What is taboo on the toilet: How to prevent enlarged hemorrhoids

Seven out of ten adults will experience enlarged hemorrhoids at some point. How you can prevent the symptoms and what you should absolutely avoid on the toilet.

Haemorrhoids are part of the human anatomy: the ring-shaped vascular cushions seal off the rectum from the outside. Together with the inner and outer sphincters, they ensure that the stool does not leave the intestine uncontrolled.

If the hemorrhoids are abnormally enlarged, various symptoms can occur. These include bright red blood on the toilet paper, itching or the feeling of not being able to completely empty the bowel. The vascular cushions are then usually so large that they protrude from the anus. In the early stages, hemorrhoids only appear during bowel movements. Without treatment, they can grow so large that they are permanently outside the anus.

But how can enlarged hemorrhoids be prevented? And what can be done to not further aggravate an existing hemorrhoid problem?

minimize risk factors

Hemorrhoidal disease is favored by many different factors. You can influence part of this and thus prevent enlarged hemorrhoids to a certain extent.

Haemorrhoids develop more easily when there is constant high pressure on the anal region – for example due to frequent straining on the toilet or due to being very overweight. It is therefore particularly important to avoid such pressure. This not only prevents enlarged hemorrhoids. They also prevent an existing hemorrhoidal disease from progressing.

Prevent hemorrhoids: do not press!

A high pressure on the anal area arises when pressing on the toilet. If you want to prevent problems caused by hemorrhoids, you should therefore avoid heavy pressing. Staying on the toilet unnecessarily long is also not recommended.

People have to push a lot and hard if their bowel movements are particularly hard. In order to avoid the urge to push in the first place, it is advisable to have as soft a bowel movement as possible.

Constipation can be prevented in a number of ways. This includes a high-fiber diet and plenty of exercise.

Prevent hemorrhoids: Avoid long toilet sessions

Going to the toilet can take longer, and not only if you are constipated. Many voluntarily spend a long time on the toilet – for example to read undisturbed. However, sitting for a long time means that the anal area is exposed to high pressure.

If you want to prevent problems caused by hemorrhoids, you should therefore not stay on the toilet longer than necessary.

Preventing Hemorrhoids: Going to the bathroom when it’s time

Actually, it goes without saying: If you have an urge to urinate or defecate, you should go to the toilet. However, some tend to put off going to the toilet when they actually have to.

However, if the stool stays in the bowel longer than necessary, it becomes harder, causing the person to strain more when later having a bowel movement. In order to prevent symptoms caused by hemorrhoids, it is therefore advisable to go to the toilet when your body tells you to do so.

Conversely, you should only visit the toilet if you actually feel the urge to defecate. This also avoids unnecessary pressing.

Prevent hemorrhoids: Pay attention to your diet

Enlarged hemorrhoids can be partially prevented with the right diet, because: Diet affects the consistency of the bowel movement – ​​and this in turn influences whether you have to push hard on the toilet.

In addition to sufficient liquid, a high-fiber diet with fruit, vegetables and whole grain products is beneficial for digestion. Whole grain bread, legumes, cabbage, fennel or broccoli contain a lot of fiber. Dried fruit, flaxseed or wheat bran are also good for promoting digestion and thus preventing hemorrhoid problems.

Prevent hemorrhoids: Exercise boosts digestion

Regular exercise also counteracts sluggish digestion – and thus also prevents hemorrhoids to a certain extent.

Physical activity stimulates intestinal movement so that the stool does not linger in the intestine for too long. People who (have to) sit a lot should therefore make sure they get enough exercise. Suitable sports are, for example, walking, jogging, cycling or swimming.

Prevent hemorrhoids: Lose excess weight

Anyone who has a few kilos too much on their ribs increases the risk of enlarged hemorrhoids because the pressure on the anal region is higher. Therefore, overweight people should try to get rid of excess pounds. And exercise and a balanced diet help.