Hemorrhoids are an embarrassing and difficult subject to discuss, even with health professionals, despite the fact that it is a relatively common problem in our civilization.

The Western diet, coupled with a lifestyle that is often stressful and physically inactive, does not help eradicate the problem, and although it is not exclusively due to these few Western factors and experts have no real explanation for the causes that lead to hemorrhoids, there are far fewer such concerns in less industrialized countries or in cultures that are described as more "primitive.

Hemorrhoids are very common in the elderly, overweight and pregnant women. They are even more common in people with chronic digestive disorders, especially constipation.

Constipation creates tension that can lead to hemorrhoids

In most cases, constipation is caused by improper eating habits, lack of water and exercise, or stress.

To prevent this constipation, a few simple steps can be taken:

• Including high-fiber foods in your diet is necessary. Vegetables are a real source of fiber. You can also consider eating whole flaxseeds, crushed and added to your dishes. Organic psyllium is also a great way to add a good dose of fiber to your diet, but beware if you're not used to eating a lot of fiber; adding it too quickly can cause unpleasant gas and bloating. So slowly incorporate them into your eating habits.
• Drink enough good quality water. The best way to know if you are well hydrated is to observe your urine. Ideally, they should be pale yellow. If they are darker, you are probably not drinking enough. Enough water and fiber impressively help to achieve softer, more easily eliminated stools that will travel more easily through your colon, inevitably reducing straining.
• Regular physical exercise promotes good transit by keeping your intestines stimulated.
• A good management of your stress is also essential to fight against digestive disorders and, thus, against constipation and hemorrhoids.
• It is useless to hold back a desire of nature. Waste is more likely to dry out or harden, creating "bottlenecks". Go to the bathroom when you need to. Avoid sitting on the toilet seat for long periods of time; it usually only takes a few short minutes to have a bowel movement. There is no need to dwell on it with a good novel, at the risk of encouraging unnecessary pressure on the rectal and anal veins.

By following these few rules, you should already be limiting the risks associated with constipation and hemorrhoid pain... but if it's too late for that and you're already experiencing a hemorrhoidal attack, there's a list of foods to ban from your diet: overly spicy dishes that can cause rectal burning, caffeine and alcohol that lead to dehydration, too much red meat and trans and saturated fats.