Many people suffering from hemorrhoids and other gastro-intestinal diseases may not suspect that protein intake plays a major role in preventing or aggravating hemorrhoid problems. If you search most of the hemorrhoid websites offering cures and treatments, you will observe that the topic on protein intake is not covered. Your health care provider may also overlook the importance of discussing the proper intake of protein to keep you away from the annoying symptoms of hemorrhoids.

Only a few knows that inadequate or too much intake of this substance can prevent or lead to hemorrhoids. According to Paul Pitchford who wrote the book “Healing With Whole Foods” having hemorrhoid is a sign of protein deficiency. Lack of protein causes the body tissues to deteriorate which can lead to the occurrence of hemorrhoids. When the veins in your anal area become too weak, hemorrhoids become prevalent. Pitchford said that proper and correct food choices will heal any imbalances in the body.

Other health experts also believe that too much protein in the diet can lead to hemorrhoids. High protein with low fiber intake put you into greater risk of acquiring the condition. Sometimes this is termed as the Westernized diet. Relying too much on fastfoods or including too much meat in your diet is not a good thing to do. Most of the times this will lead to constipation. And constipation is another major cause of hemorrhoids.

Functions of Protein in the Body

Actually, proteins are important for many bodily functions such as proper digestion of foods and muscle movement. It also helps produce hemoglobin and help improve our immune system by fighting infections. However, too much intake of protein may give you undesirable results. A combination of high protein-low carb diet may lead to ketosis. A condition which can lead to dehydration and kidney problems. Other side effects include dizziness, headaches, fatigue, confusions and nausea.

An imbalance of protein intake will also result to other health conditions. It increases the risk of osteoporosis and will make your blood more acidic. If you decreased fiber intake, more serious problems can occur such as polyps, colon cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and obesity.

How Much Protein Should I Take

The recommended daily intake of protein depends on the age, weight, diet and lifestyle of the individual. Health experts recommend at least 0.8 grams per kilogram of bodyweight. For people who are active or involved in strenuous sports, an intake of 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight is okay.

Pregnant and lactating mothers need more protein. Pregnant women needs an extra 10 grams while nursing mothers could take an additional 15 grams of protein up to six months after giving birth. They can reduce this to 12 grams after 6 months.

To avoid getting hemorrhoids or aggravating your condition, watch what you eat. By simply looking onto the label of foods, you are also putting yourself away from hemorrhoids symptoms.

If we talk about hemorrhoids, the number of available treatment is enormous. It can range from traditional to non surgical and surgical treatments. Herbal treatments have been also an important inclusion in the treatment of hemorrhoid symptoms. But Before treating your hemorrhoids, it is very important to consider other health condition that you have since some hemorrhoid medications can have an adverse reaction or contraindicated with other drugs.

People taking medications for diabetes are no exception. Many would ask how should I treat my hemorrhoids if I have diabetes? The first thing that you should do is consult your doctor of any additional medication that you will take especially if it is intended to treat hemorrhoids. There are some over the counter treatment for hemorrhoids that can aggravate or worsen your diabetes.

The main problem of patients with diabetes is on how to control their blood sugar. It should be maintained at the normal range because any changes above or below the normal level can lead to other health conditions or complications. Diabetic people with hemorrhoids should be very careful in treating both health conditions.

If the hemorrhoid is not yet severe, common treatment can be used such as sitz bath, ice packs, and following a healthy lifestyle. Since hemorrhoids are caused by weak veins, activities or treatments that will help strengthen the veins in the rectal area are good options.

Before resorting to synthetic medications, try to follow a healthy diet. You can increase your fiber intake by including bran, fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Taking psyllium supplements is also an option. Avoid foods or drinks that will make the symptoms worst. Regular exercise will also help.

As mentioned earlier, doing sitz bath is a good alternative in treating people with diabetes and hemorrhoids. Sitz bath can be performed several times a day until you get relief from the symptoms such as swelling, itching and pain. You only need at least 15 minutes per session to achieve the benefits of sits bath therapy.

If these methods are not working for you, then you can take synthetic medications. Doctors warn that some OTC drugs contain vasoconstrictors like ephedrine, epinephrine, phenylephrine HCI which can affect the level of blood sugar in your body. One popular brand for example contains the steroid hydrocortisone which may cause an elevation of the blood sugar if absorbed in large quantities. Vasoconstrictors are also contraindicated on medications intended for heart diseases and depression.

You may also use protectants, astringents and topical anesthetics if you have diabetes. However, some of these products may contain ingredients which are contraindicated with your diabetes medications. Always read the label before using any of these hemorrhoid treatments. It is much better if you consult your doctor first before purchasing these products.

There is a popular herbal treatment for hemorrhoid that should not be used if you have diabetes. In a study, the horse chestnut seed extract have shown that it lowers the blood sugar. This herb should only be administered with the supervision of a health care professional. People with low blood sugar related conditions such as hypoglycemia should also avoid taking horse chestnut extract.

Many pharmaceutical companies and supplement manufacturers already developed and marketed various anti-hemorrhoid products that claim to be an all-cure medication. However, hemorrhoid sufferers should be wary on purchasing any product that they see on television or print ads. Products offering instant relief or promising cure for your hemorrhoids within hours should give you a second thought. Some marketing hypes could really force you to buy products which may not be effective at all. It will not only put you at risk but at the same time a waste of your money.

There are so many factors to consider before buying or taking any medication for your hemorrhoids. There are different hemorrhoid products to choose from which ranges from medicated pads, suppositories, ointment and creams or hemorrhoid capsules. There are also herbal preparations which can be ingested or applied directly to the hemorrhoids. Whether it is a synthetic product or extracted from organic herbs, careful scrutiny of each product is a must.

Things to Consider Before Buying Hemorrhoid Supplements

One of the things to consider is your current health condition. There are hemorrhoid supplements which may not work well with other medications, so always ask your doctor. Medication for heart diseases and diabetes may have some contra-indications with other drugs. Some people may have allergies which could be triggered by taking or applying some hemorrhoid products particularly creams and ointment. If you are pregnant, always consult your OB-Gyne before taking any medication for your hemorrhoid. There are some herbs and synthetic ingredients which may pose harm to the baby.

Best Hemorrhoid Supplements

Of course, the best hemorrhoid supplements are those products that can provide fast and effective treatment for the hemorrhoid symptoms. The product should be safe even when applied or taken at maximum dosages. Providing fast relief is good but it is still better to take hemorrhoid supplements that will permanently cure the hemorrhoids.

If you take herbal supplements, make it sure that these were 100% natural. Check the label if it was organically grown because you are assured that these herbal preparations were free from pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers.

Consumer reviews can also help you decide in choosing the best hemorrhoid supplement. Customer feedbacks and testimonies on the product are also an assurance that it works. And finally, the best treatment for your hemorrhoids are those products which do not only alleviate the symptoms such as itching, pain and bleeding but also cure the causes of the hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoid medications should strengthen the weak veins and increase the blood circulation in the rectal area that usually causes hemorrhoid problems. It should also cure the swelling which is often causing pain and discomfort.