4 Smart Lifestyle Habits for Preventing Hemorrhoid Pain

Hemorrhoid pain can range from mild discomfort to throbbing pain that makes having bowel movements, or even walking and sitting, feel deeply uncomfortable. While there’s no sure way to avoid all hemorrhoid symptoms, shifting your lifestyle can help.

With his expert team at our Midtown Manhattan, New York, practice, double board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist Dr. Yosef Golowa specializes in hemorrhoidal embolization, which shrinks and destroys hemorrhoids without surgery.

To prevent a hemorrhoid pain flare-up, consider the following lifestyle habits. 

1. Eat more fiber

On average, Americans consume 10-15 grams of fiber per day, falling significantly short of the recommended 25-38 grams (depending on your size). As a nondigestible carbohydrate, fiber supports healthy digestive function and bowel movements. A low-fiber diet raises your risk for hemorrhoids and hemorrhoid pain linked to constipation and stool-passing strain.

To increase your fiber intake to a healthy range, gradually eat more high-fiber foods, such as beans, lentils, broccoli, berries, skin-on sweet potatoes, and whole grains.

2. Stay well hydrated

Dehydration is another risk factor for hemorrhoid pain. Consuming too few fluids makes healthy bowel movements unlikely, paving the way for chronic constipation.

Most adults need 11.5-15.5 cups of water per day, which can come from hydrating beverages and foods. Smart fluid sources include water, herbal tea, fruits and vegetables, low-fat milk, and broth-based soups.

When you’re hydrated, your urine should appear pale yellow or translucent, although certain supplements affect urine color. You’ll also likely need to urinate around 6-7 times per day.

3. Stay active

Routine exercise promotes healthy digestion, circulation, and bowel function. Basically, moving your body also keeps your bowels moving.

In general, aim for 150 minutes of moderately intense aerobic exercise such as walking, biking, or swimming per week. Active tasks like cleaning your house and gardening count, too. 

4. Consult a professional

If you’re prone to hemorrhoid pain, and lifestyle changes only go so far, you may be a candidate for a procedure that stops blood flow in the problematic vein. 

After a physical exam and review of your symptoms and medical history, Dr. Golowa may recommend hemorrhoidal artery embolization. He performs this nonsurgical treatment on an outpatient basis, and you should be able to return to your usual activities within a few days.

Research has shown that hemorrhoidal embolization can reduce hemorrhoid size and alleviate or prevent pain and bleeding within 30 days.

To learn more about minimally invasive hemorrhoid treatment, or to find out if you’re a candidate, call our office today at 212-991-9991. You can also book an appointment with Dr. Golowa through our website.