If
pain and discomfort brought you here, soon you will rest a little easier.
Your pain
is telling you something. Something needs to change, and only YOU can
do it. The good news is that you can start right now, and feel better
soon. Here are some general guidelines, and we’ll get more specific
later:
Quite realistically,
you are what you eat. A few simple dietary changes can make all the
difference in the world. Especially as we age, we may not be able to
digest foods that we previously had no problem with. You will have fewer
problems if you:
* Eat smaller
portions of food, and smaller amounts overall. And chew, chew, chew
your food.
* Pay attention
to your menu -- some foods do not combine well. For instance, avoid
combining proteins with carbohydrates, and always eat fruit alone.
* Avoid deep-fried
foods and if you must cook with oil, use a small amount of extra virgin
olive oil.
* Avoid dairy
products completely and you’ll avoid lots of problems.
* Get some
exercise. Stomach and back exercises are particularly good.
Become familiar
with the many salves and creams commercially available without a prescription.
Many of these are quite effective at relieving pain and itching while
shrinking swollen tissues.
Some people
respond well to homeopathics.
Bromelain
(a natural, whole food supplement) is a natural anti-swelling agent
that works throughout the body and can help with healing as well. Bromelain
in particular helps the body digest and absorb more of the nutrients
in our foods so that we get more good out of what we eat.
The good
thing about naturopathic remedies is that you may experience additional
benefits in addition to the specific ailment you're treating.
A non-irritating higher-fiber diet is important. A fiber-product or
food should be mostly soluble fibers. These fibers absorb water and
help move wastes out easily, so, increase your fluids too.
Most people do not drink enough water during their day. Get in the
habit of drinking at least an 8oz. glass of water, four to eight times
a day.
Try taking
a Sitz Bath -- the name comes from the German word for “sit”-- with
plenty of minerals in the water. Other tricks of the relief trade include
devices as simple as specially-designed cushions, but avoid the common
donut cushions - they don’t work and can actually make things worse!.
You’ll find
lots more information in the newly-published book; Put
Hemorrhoids & Constipation Behind You, available by e-mailing
your order. You should also check with your healthcare professional
for individual suggestions.Most of these items are easily found at a
well stocked health food store and/or pharmacy. If you have any problems
finding the right products, e-mail
us for mail-order recommendations.
