The Hidden Causes Behind Piles and Bleeding Piles: A Common Man’s Guide
Have you ever felt discomfort while sitting, itching near your anus, or even noticed blood during bowel movements? You are not alone! These could be signs of piles, also called hemorrhoids. Many people suffer from piles, but few understand the real reasons behind them. In Ayurveda, this condition is known as Arsha, and it happens due to a disturbed balance in our body’s natural forces—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
So, why do piles occur? Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense to everyone.
The Root Causes of Piles and Bleeding Piles
Piles don’t just appear overnight! They develop due to bad habits, poor diet, and a sluggish digestive system. Here’s how your daily lifestyle might be setting you up for this painful condition:
1. The Constipation Connection
Imagine your intestines as a pipeline. If waste moves smoothly, there’s no blockage. But when you eat low-fiber, oily, and junk food, the waste becomes hard and difficult to pass. The result? Straining during bowel movements, which puts pressure on the veins around the anus and leads to piles.
2. Spicy Food: A Hidden Culprit
Do you love spicy food? While it may excite your taste buds, it can increase body heat and inflammation, especially in the anal region. This excessive heat weakens the veins, leading to bleeding piles.
3. Sitting for Long Hours
If you have a desk job or spend hours sitting, you’re unknowingly creating pressure on your lower abdomen. This constant pressure slows down blood circulation and weakens rectal veins, leading to piles.
4. Ignoring Nature’s Call
Many people hold back their urge to pass stool, either due to busy schedules or lack of proper toilet access. This habit hardens the stool and forces you to strain later, which increases the chances of developing piles.
5. Excessive Straining While Pooping
Pushing too hard while passing stool is like trying to squeeze out the last bit of toothpaste from a nearly empty tube. The extra pressure enlarges the veins around the anus, making them swollen and painful.
6. Pregnancy and Childbirth
For women, the pressure of carrying a baby combined with hormonal changes can cause piles. Normal delivery can sometimes worsen the condition due to excessive straining during labor.
7. Obesity and Lack of Exercise
Excess body weight puts added strain on your lower abdomen, making you more prone to piles. A sedentary lifestyle also slows digestion, causing constipation and further aggravating the condition.
8. Alcohol and Smoking
Both alcohol and smoking cause dehydration, which leads to hard stools and constipation. This creates pressure in the rectal area and worsens piles.
9. Genetics: The Unavoidable Factor
If your parents or grandparents suffered from piles, you might be more prone to developing them too. Weak veins and digestive issues can run in families.
10. Excessive Lifting and Straining
If your job involves heavy lifting or intense physical labor, it can increase abdominal pressure, leading to internal or external piles over time.
How to Prevent Piles Naturally?
The good news is that piles can be prevented by making small but effective lifestyle changes:
Eat more fiber: Include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
Drink plenty of water: This keeps your stool soft and easy to pass.
Avoid spicy and junk food: Reduce heat and irritation in the digestive tract.
Exercise regularly: Walking, yoga, and light workouts improve digestion and circulation.
Avoid prolonged sitting: Take short breaks if you have a desk job.
Go to the toilet when needed: Don’t delay passing stool.
Piles are more common than you think, but they don’t have to be a lifelong problem. By understanding the reasons behind piles and making small changes in your daily habits, you can prevent and manage this condition naturally.
If you are experiencing severe discomfort, don’t ignore it—consult an Ayurvedic expert like Dr. Manash Mandal for personalized guidance and effective treatment.