Piles - How Diet & Lifestyle Changes Can Help?

Piles or haemorrhoids is a condition in which the rectal veins become varicosed, thus causing bleeding and swelling or protrusion of mass through anus. Hemorrhoids are clumps or cushions of tissue which get aggregated around the anal canal and are full of blood vessels, muscles and elastic fibres. Piles can be of various sizes and are found inside the anus or around the anal region. However, piles found inside the anal canal are way more common than the external ones and are known as Internal Piles/Hemorrhoids. In most cases, this condition can be treated by taking required medicines along with following a high-fibre diet. However, in some cases, the piles might be severe and need to be removed surgically.

The common symptoms of piles are blood discharge while eliminating faeces and abnormal enlargements around the anal region. Piles might also be characterised by excessive itching of the anal region and pain during defecating. In Ayurvedic terms, piles are called Arshas which translates to extremely painful conditions akin to the piercing of needles. This condition can be gotten rid of by availing of various Ayurvedic remedies.

Treatment

Treatment of piles using Ayurveda usually includes dietary and lifestyle changes; making most of the remedies easily implementable. 

Listed below are some Ayurvedic remedies: 

Herbs:

Herbs used for ayurvedic treatment of piles include Haritaki and jimikand. Diet: Permanent moderation of diet is needed for the treatment of piles. 

Some dietary changes include: 

Starchy foods such as yellow pumpkin and potato should be avoided and replaced with fibrous foods. Inclusion of mango and sesame seeds adds bulk to the diet and helps in preventing constipation. Natural food softeners such as ‘jambul’, ‘amalaki’, dried figs and papaya are also recommended. Vegetables having larger amounts of roughage, such as turnip, onions, radish, ginger and bitter gourd should be added to the diet. 

Lifestyle Changes:

Some of the basic lifestyle changes include: Regular cleansing of the colon. Regular exercise is mandatory. A normal and healthy sex life should be followed. Aggravation of symptoms of piles is caused due to abnormal or excess sex. Avoiding sitting for long periods. Consume enough water in a day (about 2-3 liters). 

Surgical treatments:

In third and fourth grade piles when medicines don't work, surgery is advisable and kshar sutra treatment is an Ayurvedic surgical procedure that can remove piles masses permanently. Kshar sutra treatment must be taken by qualified and experienced Ayurveda Doctor. Surgical treatment of piles is not necessary in all cases; only 3rd or 4th degree piles which are larger in sizes and bleed often require surgery. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!