsam or calendula ointment. Vitamin C 1-2 grams daily supports the integrity of the connective tissue of blood vessels. Bioflavonoids improve the elasticity of blood vessels. The mixed citrus bioflavonoids rutin and hesperidin at 3-6 grams daily can be used safely.
Herbal treatments include Butcher’s broom (containing 10% ruscogenin, 100 milligrams three times daily), Triphala guggulu (200 mg twice a day; an Ayurvedic herb), Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut extract standardized to 16-21% aescin content, take 90-150 milligrams aescin daily) and Collinsonia root (stoneroot) two capsules daily.
Proanthocyanidins (pycnogenol) is a food extract supplement that helps reduce swelling (50-100 mg daily). Glycosaminoglycans (GAGS) are chemicals that protect the blood vessel walls (100 mg daily).
Poor diet leading to constipation is a major contributing factor for hemorrhoids. Your diet should include raw organic fruits (plums, prunes, apricots, figs and dates), vegetables, beans and lentils. Ground flax and sesame seeds are high in fiber. One or two tablespoons of barley or oat bran with water at mealtimes is beneficial. Avoid white flour and eat whole grains instead. Drink ½ ounce water per pound of body weight daily and drink it between meals so that you do not dilute your stomach’s digestive enzymes. Chew all your food thoroughly – 20 to 30 chews per mouthful. Eliminate sugar, dairy products, coffee, alcohol, meat, fats, spicy foods and any foods that cause problems. When the problem is controlled, you may slowly introduce small amounts of these foods as tolerated.
If you are over age 50 and have rectal bleeding, it is wise to have a colon exam to rule out cancer, even if you know you have hemorrhoids.
Daniel Blodgett MD