How do you prevent hemorrhoids

"A sometimes embarrassing topic of discussion, hemorrhoids are common. By age 50, about half of adults have had to deal with the itching, bleeding and pain that often signal the presence of hemorrhoids," says Brent Benton, MD, who practices family medicine with Baptist Medical Associates (Eastpoint).

To help prevent hemorrhoids or hemorrhoidal flare-ups, Dr. Benton suggests the following:

• Eat high-fiber foods. Eat more fruits, vegetables and grains. Doing so softens your stool and increases its bulk, which will help lessen the straining that can cause hemorrhoids.
• Drink plenty of liquids. Drink at least eight glasses of water or other fluids every day.
• Consider fiber supplements. Over-the-counter products such as Metamucil® and Citrucel® can help keep stools soft and regular. Check with your doctor before using fiber supplements.
• Exercise. Stay active to reduce pressure on veins, which can occur with long periods of standing or sitting, and to help prevent constipation.
• Avoid long periods of standing or sitting. Sitting too long, particularly sitting on the toilet for long periods, can increase the pressure on the veins in the anus.
• Don’t strain. Straining and holding your breath when trying to pass a stool creates greater pressure in the veins in the lower rectum.
• Go as soon as you feel the urge. If you wait to pass a bowel movement and the urge goes away, your stool could become dry and be harder to pass.