Can you ever imagine the recovery of piles in such a way that you do not even remember having the problem of piles in the first place? In this blog, we will discuss some tried, tested and verified laxatives for piles that will help you keep your bowels clean. As piles may form or get aggravated if your digestion is not regulated and bowels are not working as they should be. Constipation and diarrhea are the major and common causes of piles. So, here are some diets as well as easy to access laxatives for piles.
It will make your life easier and happier when it comes to dealing with piles. Particularly, your bleeding due to piles will be controlled and healed, which is a big relief when it comes to the major discomfort.
Here are some of the natural laxatives for piles that are effective for treating symptomatic hemorrhoids:
Table of Contents
Good fiber diet:
A good fibrous diet will soften your stool and makes it move out of your body easily. You should add fiber slowly to your diet and not the bulk of it to avoid gas and bloating. Natural fibers are great stool softeners. You can also get fiber supplements if you cannot get enough fiber from your food. Following natural foods is a great source of fiber which will aid in keeping your stomach light and your bowels clean:
- Bran and cereals
- Beans
- Veggies such as brussels sprout, carrots, etc.
- Whole grains like barley, quinoa, brown rice
- Legumes
- Rye, oatmeal
What to avoid:
- Processed food
- Oily food
- Spicy food
- Low fiber diet
- Carbonated drinks
Water:
Needless to say, water is life and consumption of at least 7-8 glasses of water per day is recommended. You should stay hydrated and be easy on your guts by consuming plenty of water. This will prevent you from forming hard and dry stool which in turn avoids constipation itself. So drink more and more water as it is the simplest answer to most of your problems.
Chia seeds:
These are particularly rich in fiber, containing 11 grams in 28 grams. These are a good source of insoluble fiber. 3% of it contains soluble fiber which helps in forming a softer stool by forming a gel. You can add them in your smoothies, juices and can even consume directly with water.
Berries:
These are relatively high in fiber and are a mild natural laxative. It contains both- soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps in softening stool while insoluble fiber adds bulk to it helping it flow out of the body easily.
Also read: Stool Softner Food
Flax seeds:
They are rich in omega 3 fatty acids and have a high amount of protein. Flax seeds have properties of natural laxatives and are known for treating constipation and even diarrhea naturally.
Leafy greens:
Leafy greens aid regularity in bowel movements and prevent constipation. The vegetables like spinach, cabbage, etc. are rich in vitamins, minerals and good fiber with few calories. The magnesium present in these vegetables helps draw water into the intestines which helps pass stools. Thus, acting as a natural laxative.
Castor oil:
It has a long history of being an amazing natural laxative. Castor oil is obtained from castor beans. It has unsaturated fatty acid named as ricinoleic acid that has a laxative effect. It completely clears the bowels and almost eliminates the feeling of incomplete bowel movement.
Apples:
There is a type of soluble fiber present in apples- pectin. It plays the role of natural laxative to your guts for complete clearing. It also acts as a prebiotic as it enhances digestive health by increasing the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Olive oil:
Like castor oil, olive oil is also considered as an effective laxative. It is known to provide a coating in the rectum allowing easier passage and also stimulates the small intestine to let pass easily. It aids in colon cleansing.
Aloe Vera:
The magical effects of aloe vera for skin treatments are not unknown to anyone. But did you know it also performs the role of a laxative and adds water to intestines by stimulating the movement of the digestive tract? It is due to its gel-like consistency and functions of various essential compounds present in it.
Types of over-the-counter laxatives
Type of laxative | How they work | Side effects of laxative |
Oral osmotics | Taking water into the colon to allow easier passage of stool | Bloating, cramping, diarrhea, nausea, gas, increased thirst |
Oral bulk formers | Absorb water to form soft, bulky stool, for a normal contraction of intestinal muscles | Bloating, gas, cramping or increased constipation if not taken with enough water |
Oral stool softeners | Add moisture to the stool to prevent strain during bowel movements | Electrolyte imbalance with prolonged use |
Oral stimulants | Trigger periodic contractions of intestinal muscles to eliminate stool | Belching, cramping, diarrhea, nausea, urine discoloration with senna and cascara derivatives |
Rectal suppositories | Contractions of intestinal muscles and soften stool | Rectal irritation, diarrhea, cramping |
Not all laxatives are for long-term use. Overuse of laxatives can lead to There are some laxatives that lead to electrolyte imbalance such as calcium, magnesium, or sodium. This can cause dizziness, abnormal heart palpitations and weakness.
Here are some quick tips other than trying these laxatives to get relief from symptoms of piles:
- Sitz bath/ warm baths: Fill sitz bath that is a plastic tub that properly fits over the toilet seat. And sit over it for 15 minutes at a time after the bowel movement. You can also take warm baths in the bathtub. You should do this a few times a day, especially after every bowel movement.
- Comfy breathable clothes: Do not wear tight clothes that make you sweaty and are not soft or airy. Always wear easy, light and cotton undergarments and clothes that will help to keep that area clean and dry. Hence, few chances of infection and wounds.
- Avoid scratching: There will be a constant urge to scratch the anal area due to persistent itching. It’s better to avoid that by using various topical creams and ointments as it will only cause more bleeding and pain.
- Use ice packs: You can use ice packs on the affected area. Wrap ice in a towel and dab it on the affected area for 10-15 minutes. This will help in controlling swelling and bleeding.
- Consume painkillers if you need to: You can use various OTC medicines to help with soreness. These can be ibuprofen, aspirin and many more but consult a doctor before consuming them.
- Avoid a long time at the toilet seat: If you are not able to poop within 10-12 minutes, don’t try to do it sitting unnecessarily putting so much pressure. It will only make your piles worse.
- Do not hold it: Go visit your toilet as soon as you feel like taking a dump. Don’t delay it as it might cause backup and more straining and pressure later.
Also read: Apple Cider Vinegar for Piles
Take Away
Natural laxatives for piles can work along with lifestyle changes. And above all, call the doctor immediately if you still have:
- Bloody stools
- Severe cramps or pain
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Dizziness
- Rectal bleeding
- Unexplained changes in bowel patterns
- Constipation that lasts longer than seven days despite laxative use
All you need to take care of is consuming a fibrous diet and having lots and lots of water to go easy on your bowels. If the stool is hard and dry and is not able to easily move out of the body, it will result in tearing the anal passage and making the existing piles worse. Straining while pooping can result in the most painful and bleeding hemorrhoids. Therefore, these are some tips and guidance that you could incorporate to treat bleeding hemorrhoids with natural laxatives. Also, stay physically active and agile to stay in shape. Keep obesity at bay.
Also read: Buttermilk for Piles
Also read: Piles Medicine in Himalaya