Here is a concise summary of the provided text:
**Title:** Preventing and Treating Hemorrhoids Naturally
**Key Points:**
1. **What are Hemorrhoids?:** Swollen veins in the rectum, often caused by increased pressure due to constipation, prolonged sitting, or aging.
2. **Symptoms:**
* Internal: usually asymptomatic, but may bleed
* External: visible lump, itching, irritation, bleeding, and potential thrombosis
3. **Prevention:**
* **Diet:** Consume 25-30 grams of fiber (foods: beans, soybeans, lentils, apples, pears, mangoes, oats, brown rice, wholemeal bread)
* **Hydration:** Drink sufficient water to prevent constipation
* **Exercise:** Regular physical activity to improve intestinal transit
* **Toilet Habits:** Avoid prolonged sitting on the toilet
4. **Treatment (if already present):**
* **Home Remedies:** Sitz baths with warm water (2-3 times a day)
* **Over-the-counter Creams:** Corticosteroids or anesthetics (consult a doctor)
* **Surgery:** Necessary for complicated or severe cases (e.g., thrombosis, excessive bleeding)
5. **Danger Signs:**
* Thrombosis (clot formation in the hemorrhoid)
* Excessive bleeding or black, tarry stools (may indicate other underlying issues)
**Action Items:**
* Adjust diet to include high-fiber foods
* Stay hydrated
* Engage in regular exercise
* Practice good toilet habits
* Consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen over time.
Here are the extracted key facts without opinions, numbered and in short sentences:
**What are Hemorrhoids?**
1. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum.
2. There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal and external.
**Causes of Hemorrhoids**
3. Increased pressure in the rectum is a main cause of hemorrhoids.
4. Constipation is a common reason for increased rectal pressure.
5. Spending a lot of time sitting (e.g., on the toilet) can increase the risk of hemorrhoids.
6. Aging can weaken muscles in the rectal area, leading to more frequent hemorrhoid formation.
**Symptoms of Hemorrhoids**
7. Internal hemorrhoids may not cause discomfort, itching, or pain but can bleed.
8. External hemorrhoids can be felt as a small lump, causing pain, irritation, itching, and bleeding.
9. Thrombosis (blood clots) can occur in hemorrhoids.
10. Hemorrhoids typically cause small amounts of blood in stool or on toilet paper.
**Prevention through Diet**
11. Eating 25-30 grams of fiber per day can help prevent constipation and reduce hemorrhoid risk.
12. Recommended daily fiber intake:
* Women: 20-25 grams
* Men: 25-35 grams
13. High-fiber foods include:
* Beans, soybeans, lentils (10-14 grams/cup)
* Apples, pears (3-5 grams/medium fruit)
* Mangoes (3-5 grams/medium fruit)
* Plums, prunes (6-8 grams/half cup)
* Oatmeal, brown rice, wholemeal noodles, and wholemeal bread
**Supplements and Laxatives**
14. Mild laxatives can prevent hemorrhoid formation and are recommended by doctors for those who need them.
15. Powerful laxatives can be dangerous and should only be used under medical guidance.
**Hydration and Exercise**
16. Drinking sufficient water can decrease constipation and reduce hemorrhoid risk.
17. Adding rosemary, lemon, or cinnamon to water can provide additional health benefits.
18. Regular exercise (e.g., walking, biking, swimming) improves intestinal transit and overall health.
**Treatment Options**
19. Sitz baths with lukewarm water can reduce pain and itching for hemorrhoid sufferers.
20. Over-the-counter creams with corticosteroids or anesthetics can provide relief but should be used with caution.
21. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat complicated or severe hemorrhoids.
**Complications and Alarm Signs**
22. Thrombosis in a hemorrhoid can cause significant pain and may require surgery.
23. Heavy bleeding during bowel movements may indicate a more serious condition than a simple hemorrhoid.
24. Tarry black stool can be an alarm sign for complications.
25. Repeated small blood loss can lead to anemia, especially in women with menstrual cycles.