To Your Health

A. Hemorrhoids involve swelling of veins in the anus or rectum, and so are often thought to be basically varicose veins. We are familiar with varicose veins of the legs, in which a single vein becomes swollen. However, hemorrhoids are slightly different. A hemorrhoid results when one of three soft pads located just inside the rectum slips down into the anus, causing some small blood vessels in it to become engorged with blood and swell. The pads are there to provide an extra seal that keeps mucus and fecal material from leaking out. Pain and discomfort comes from the swelling and inflammation, while itching occurs when mucus or fecal material leaks out and irritates the area around the anus.

Perhaps the easiest remedy for hemorrhoids is to drink more water. The large intestine is our water-recycling center, and although we are capable of forming a very dry solid stool, you are better off if you don't. We need water to work with the fiber in our diet to form the soft, bulky stools that ease elimination.

A diet rich in dietary fiber, particularly insoluble fiber, is often recommended for hemorrhoid sufferers. Fiber is helpful in reducing constipation, which is often a cause of hemorrhoids, and in addition, the intestinal bacteria break it down to form butyrate, the primary fuel for the cells that line the intestines. A recent study found that skipping breakfast is associated with an increased incidence of hemorrhoids, and eating breakfast is a good opportunity to "bulk up" your diet.

By replacing sugar with fruit, you can increase your fiber intake and foster the growth of friendly intestinal bacteria, which will help with hemorrhoids in two ways. Also, the highly colored fruits, such as blueberries, cherries, red grapes, raspberries, and strawberries, and vegetables, such as red cabbage, contain anthocyanins. These antioxidants strengthen veins and reduce their permeability or "leakiness." Bleeding hemorrhoids can benefit from an increased intake of the food sources of vitamin K, which are alfalfa sprouts, kale, and other dark-green, leafy vegetables.

Food supplements are best used in conjunction with a generous water intake, a high-fiber diet, and regular exercise, which is also important in promoting regular bowel movements. To strengthen the veins and aid in healing, consider supplements of vitamin C, bioflavonoids, and zinc.

Aloe vera juice, 2 oz. at a time as often as three times a day, has been reported to help with regularity and general gastrointestinal comfort, with no ill effects. Although there is no recent research on using oral aloe vera for hemorrhoids, when studied in combination with a laxative herb (celandin) and a fiber supplement (psyllium), it produced softer stools, in patients suffering chronic constipation. Since a dry, hard stool aggravates hemorrhoids, aloe vera would be expected to help.

Try not to strain when having a bowel movement. People with hemorrhoids often think there is more to come, but this may be a false sensation caused by the swelling.

Summing up: Avoid constipation, drink plenty of water, and include plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit in your diet.