blood in stool

Question

A few days ago, I noticed something really alarming—there was blood in stool when I went to the bathroom. It wasn’t a huge amount, but it was bright red, and I panicked. I thought maybe it was a one-time thing, but now it’s happened a couple of times. There’s no severe pain, but I do feel some discomfort around my lower abdomen and sometimes a weird pressure in my rectum. I also get bloated often, and my digestion hasn’t been great for a while.

I’ve always had issues with constipation, and I sometimes strain a lot when passing stool. Could that be the reason for blood in stool? Or is it something more serious? I’ve read online that it could be anything from hemorrhoids to something really dangerous, and now I’m super anxious about it. The thing is, I don’t want to jump straight into taking medicines unless I know what’s actually causing it.

That’s why I want to know—can Ayurveda help with blood in stool? Are there any Ayurvedic remedies that can heal whatever’s causing this? I’ve heard that triphala is good for digestion, but is it enough? Should I change my diet? I eat a lot of spicy and fried food, and I barely drink enough water, so I’m wondering if that could be making things worse.

Also, if stress is a factor, can Ayurveda help with that too? I’ve been under a lot of pressure lately, and I feel like my digestion gets worse whenever I’m stressed. Could stress be connected to blood in stool? If anyone here has treated this with Ayurveda, I’d love to hear what worked. I just want to make sure this isn’t something that will get worse if I don’t take action soon.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

In Ayurveda, blood in the stool can be a sign of imbalances in the digestive system, often related to issues like hemorrhoids, constipation, or internal inflammation. Straining during bowel movements can certainly contribute to hemorrhoids or small tears in the rectal area, which might explain the blood. To address this, Ayurveda focuses on improving digestion and soothing the intestinal lining. Triphala is an excellent herb for promoting regular bowel movements and cleansing the digestive system. Additionally, herbs like Haritaki, Bibhitaki, and Amalaki (the three fruits in Triphala) can help balance the digestive fire (Agni) and reduce constipation. Avoiding spicy, oily, and heavy foods while increasing fiber intake and drinking plenty of water can support healing. Stress can also exacerbate digestive issues, so practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help manage stress and improve digestion. A more calming diet and lifestyle approach, combined with these remedies, can help alleviate your symptoms and prevent further complications. If the symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out more serious conditions.

blood in stool - #17593

Doctors’ responses

If you need a detailed answer, ask the Ayurvedic doctor your question

About our doctors

Related questions