What Causes Piles?

There are several factors that increase your risk of developing piles. Some of the common factors that might lead to piles are a genetic tendency (due to weak rectal veins, and walls) and poor tone of muscle in the rectal region, constipation (hard stool). Among other factors that contribute to piles are obesity, inactive or sedentary lifestyle, chronic or prolonged cough, pregnancy, excessive use of laxatives or enemas and weightlifting on a daily basis.

The cause of the condition categorizes into its type. Ayurvedic treatment for piles depends on its type – external (present outside the anal verge) and internal (occur inside the rectum).

Also Read: Health Benefits of Yellow Bell Pepper

What causes piles in men?

Women commonly develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy as a result of hormonal changes and the pressure exerted by the growing uterus. 

For men, hemorrhoids are more likely to occur as a result of heavy lifting or engaging in strenuous activities.

Apart from the heavy lifting, piles can also develop in men because of unhealthy eating. Eating highly processed food is a major risk factor for developing hemorrhoids. 

Another cause is straining during bowel movement can create more pressure and cause enlargement of the veins around the rectum.

What is the main cause of piles?

Straining and Constipation

Not enough fibre in your diet

Eating too uch spicy food

Obesity

Symptoms of Piles (Haemorrhoids)

The symptoms of piles vary depending upon the site of piles, duration of symptoms and your overall health. External piles cause swelling outside the anus, irritation, and itching. In some people, they can be painful sometimes but they usually do not bleed. Internal piles bleed during a passage of hard stools but they are usually not painful. At times there can be a slimy discharge of mucus from the piles. Based on their severity they can be classified into four grades (1 to 4). If you notice bleeding in when you pass stool consult a doctor for advice. Hemorrhoids/piles symptoms usually respond to treatment in a few days.

Also Read: Home Remedies for Acidity

Piles ayurvedic treatment aims to reduce constipation (the commonest predisposing factor for piles) and relieve pain associated with piles and reduce the piles. Most of the time, treatment options for piles include certain lifestyle changes that you can take on your own such as changes in diet.

Ayurveda medicines for piles can also prove quite useful in reducing constipation. Some of the most common herbs and medicines for piles are asafoetida, fennel, and cumin. Ghee, buttermilk and green leafy vegetables in diet can also reduce constipation.

Type of Piles

Depending on the type of haemorrhoids you have, you may experience different symptoms ranging in severity:

1. Internal piles

Internal piles occur deeper inside the anal canal and you may only identify them if you see bright red blood when you go to the toilet.

2. External piles

External piles, on the other hand, are those that appear closer to the surface of the skin of the anus and are often much more sensitive and painful. You may be able to feel these as lumps when you’re going to the toilet.

3. Prolapsed piles

Prolapsed piles are internal or external haemorrhoids that have become exposed and come out of the anus. These can be particularly painful and sensitive.

4. Thrombosed piles

Thrombosed piles are also often very painful and are usually external haemorrhoids that have developed blood clots.

Best food for piles

1. Legumes

2. Whole grains

3. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables

4. Artichokes

5. Root vegetables

6. Squash

7. Bell peppers

8. Celery

9. Beans, Lentils, and Nuts

Also Read: Natural Home Remedies for Food Poisoning

Food to avoid in piles

Here, have a  look at what foods to avoid with hemorrhoids.

1. Deep-fried and processed food items

2. Spicy food

3. Alcohol

4. Dairy products

5. Unripe fruits

6. Refined grains

7. High salted foods

8. Iron supplements and some other medicines

9. Excessive fiber

Some of the commonly used and effective ayurvedic herbs are:

Carrot (Daucus carota): It is effective in reducing the bleeding from piles (can be taken raw or cooked).

Garlic (Allium sativum): It is effective in reducing the bleeding from piles and is helpful to stop the growth of bleeding piles. Insert the garlic high up in the rectum so that it remains inside the rectum overnight.

Other herbs prescribed for the treatment of piles are trikatu, cassia fistula, mimosa pudica, ailanthus excels, blame balsamifera and semi carpus Anacardium.

Remedies for ayurveda treatment can relieve pain or discomfort associated with piles. However, in case you have already undergone self-medication for piles and have also tried home remedies and have failed, consult an Ayurvedic practitioner or allopathic physician.

Also Read: 9 Surprising Benefits Of Star Anise

Among other important aspects of piles, treatment involves the following.

Besides home remedies and medicines, you need to know a few other things that will ease the discomforts that piles put you up against. Knowing a few things can help deal with mild pain, swelling, and inflammation. Often the following are included in ayurvedic treatment for piles.

Soak regularly in a warm bath (your anal area) for 10 to 15 minutes. This is often recommended two to three times a day.

Keep the anal area clean, cleansing the skin around your anus gently with warm water. Don’t use soap, as it can aggravate the problem.

When using wipes, avoid alcohol based or perfumed wipes. All you should do is gently dry the area with a hair dryer after bathing.

The use of toilet paper is a no-no in this condition. However, you can use moist towelettes or wet toilet paper that doesn't contain perfume or alcohol.

Apply ice packs or cold compresses on your anus to relieve swelling.

If you are feeling discomfort, you can take oral pain relievers.

Piles ayurvedic treatment gives you a relief in a few weeks. Over time, piles symptoms go away. If you don’t find relief in three weeks’ time and suspect that the symptoms have aggravated, see your doctor.