I am a sweet tooth; does this increase my risk of having haemorrhoids/piles?

Seeing blood in the toilet bowl after defecation is no doubt alarming and disturbing, and it’s one of the main symptoms of hemorrhoids or piles. People assume that overconsumption of sugary products can cause and worsen hemorrhoids. This article sheds some light on this assumption.

Is sugar the main cause of Hemorrhoids? What are Hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids, commonly referred to as piles, are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum that can cause discomfort, pain, and bleeding during bowel movements.

There are three main types of hemorrhoids that one may experience. These are broken down into internal, external, and prolapsed hemorrhoids.  External hemorrhoids are swollen veins that form underneath the skin around the anus. Internal hemorrhoids are swollen veins that form inside the rectum (Anus). These are usually less painful than external hemorrhoids. Prolapsed hemorrhoids occur when an external or internal hemorrhoid stretches and bulges outside the anus.  

A 2019 study published in the International Journal of Research and Reports in Hematology on the implication of sugar intake in hemorrhoids said hemorrhoids occur when pressure is exerted on the rectum leading to the swelling of the rectal veins. Several things can exert pressure on the rectum, but high sugar intake is not one factor that exerts pressure on the rectum. However, sugar can aggravate the pain caused by hemorrhoids and make them last longer than they should.

The real causes of hemorrhoids

The blood vessels in the rectum will swell if they are put under high enough pressure. The common reasons for this are:

• • Hard stools or straining during bowel movement: ​​Straining to move stool puts additional pressure on the walls of the blood vessels, which in most cases causes hemorrhoids.

• Diarrhea:   A person is most likely to experience hemorrhoids after a chronic case of diarrhea.

• Sitting on the toilet bowl for too long: Sitting in one position for a very long time, especially on the toilet seat, can cause hemorrhoids.

•  Pregnancy and labor:  During pregnancy, hormones cause veins to relax and swell; this makes tissues in the rectum become weaker. This could be a cause of hemorrhoids 

• Diet:  Eating foods low in fiber, such as Dairy products, refined and processed foods and so on, can contribute to hemorrhoids 

• Anal Intercourse:  Anal Sex can cause hemorrhoids and can worsen already existing ones 

• Weight:  Research has shown that being overweight gives a higher chance of hemorrhoids. This may result from increased pressure within the abdomen.

• Genetics: Hemorrhoids can also be inherited…If it runs in the family, it is most likely to be Genetic.

How to Prevent Hemorrhoids 

Lifestyle changes can lower the risk of hemorrhoids. These include:

•  Eating a Healthy Diet;  Eating a diet that contains high fiber, such as fruits, veggies, beans, and whole grains, can help keep stools soft. 

• Avoid straining:  You should try not to strain (force poo) when using the toilet. Straining puts pressure on the veins in the lower rectum.
• Getting regular physical activity: Exercise helps stool move through the bowel, making bowel movements more regular. 
• Maintaining a moderate body weight: Being overweight increases the risk of hemorrhoids.
• Drinking water: One of the easiest ways to avoid constipation is by staying hydrated. Drinking water frequently helps ease Constipation, thereby preventing hemorrhoids 
• Avoid a Sedentary Lifestyle;   Avoid a lifestyle with a lot of sitting and lying down.

In summary, while symptoms may be painful, they often improve after several days of home treatments. Lifestyle changes can also help prevent hemorrhoids.

 And also, there is no direct link between sugar intake and the development of hemorrhoids; a diet high in sugar may contribute to the risk of developing the condition by causing constipation, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. 

To reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids and other health problems, limit your intake of added sugars, maintain a healthy weight, and stay active. 

Keywords: hemorrhoids, sugar intake, piles