how do piles occur - #36948
I am really confused and a bit worried about something that's been bothering me for a while. I've been having these annoying issues that I think might be related to piles. I never thought I’d be dealing with this, but here we are. A few months ago, I started experiencing some discomfort, like a strange pressure down there, and then I noticed blood after using the bathroom. That freaked me out!! I mean, who wouldn't be?? I read up a bit and keep coming across questions about how do piles occur, but I'm still left scratching my head. Like, is it my diet? I do grab fast food way too often and I’m not drinking enough water, but is that a cause? Or is it genetics, because my dad had issues before too. And I sit all day for work, which can't help — right? I honestly just don’t understand how do piles occur in the first place. I think I might need to change some habits, but I'm not sure where to start. Should I be looking at my fiber intake or changing my routine?? I really don't want to keep this embarrassment on the inside anymore! Any advice on how do piles occur would be super helpful and appreciated! Thank you!
Doctor-recommended remedies for this condition


Doctors' responses
Piles, or what is commonly known as hemorrhoids, occur mainly due to increased pressure on the veins in the lower rectum, leading to their swelling. This condition is quite common, so you’re not alone in your concerned. Several factors contribute to the development of piles, and understanding these can help in addressing them.
One of the primary causes is diet - particularly one low in dietary fiber. Fiber helps add bulk and softness to stools, reducing straining during bowel movements. When you mention fast food and insufficient water intake, it reflects a possible lack of fiber and hydration, both can indeed contribute to constipation and hence, piles. As much as you can try incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes into your meals to improve your fiber intake. Aim for at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day, distributed evenly throughout your meals.
Another contributing factor is a sedentary lifestyle. Prolonged sitting, especially for work, can increase the pressure on rectal veins. It might be beneficial to take short breaks to stand, walk, or stretch every hour during your work day. This not only lightens the stress but also encourages better circulation.
Genetics can also play a part. If piles run in your family, you might have a predisposed weakness in your vein walls, making you more susceptible to this issue. While you can’t change your genes, you can make lifestyle adjustments to minimize risks.
Moreover, chronic dehydration further complicates things, as water is essential for optimal digestive health. Make sure to drink about 8-10 glasses of water daily to help keep things moving smoothly through your digestive tract.
In Ayurveda, piles are often linked to imbalances in the Vata dosha, leading to dryness in the colon. Correcting this involves dietary changes, as well as incorporating practices that balance your Vata, such as maintaining a regular schedule and avoiding cold, dry foods.
For now, consider these steps: enhance your diet with fiber and hydration, get regular exercise, and keep an eye on toilet habits to avoid straining. If symptoms persist or you notice severe pain or blood, it’s crucial to consult a medical professional to assess the severity and rule out other conditions.
Piles, or hemorrhoids, occur when the blood vessels in and around the rectum swell and become inflamed. This can happen due to various reasons often tied to lifestyle and sometimes genetics. From an Ayurvedic perspective, this condition may result from imbalances in the doshas, primarily affecting the vata (air and space) and pitta (fire and water) energies. When these doshas are aggravated, they disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive system.
Diet plays a significant role in this. Consuming too much fast food and not enough dietary fiber can cause hard stools and constipation, which leads to straining during bowel movements - a common trigger for piles. Poor hydration is another factor; water helps keep stools soft and easier to pass. Inadequate water intake compounds the issue of constipation and thus contributes to piles. Sitting for long periods, which is part of your work routine, can also exacerbate pressure on the rectal area, aggravating the condition.
Modifying your lifestyle is indeed a smart move to manage this condition. First, prioritize hydration by drinking adequate amounts of water throughout the day. Integrating more fiber into your diet is another key step; focus on a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Consider minimizing fast food as they often lack nutrients necessary for digestive health.
To tackle the sitting issue, take short walks or breaks throughout your workday to alleviate pressure on the rectal area. Engage in some form of daily exercise to stimulate digestion and reduce pressure on your lower body. Additionally, ensure your toilet habits don’t include straining; spend as little time on the toilet as possible to limit pressure. Lastly, you might find relief from applying regular warm sitz baths to reduce inflammation.
If symptoms persist or if you experience severe pain or bleeding, seeking immediate medical attention is important. While lifestyle changes can greatly influence the course of your condition, ongoing or severe symptoms might require more intensive treatment, and it’s vital not to delay getting appropriate care.

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