Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, result when the veins around the lower rectum or anus become enlarged and enflamed. When the veins become irritated they tend weaken and result in a lump, or sac-like protrusion, inside the rectal canal, referred to as internal hemorrhoids, or under the skin around the rectum, or an external hemorrhoid. It is estimated that roughly two thirds of adults under the age of 50 will develop hemorrhoids at some point and men are at higher risk then women. Typically, individuals are unaware that they have hemorrhoids until they have pain, discomfort, or itching around their anus, or when they see blood on the toilet paper after having a bowel movement.

Hemorrhoids are an extremely common medical complaint. So, what causes hemorrhoids? The exact cause of hemorrhoids is unknown, but the most common cause identified is chronic constipation or chronic diarrhea. Here is a list of other common risk factors associated with the development of hemorrhoids: obesity, pregnancy, alcohol consumption, smoking, prolonged use of laxatives or enemas, excessive exertion during bowel movements, deferring bowel movements, holding your breath while lifting, sneezing, coughing or vomiting, eating a lot of junk or processed foods, inadequate intake of water, abnormal eating patterns or eating disorders, and insufficient exercise. These lifestyle patterns often result in irregular bowel movements which can lead to hemorrhoids.

As indicated above, there are two types of hemorrhoids, internal and external. External hemorrhoids are the most common and lie outside the rectum. Internal hemorrhoids, as the name suggests, are inside the anus or lower rectum. Once the cause for hemorrhoids is determined, most medical treatments attempt to relieve the symptoms to allow for natural healing.

There are essentially two types of hemorrhoid treatments available: surgery or natural remedies. Surgery is usually only used for advanced hemorrhoids or for those wanting quick relief and have the funds to pay for such treatment. Natural remedies include behavioral, environmental and dietary modifications to ensure proper functioning of the colon. Behavior modifications include increased exercise and proper response to bowel movements - avoid postponing bowel movements and straining during bowel movements. Environmental modifications include practicing good personal hygiene and avoid the use of rough toilet paper.

While behavorial and environment modifications can help, proper diet is really the key to preventing and curing hemorrhoids.

While behavorial changes can help relieve symptoms and promote natural healing, proper diet is essential to the prevention of hemorrhoids and the healing process. People with a high-fiber diet are less likely to develop hemorrhoids than people whose diets are made up primarily of processed foods. Diets made up largely of processed foods, like eating a lot of junk food either on the go or at home, and insufficent intake of water often results in constipation and the development of hemorrhoids. As a result, simple diet changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids and help relieve hemorrhoid symptoms thus promoting the natural healing process.

Learn more about natural hemorrhoid treatments and get your free resource on what 95% of hemorroid sufferers don’t know, but need to before selecting the best hemorrhoid treatment option for you.