Hemorrhoids and the Elderly
Hemorrhoids and the Elderly
Before I begin, it is important to understand that the Hemorrhoid condition is easily diagnosed and treated. We have seen 100% natural Hemorrhoid treatments that have been used to treat this condition – so there is definitely help available to people suffering this awful condition.
A natural approach to Hemorrhoid removal
Hippocrates stated in 377BC “Intestines tend to become sluggish with age”.
The elderly are known to experience the haemorrhoid condition more often than younger people. Hemorrhoids in the elderly are brought on by two main factors.
1. Persistent Constipation
2. Soilage
Persistent Constipation
When people get older, they tend to eat foods that are not high in fibre, eating foods that are soft and easier to swallow is a common characteristic.
Now, it is important to state the significance of fibre – specifically insoluble fibre in the diet. Insoluble fibre comes in the form of cellulose, many hemicelluloses and lignins. Foods such as; Whole wheat flour, whole wheat bread, Granola, muesli, seeds, nuts, beans and Lentils, Berries, grapes, melons etc. Insoluble fibres cause the following actions in the body.
For a complete list of insoluble food types click here.
· Reduces Starch breakdown
· Increases faecal weight
· Prevents constipation and hemorrhoids
· Speeds up gastrointestinal transit (speeding up the movement of food through the intestines)
· Delays glucose absorption into the blood stream.
Insoluble fibre has also been credited with the overall health of the bowel and has been linked to preventing bowel cancer.
Another point to be noted is that age weakens the anal sphincter muscles and consequently the ability to pass the faeces. As a result the use of laxatives increases and some people become very dependent on them and cannot pass faeces without laxatives.
So if we bring it together, diet, weakening of the sphincter muscle and also the reduction of exercise all contribute to persistent constipation.
Soilage
Sometimes, the opposite of persistent constipation occurs when the anal sphincter is so weak that bowel movements cannot be controlled. A condition called incontinence and uncontrolled leakage of faeces from the anus. In some cases – this can lead to prolapsed. The uncomfortable situation can irritate hemorrhoidal veins and lead to hemorrhoids.
So – what can the elderly do to Prevent Hemorrhoids?
1. Diet is very important. Include foods that contain insoluble fibre – it is important to note that you should not eat insoluble fibre alone or on a empty stomach. It must always be eaten with a larger quantity of soluble fibre to keep the gastrocolic reflex stable. Also, if you haven’t been eating food high in fibre, do this in a graduated timeframe. Not all at once. Get your body use to the intake of fibre, your body will do the rest.
2. Exercise – it is still very important to keep up with exercise – even if it is a gentle walk to the park. Lots of fresh air, sunlight and easy walking will do your body, not only your bowels a lot of good.
3. Avoid the use of laxatives. There are many foods with natural laxative properties that you could try such as prunes, raisins, apples and berries added to the diet will help.. Even herbal supplements can be used such as liquorice, dandelion, ginger, and yellow dock. Simply make a tea (infusion) of the herb and drink this three of four times a day.
The important message this article is giving out – Hemorrhoids can be cured very easily. They can be prevented easily – with just some good habits and understanding your body just a little bit more.
A natural approach to Hemorrhoid removal
Everyone deserves to be hemorrhoid free.
To learn more about ways to naturally heal hemorrhoids please CLICK HERE