Healthy Diet Rich in Fibre Prevents Piles

Technically, a hemorrhoid is considered an embarrassing health issue by many.

CHENNAI: Piles or hemorrhoids are common ailments among adults. Technically, a hemorrhoid is considered an embarrassing health issue by many. It is swelling and inflammation of veins in fleshy pads of anal canal, associated with symptoms like itching, constipation, burning sensation and bleeding depending upon the type and degree of problem.  Anal fistula and anal fissure are other diseases that can happen in or around anus. Anal itching is one of the most general problems and can happen to anyone though it is not a serious one.

Types

Internal piles: They occur inside the anus and cause bleeding. They are called internal hemorrhoids.

External piles: They occur on the outside of anus and called external hemorrhoids. They are painful but may not bleed that much.

Stages of piles: It is classified in to four stages — first, second, third and fourth stage depending upon its clinical condition of the patient.

Main Causes

Though the exact causes of piles are not known, but they can be associated with increased pressure in the blood vessel in and around the anus.

• Constipation is one of the most common causes for piles. It may occur because of lack of fiber intake in your food.
• Untreated conditions like delay in the treatment of certain disorders and ailments of the gastrointestinal system like dysentery, diarrhea, colitis etc can be linked to the formation of piles.

Genetic make-up: A family history of hemorrhoids could put an individual at a greater risk of suffering from the condition.

Sedentary lifestyle: Sitting in a particular posture for long hours without movement can lead to hemorrhoids. Lack of exercise may also lead to piles.

In Siddha

Piles are called moola noi in siddha and there are 21 types. A poem describes its cause as anila pittha thontham allathu moolam varathu which means it is caused by the derangement of both vatha and pittha.

Prevention

• Include fibres in diet which will make stools soften. These fibres absorb water in the colon and gives passage without much effort to defecate.
• Taking oil bath rectifies imbalances of tri-doshas — vatha, pitha and kapha.
• Cleaning the bowels for every 4 months by taking purgation medicine or laxatives is a healthy habit.

— Dr B Thamizhkkani

(Government Siddha Physician, Ariyalur)