Glossary On Self-care for hemorrhoids

Self care is just as important as proper medication when it comes to treating piles (hemorrhoids). Few changes in diet and lifestyle have to be adopted by the patients in order to ensure quick recovery from piles (Hemorrhoids). In cases where cure is not possible, adopting these measures can surely help in reducing the distress of the patients.

Based on our experience of treating a large number of cases of Hemorrhoids (piles) at Dr. Batra's, we have found some clinically verified tips to be very useful in patients:

• High fiber diet: This increases the bulk of stool facilitating easy bowel movement and hence it provides relief from hemorrhoids
• Fruits like apples, bananas, raisins, guavas, oranges pears, kiwi, dates etc. are high in fiber and can be taken generously
• You may consume fiber-rich foods like whole grains like wheat, barley, oats, rye, bran, whole meal pasta, brown rice; vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, eggplant; pulses like beans, lentils and peas, etc.
• Increased water/ other fluids intake: This helps in softening the stools and reduces straining effort required
• Exercise regularly in moderation
• Keep the anal area clean; after a warm bath dry it gently
• Instead of using dry toilet paper, use wet, non-perfumed tissues to clean the anal area
• Sit in a tub filled with warm water for few minutes everyday
• In case of swelling in the anal region, apply ice-pack for some time frequently.