Your Pregnancy and Hemorrhoids

Posted on Jul 27, 2012 | Blog Posts, Pregnancy Symptoms Category | | Print This Article
 

The short answer to this question is, “Yes, there is a natural way to treat hemorrhoids.” Having said that, it is important to understand a few things about what it is that causes hemorrhoids, and about what sorts of treatment options there are that are available to treat hemorrhoids.

For the pregnant woman, hemorrhoids are a relatively common thing. The changing levels of hormones in a woman’s body can change the way that her body reacts to various foods and conditions. In addition to this, the weight of the growing baby inside the uterus can, by itself, cause hemorrhoids. This can be frustrating, because many women wish to avoid artificial ingredients and medications while they are pregnant, which limits the ways to treat hemorrhoids. Fortunately for the pregnant woman there are indeed natural ways to treat hemorrhoids.

One of the most effective natural ways to treat hemorrhoids is simply by increasing your fiber intake. According to research, fiber can help to relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids. In addition, fiber will soften stool, and increase the bulk of stool. This helps to relieve straining during bowel movements. Hard stool, as well as straining, will both aggravate hemorrhoids, and sometimes can even make them worse. You can get more fiber by eating foods that are higher in fiber, or by using a nutritional supplement that may have fiber in it. Two of the natural fiber supplements available tend to be psyllium and ground flaxseeds.

There are other natural ways to treat hemorrhoids. Topical treatments that contain herbal ingredients tend to be especially effective. Probably the most common of these is Witch Hazel. Witch hazel is produced from the bark and the leaves of the Hamamelis Virginiana plant. Witch Hazel has been used for many years to provide relief for hemorrhoids. Witch Hazel may be available in a balm, ointment, spray, and even medicated pads. Other herbs that may be used as natural remedies for hemorrhoids might include calendula, yarrow, shea butter and St. John’s wort as well as certain essential oils such as peppermint oil or even lavender oil.

As always, if you experience severe pain or bleeding with your hemorrhoids, it is best to speak with your health care provider about how best to treat your hemorrhoids.

photo by: greensuitcase



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