Top 10 Worst Things for Hemorrhoids

Summer is such a magical time-vacations, spending more time outdoors and in the sunshine. Sometimes it’s easy for us to throw our good habits out the window, abandon schedules, and fly by the seat of our pants (no pun intended!). While eating an occasional ice cream isn’t the end of the world, these 10 worst things for hemorrhoids can really make a difference in how you feel.

#1 Too much junk food (aka-low fiber foods, such as foods containing high sugar, dairy, and processed flour)

#2 Drinking coffee, soft-drinks, alcohol and not enough water

#3 Fast food and frozen ready-to-eat meals (slow-moving digesting foods lead to constipation)

#4 Poor hygiene (not showering daily to keep anal area clean and dry)

#5 Rough treatment (rubbing toilet paper instead of blotting and constant itching)

#6 Heavy meat consumption (meat moves through digestion slowly and can cause constipation)

#7 Heavy lifting (constant strain is a main cause of hemorrhoids)

#8 Smoking (causes a break-down in antioxidants, which protects blood vessel integrity)

#9 Sitting (Get into a routine of hourly and daily movement and exercise)

#10 Irregular Bowel Movements (constipation and diarrhea are main culprits, but so are taking laxatives!)