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Haemorrhoid injections
I have just refused an operation to inject my haemorrhoids since this would only be a temporary measure. I think I have something like irritable bowel syndrome, which flares up every two weeks. When it does, the haemorrhoids are worse so the two problems seem to be related. I am 35 and have just had a very stressful 18 months. I have started a food diary and suspect that wheat may be a problem.
Haemorrhoids or piles are veins in the anal area which have become swollen or varicose, usually as a result of habitual straining during bowel movements. They can form internally or externally and can cause itching, pain or a burning sensation. Many women first suffer piles during pregnancy.
The nutritionist and author, Patrick Holford, agrees that the injections, which effectively kill the inflamed blood vessels, do not address the underlying cause which he blames on three things; food sensitivities, lack of fibre or stress-related digestive problems. You already know you are suffering at least two out of these three.
The author of Improve Your Digestion (Piatkus, £5.99), Holford says the number one irritant to the digestive tract is wheat but warns that alcohol and coffee can also cause a problem so cut both of these out.
He says stress can cause the digestive system to shut down. Increased abdominal tension and poor digestion can lead to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with alternating constipation and diarrhoea, all of which will irritate the rectum and prime the body for an inflammatory-type response.
Holford says any steps you take to reduce the amount of stress in your life will pay dividends. So will taking omega-3 rich fish oils which work as natural anti-inflammatories in the body. Higher Nature (01435-8828800) sells an excellent fish oil from an unpolluted source. 2 bottles of 90 x 1000mg capsules cost £10.
To increase the fibre in your diet, take psyllium husks. Unlike wheat bran, these do not irritate a sensitive gut wall. They work by absorbing many times their own weight in fluid and, when water is added, they form a soft gel that can move smoothly through the colon. Over time, this gel can even help remove impacted waste. If you take them make sure you drink plenty of water too.