Remedy for Constipation & Piles

Constipation

There's no such thing as a "normal" number of bowel movements – some people go twice a day, others twice a week. But if your normal routine changes and your faeces become hard and difficult to pass, it could be a sign of constipation. The usual cause of constipation is lack of fibre and fluids in the diet. Changing your diet to one that includes plenty of fruit, vegetables and other high fibre foods - as well as increasing the amount of water you drink - can often help. Some medicines, such as those that contain codeine, may also cause constipation. If you think your medicine may be affecting you in this way, ask your pharmacist for advice.

As a short-term measure, you could use a laxative to treat constipation. Different laxatives work in different ways and your pharmacist will be able to recommend the best form of treatment to suit you. Laxatives shouldn't be used on a regular basis as they can make your bowel lazy - which can make constipation worse - and some types can't be used if you suffer from certain medical conditions.

Haemorrhoids or Piles

If you have to strain to go to the toilet (particularly if you're constipated) you put pressure on the veins around your anus and they become swollen. These swollen veins are what we know as piles. Piles can be very uncomfortable - they're often painful and itchy, and they can sometimes bleed. If your piles are the result of constipation try making some changes to your diet to treat this, and you may well find that your pile problem resolves itself too.

There are creams, ointments and suppositories available to help soothe painful or itchy piles. There are many products to choose from. Some of the products contain hydrocortisone which can help to reduce swelling and inflammation, but these must not be used for longer than five to seven days and they're not suitable for everyone. Your pharmacist can help you choose an effective treatment. You'll also find that medicated wet wipes are a much kinder alternative to dry toilet paper.

Please drink not less than 12-14 glasses of water daily as your problem is persistent, over and above that you can take tea/coffee. Preferably try to avoid coffee and the daily tea intake should also not exceed 2 cups. Always combine your breakfast with a bowl of fruits. If you feel acidity, take any one fruit in larger quantities. As far as fruit/salad intake is concerned, I will prefer that you always combine intake of these with a cereal like some puffed rice or atleast 2 biscuits. In other case, you may steam your salads and stew your fruits with cinnamon powder (1/2 pinch), sugar and water to avoid gas and acidity. Also start daily intake of 1 teaspoon of husk/Isabgol with 1/2 cup milk diluted and taken at night before sleep. Increase or decrease your dose according to how your body reacts.