Hemorrhoids Treatments

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Hemorrhoid Prevention: Berry Consumption

Hemorrhoids affect more than 70 % of Americans. They can be painful, uncomfortable and embarrassing. More and more people are turning to alternative methods of treatment.

A hemorrhoid can be described as a mass of dilated or swollen blood vessel in or around the anus. Hemorrhoids typically cause itching, pain and sometimes bleeding.

How can consuming berries help with hemorrhoids?

Blueberries

Hand Holding Blueberries Blueberries are packed full of antioxidants. Blueberries are known to neutralize free radical damage to the collagen matrix of cells and tissues which can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, peptic ulcers, heart disease and cancer.

Since chronic constipation and chronic diarrhea are thought to be contributors to hemorrhoids, blueberries are an excellent source for both prevention and helping to get rid of current hemorrhoids. They are known to relieve both constipation and diarrhea as well as reduce inflammation. Additionally, blueberries promote urinary tract health.

Strawberries

Strawberries are believed to have many positive health qualities. Chinese medicine believes consuming strawberries may help to reduce heat. Many people consume strawberries for gastrointestinal health. They help with digestion, may improve constipation and are believed to help prevent hemorrhoids.

Like blueberries, strawberries are full of antioxidants and may help to prevent cancer and other damaging diseases. Strawberries are rich in Vitamin C and are believed to prevent hypertension, as well as many other health conditions.

Blackberries

Blackberries are found in many parts of the world and have been used for centuries as healing and medicinal purposes as well as for eating. Like blueberries and strawberries, blackberries are full of antioxidants and are extremely beneficial to your health.

Blackberries also neutralize free radicals and have cancer fighting attributes. Vitamin C, Vitamin E and ellagic acid can all be found in blackberries, all of which help to prevent and fight cancer. Since cooking blackberries doesn’t kill ellagic acid, you can still get what you need from jams, jellies and desserts.

Salicylate, an ingredient found in aspirin, can also be found in blackberries. Blackberries also carry a high content of tannin, which tightens tissues, reduces minor bleeding and may help reduce diarrhea and intestinal inflammation. Often times, alternative treatments to minor health problems like sore throat or mouth irritation, include the consumption of blackberries. Also, because of the rich tannin content, blackberries have been used to help individuals get rid of hemorrhoids.

Because experts are still uncertain of the exact cause of hemorrhoids, it can be difficult to promote accurate hemorrhoid prevention. We can only begin to understand why some people suffer from hemorrhoids and others don’t. Some people believe it has something to do with our dietary habits, while others believe it’s more to do with weight or our daily activities. Berries have many good health benefits and though no one is entirely sure as to their effectiveness for getting rid of hemorrhoids, it certainly can’t hurt to make them a part of your daily diet.