Avoid these mistakes if you have piles

Over 4.4% of the entire world population suffers from piles disease. (WHO) Swollen veins in your anus or rectum cause piles.

As a piles patient, your family may constantly advice you saying, “Stay hydrated”, or “eat more fibrous foods”. Following this advice will certainly help you. But there are certain things that can aggravate your piles disease. Here’s a list of mistakes you should avoid doing to manage your piles better.

• Passive lifestyle: If you lead a sedentary lifestyle with minimal or no physical activities, it can worsen your piles. Commonly seen among people with desk jobs, lack of physical activity can cause constipation. This, in turn, increases the pressure on your anal area. Avoid sitting in one place for too long and adopt some form of exercise. A quick jog in the morning or a walk in the evening can help you get relief.
• Spending too much time on the toilet: Reading newspapers or scrolling through social media while using the toilet makes you lose track of time. Straining on the pot for more than 10-15 minutes aggravates your piles symptoms like increase of anal skin tags and bleeding. If possible, opt for Indian toilets as they are more beneficial for your bowel movements.
• Poor hygiene habits: Excessive heat in India can cause discomfort to piles patients. Under these conditions, ensure that you shower and keep your anal region clean and dry.
• Lifting heavy objects: Joining the gym to exercise is a positive step towards being healthy but steer clear of weight lifting. If you have external piles, lifting heavy objects can stress your clots. Moderate exercise is a healthy way to deal with piles.  
• Using wet wipes:Most of the wet wipes you get in the markets are scented and contain irritants like alcohol. These irritants can burn your already painful and swollen anal area. Additionally, the material of these wipes can be harsh on your skin as well.
• Holding the urge: Your body’s need to defecate shouldn’t be avoided. This habit is mostly seen among piles patients. While we understand that the bleeding and pain of passing a stool causes discomfort, you shouldn’t avoid it. It can make the stool harder and more difficult to pass.
• Excessive eating: If you have piles, it’s recommended not to overeat. Foods with refined products can cause indigestion or constipation and can aggravate your piles symptoms making it even more difficult to deal with.
• Eating way too less: This is an extreme, where piles patients may eat way too light. With hopes to reduce the frequency of passing stools, you are depriving your body of the energy it needs. The longer the time gap between bowel movements, the more difficult it becomes to pass the stool. Having a moderately balanced diet helps you with smooth bowel movements.
• Overusing laxatives: Using stool softeners and laxatives give you temporary relief but its excessive use should be avoided. Avoid making it a routine by taking them before every bowel movement. If you still feel constipated, use natural remedies.