Hemorrhoids are a very common anorectal condition and affect millions of people around the world. More than half of all people will at some point develop symptomatic hemorrhoids, so it’s common to wonder how to get rid of hemorrhoids. Most patients are able to get rid of hemorrhoids with a high-fiber diet, herbal supplements and non-surgical medical treatments, such as my DIY Hemorrhoid Cream with Turmeric & Tea Tree Oil. (1)
Hemorrhoids are frequently seen in primary care clinics, emergency wards, gastroenterology units and surgical clinics, but how do you know when hemorrhoids have developed and when you should see a doctor? These are common concerns among people who develop hemorrhoids and don’t know how to deal with and treat the pain. Thankfully, there are natural treatments for how to get rid of hemorrhoids, and starting there may help relieve these literal pains in the butt.
How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids
1. Improve Your Diet
Eat High-Fiber Foods
To get rid of hemorrhoids, it’s important that you avoid constipation and hard stool, which can be done by eating plenty of high-fiber foods. For how to get rid of hemorrhoids, the recommendation is 30–35 grams of fiber daily. Eat foods such as avocados, berries, figs, Brussels sprouts, acorn squash, beans, lentils, nuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds and quinoa. In clinical studies, high-fiber diets reduced the risk of persisting symptoms and bleeding by approximately 50 percent. (2)
Drink Plenty of Water
Dehydration can lead to constipation because water or fluids are required for fiber to travel smoothly through the digestive tract. Many studies, including one published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, indicate that fluid loss and fluid restriction can increase constipation, which can worsen hemorrhoid symptoms. To relieve constipation and as a way for how to get rid of hemorrhoids, drink at least one glass of water with each meal and snack of the day. (3)
Eat Fermented Foods
Fermented foods like kefir, kimchi and raw, pastured yogurt can help provide the digestive system with healthy bacteria that are essential for proper elimination. Several studies have shown that fermented foods and probiotics improve intestinal tract health, synthesize and enhance the bioavailability of nutrients, modify gut pH, and aid digestion. (4)
Limit Alcohol and Spicy Foods
Alcohol can be dehydrating and hard on the digestive system, making hemorrhoid symptoms worse. And spicy foods can intensity the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Some studies show that both alcohol and spicy foods consumption serve as risk factors for hemorrhoids, although the data isn’t consistent. To be safe, limit these foods until the hemorrhoids have cleared up. (5)
2. Practice Better “Toilet Habits”
Avoid Straining
Straining during a bowel movement can be painful and make hemorrhoid problems even worse. Don’t wait too long before going to the toilet. Pay attention to your body’s signals, and when you feel an urge to use the bathroom, go right away. Otherwise the stool will become harder, and this will automatically make you push harder. When you’re at the toilet, take your time and relax your body. (6)
Prevent Constipation
Constipation forces you to strain while using the bathroom, and that will increase the pain and inflammation of the hemorrhoid. To avoid constipation, drink plenty of fluids, engage in regular physical activity and eat high-fiber foods that make stools softer. These are also how to get rid of hemorrhoids or prevent them in the first place.
Avoid Prolonged Sitting on the Toilet
Spending too much time on the toilet can worsen hemorrhoids. Don’t read or distract yourself while using the bathroom; this only leads to more time spent straining.
Clean Yourself Thoroughly
If stool is left behind after you wipe, it can aggravate hemorrhoids even more, which is why it’s important to cleanse yourself thoroughly after going to the bathroom. Do not, however, cleanse yourself too roughly or use soap
