In the words of Steven Kussin, a gastroenterologist based in New York, “Hemorrhoids are normal features of anatomy. We all have them.” Though people find it extremely discomforting to talk about piles or hemorrhoids, they are actually very common and can happen to anyone. There are no definite ways that can help prevent piles, but the condition can definitely be managed. Adopting the following can surely go a long way in helping you keep the painful anal disorder at bay.

1. Swear by fiber in your diet

Piles is most common in people who do not consume enough fiber in their regular diet. To prevent piles, one of the easiest and natural ways is to stock up your diet with fiber-rich food. If you want to keep piles at bay, it is crucial to eat at least 25-30 grams of fiber per day. Some foods rich in fiber are:

– Whole grains, oatmeal, and brown rice

– Beans and lentils

– Vegetable and Brussel sprouts

– Fruits such as bananas, apples, pears, and berries

2. Drink sufficient water

Water along with a fiber-rich diet is very important for the prevention of piles. Drinking enough water prevents constipation which in turn decreases the need to strain while passing a bowel movement. If you want to prevent piles or manage your current condition of piles from becoming worse, add 6-8 glasses of water to your system. It will help your digestive system function properly.

3. Don’t hold the urge to pass stool

If you feel you need to go to the toilet, go, don’t wait. Going to the toilet when the system calls is actually a very simple way to prevent piles. Ignoring nature’s call can have its own complications and repercussions. When your body says you need to go and sit on the toilet seat, go, don’t hold. When you listen to your body calls, preventing piles from becoming worse is much easier and simpler.

4. Stop sitting on the toilet seat for too long

Don’t spend long hours reading a book or scrolling through the mobile sitting on the toilet seat. The more time you spend sitting on the toilet seat, the more likely you are to strain and make your bowel movements worse. The position of sitting on the toilet seat directly exerts pressure and stress on blood vessels of the anus causing them to protrude.

5. Stay physically active

Hemorrhoids have a direct relation with physical activities and how you keep your body active. Staying physically active keeps the colon active and functions in a regular manner. But that being said, you should know which physical activity is good for you and which is not. Avoid any activity that puts strain and pressure on your abdominal region. Do not lift weights. Do not sit in one place for long hours. Moderate exercises like walking, jogging, yoga, and swimming can help the piles tissues from flaring.

Myth 1: Spicy foods cause hemorrhoids.

Fact: Hemorrhoids are caused by strain on the veins near the anus. The straining might be caused due to constipation or hard stool or by spending more time on the toilet seat. Spicy foods have no direct correlation with hemorrhoids. But since spicy foods might be hard on the digestive system, people might need to exert more pressure while passing the bowel after having any spicy food.

Myth 2: Hemorrhoids generally happen to old people.

Fact: Age is not a factor for this disease. Yes, it is common in older people as the tissues get weaker but it can happen to anyone who has chronic constipation or strains during a bowel movement.

Myth 3: Hemorrhoids can cause cancer.

Fact: There is no such study or evidence that says hemorrhoids cause cancer. But you must visit a doctor if there is rectal bleeding as both colon cancer and piles have the same symptoms. 

Myth 4: All kinds and sizes of hemorrhoids need surgical intervention.

Fact: No, not all hemorrhoids need surgery as treatment. Hemorrhoids which are at an early stage, i.e. Grade 1 and Grade 2 piles can be easily managed with medication and regular home remedies. Hemorrhoids that get bigger in size, protrude out of the anal opening, and cannot be pushed back even after trying hard may need to be surgically removed since medicine and home remedies won’t be effective in such cases.

Myth 5: Hemorrhoids is recurrent

Fact: Hemorrhoids is not recurrent if you undergo the best treatment. With a success rate as high as 98%, laser surgery is considered to be the most effective treatment for hemorrhoids. If you undergo laser piles removal, there are almost nil chances that your piles will appear again. It is the best best, most effective, and considered to be the only permanent treatment for hemorrhoids.

While you may think that you are the only one suffering from the dreadful symptoms of hemorrhoids, the reality is not so. There are many celebrities and well-known public figures who have suffered from this condition. If everyone were honest and open about their condition of piles, the list would have been much longer. Here are the names of a few famous people who have suffered from piles:

George Clooney 

Famous actor, director, screenwriter, and producer, George Clooney was diagnosed with hemorrhoids and he had a hard time hiding his disease condition from the public. Although he never went on to comment on it in public, the news was almost all over the media.

Marilyn Monroe

Not many people are aware of the fact that Marilyn Monroe, who is known for eternal beauty, suffered from hemorrhoids and insomnia. Like any other celebrity, she tried hard to keep it a secret but the fact could not be kept hidden for long.

Ernest Hemingway

American novelist Ernest Hemingway was once diagnosed with hemorrhoids. Along with piles, he was also diagnosed with several other health conditions including torn groin muscle, kidney trouble, anthrax infection, etc.

Elizabeth Taylor

Famous British-American actress Elizabeth Taylor suffered from persistent hemorrhoids. Although she never went to speak about it in open, the fact could not be kept under wraps for too long.