What are haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids also known as 'Piles' are lumps inside and around the anus, they are caused by enlarged blood vessels. Some people develop internal and external piles at the same time. Sometimes there are no symptoms and may not realise that you have any piles, small internal piles are usually painless. However, some larger types may cause pain, irritation and itch [i] [ii] [iii].

Internal haemorrhoids may result in:

• blood on the tissue after having a bowel movement (blood in the stool should always be discussed with your GP to rule out other possible causes).
• Protrusions of the anus during bowel movements

External haemorrhoid symptoms include:

• extreme itching around the anus
• uncomfortable lump(s) or swelling near the anus
• aches or pain around the anus, especially when in sitting positions

Risk factors associated with haemorrhoids

Constipation: Difficulty passing stool may result in piles due to an increase the pressure in and around the veins in the anus.

Pregnancy: Due to pressure effects of the baby in the womb compressing other organs, piles can develop in pregnancy. Changes in hormones can also affect the function of veins. Piles can also result from labour.

Being overweight: Can increase risk of developing piles

Ageing: Ageing can affect the structure and function of veins and tissues, therefore risk creases with age [iv].

Other possible causes of piles include heavy lifting or a persistent (chronic) cough[v].

Dietary and supplemental suggestions for haemorrhoids

Lifestyle and dietary changes are the best way to prevent haemorrhoids.

Eating plenty of fibre to reduce risk of constipation: include plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit and wholegrain grains, such as oats and buckwheat and nuts snd seeds.

Ensure proper hydration: Aim for around 2 litres of water per day, this may include coconut water, juice and herbal teas. Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine. Adequate hydration will help to soften the stool and stimulate bowel movements, allowing for comfortable passing of stool [vi].

Fibre supplements: Triphala, Psyllium, Magnesium Citrate, Flaxseed. Magnesium Citrate when taken in high doses has an osmotic effect which relaxes the bowels and pulls water into the intestines, relieving constipation. Triphala Plus is a blend from Pukka to support daily bowel movements and encouraging natural balance within the gut, it contains the traditional Ayurvedic remedy and psyllium husk.

Other supplements: Horse chestnut extracts have been reported from a double-blind trial to reduce symptoms of haemorrhoids [vii] Probiotics are said to improve bowel movements and enhance the gut microbiome to help to reduce inflammation associated with constipation and haemorrhoids [viii].

Other natural therapy options for haemorrhoids

A warm bath with Epsom salt for 20 minutes can help relax muscles and reduce pain.

Cold compresses to the affected area can also reduce pain. Be sure to wrap ice inside a cloth or paper towel

Aloe vera has soothing affects when applied to skin, use pure aloe vera without other added ingredients which can be aggravating.

Testing options for haemorrhoids

If you are experiencing chronic constipation, it may be worth booking a consultation with our Nutritional Therapy team to provide professional guidance, dietary interventions and potential for functional testing. We offer complete Microbiome Analysis which may be useful to ascertain if pathogenic flora are influential in symptoms and also then to look at specific antimicrobials that may be a useful part of the protocol. Gluten sensitivity or food sensitivity testing may also be a useful insight to understand whether there are any specific foods that are creating an immune response resulting in the symptoms experienced.