Piles Management: Lifestyle Changes for Hemorrhoids
Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, are swollen veins in the rectum and anus that cause pain, itching, bleeding, and discomfort during bowel movements. This common condition affects many adults in Kerala, often triggered by chronic constipation, low-fibre diets, prolonged sitting, and lack of physical activity. The encouraging news is that piles can be effectively managed and even prevented through simple lifestyle modifications. Adopting a high-fibre diet, staying well-hydrated, practicing proper toilet habits, and maintaining regular physical activity can significantly reduce symptoms and prevent recurrence. At Thrissur Piles Clinic, Dr. Raviram S., a leading piles specialist in Thrissur, provides comprehensive piles management combining lifestyle guidance with advanced laser piles treatment in Thrissur. The clinic specializes in minimally invasive, painless procedures, ensuring faster recovery and lasting relief, making it the trusted choice for haemorrhoids treatment in Kerala.
What are Hemorrhoids (Piles)?
Piles, or hemorrhoids, are swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus. They can be:
- Internal piles – inside the rectum, usually painless but may cause bleeding.
- External piles – under the skin near the anus, often painful, itchy, or swollen.
They usually form due to increased pressure in the rectal veins, commonly from:
- Straining during bowel movements
- Constipation or sitting for long hours
- Low-fibre diet and poor hydration
- Lack of exercise, obesity, or pregnancy
- Ageing or family history
Piles are not life-threatening but can cause pain, itching, and bleeding if left untreated. With early care and simple lifestyle changes, most cases improve naturally. For advanced cases, laser piles surgery in Thrissur by Dr. Raviram S. offers a safe, painless, and fast recovery.
Causes and Risk Factors:
Many daily habits and physical conditions increase the risk of piles:
- Chronic constipation or diarrhoea — constant straining irritates the veins.
- Sitting for long hours is common among office workers and drivers.
- Low-fibre diet — less fibre means harder stools and more effort to pass them.
- Inadequate hydration — dehydration dries stool and slows digestion.
- Heavy lifting — increases abdominal pressure.
- Obesity or pregnancy adds extra pelvic pressure.
- Ageing — vein walls weaken naturally.
- Poor toilet habits — delaying bowel movement or sitting too long.
Understanding these factors helps in prevention. The first step of piles management is identifying and correcting these lifestyle triggers before the condition worsens.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Piles:
Look out for these early warning signs:
- Bright red bleeding after passing stool
- Pain, irritation, or itching around the anus
- Swelling or a small lump near the anal area
- Mucus discharge or feeling that the bowel isn’t completely empty
- Pain during sitting or bowel movements
If bleeding or discomfort continues beyond a few days, consult a piles specialist in Thrissur. Timely medical evaluation prevents complications like prolapsed or thrombosed piles.
Importance of Lifestyle Management for Piles:
Lifestyle management is the foundation of piles treatment. It helps by:
- Reducing inflammation and pain
- Improving digestion and stool consistency
- Preventing recurrence after treatment
- Supporting faster recovery post-procedure
With the right diet, toilet habits, and daily routine, many mild cases improve without surgery. Even for chronic cases, lifestyle correction reduces recurrence after laser piles treatment in Thrissur.
Diet and Nutrition Tips for Piles Prevention:
A healthy diet keeps your digestion smooth and prevents constipation.
Include these foods:
- Whole grains: oats, brown rice, whole-wheat bread
- Vegetables: beans, carrots, spinach, pumpkin, bottle gourd
- Fruits: papaya, banana, apples, pears, guava
- Legumes: lentils, chickpeas, green grams
- Seeds & nuts: flaxseeds, chia seeds, almonds
Foods to avoid:
- Deep-fried or spicy food
- Processed snacks and refined flour
- Excess coffee, alcohol, and aerated drinks
- Red meat and dairy in excess
Sample day plan:
- Morning: Warm water + fruit
- Breakfast: Oats or vegetable upma
- Lunch: Brown rice, dal, sabji, curd
- Evening: Fruit or coconut water
- Dinner: Light roti with vegetables
Such a diet improves bowel movements and reduces bleeding or swelling.
Stay Hydrated and Increase Fibre Intake:
Fibre and water work together to keep stool soft and easy to pass. Adults should drink at least 2–3 litres of water daily and aim for 25–35 g of fibre. If diet alone doesn’t meet fibre needs, add supplements like Isabgol (psyllium husk) — one teaspoon with water before bed can help.
Adequate hydration and fibre prevent constipation, straining, and bleeding — the key steps in long-term piles management.
Healthy Daily Habits to Prevent Piles:
Daily habits are as important as diet.
Toilet habits:
- Go as soon as you feel the urge; never hold stool.
- Don’t strain or push hard.
- Limit toilet time — 5 minutes is enough.
- Use a footstool to elevate your legs slightly.
- Avoid using phones or reading on the toilet.
Hygiene:
- Clean the area gently with water after bowel movement.
- Avoid harsh soaps and scented wipes.
- Wear loose, breathable cotton clothes.
Sitting posture:
- Avoid sitting for long hours; stand or walk every 45 minutes.
- Use a soft cushion if your job involves long sitting.
These small daily corrections reduce irritation and improve healing.
Exercise and Physical Activity for Piles:
Moderate activity keeps blood flowing and prevents constipation.
Best options:
- Brisk walking 20–30 minutes a day
- Yoga poses such as Malasana, Pavanamuktasana, and Viparita Karani
- Pelvic-floor (Kegel) exercises to strengthen rectal muscles
Avoid:
- Heavy weight-lifting or intense workouts during flare-ups
Exercise not only helps the gut but also controls body weight, which reduces pressure on anal veins.
Stress Management and Sleep:
Stress and poor sleep disturb digestion and bowel movement, leading to piles flare-ups.
Tips for better gut health:
- Maintain regular sleep hours (7–8 hours nightly)
- Practise meditation, deep breathing, or short evening walks
- Avoid eating late at night
- Stay hydrated and eat slowly
A relaxed mind means a healthy gut — a vital part of piles management.
When Lifestyle Isn't Enough – Medical and Laser Options ?
If piles do not improve with home care and lifestyle changes, modern medical treatments are available.
At Thrissur Piles Clinic, Dr. Raviram S. offers both non-surgical and laser procedures:
- Medicinal therapy: short-term creams, pain relief, and stool softeners
- Office procedures: rubber-band ligation or sclerotherapy
- Laser piles treatment: a minimally invasive, painless method that seals swollen veins precisely
This same-day laser surgery in Thrissur allows discharge within hours and quick recovery — perfect for working individuals who prefer minimal downtime.
Home Remedies Recommended by Experts:
- Warm Sitz Bath: Soothes pain, reduces swelling, promotes healing. Use 2–3 times daily after bowel movements; add Epsom salt for extra benefit
- Aloe Vera gel: Natural anti-inflammatory for external piles relief
- Witch Hazel: Reduces itching and pain
- Ice Packs: Short periods for pain and swelling
- Topical creams: Use only as advised by your doctor
For persistent symptoms, seek consultation with a piles specialist in Thrissur.
Book a Consultation Today:
Don’t let piles affect your comfort and confidence. Take control of your health with expert guidance at Thrissur Piles Clinic, Kerala’s trusted centre for painless laser piles treatment and lifestyle-based care. Call +91-9961001199 to book your appointment with Dr. Raviram S., the leading proctologist in Thrissur. Visit Zabs Fort, Collectorate Road, West Fort, Thrissur, Kerala.
Thrissur Piles Clinic – your destination for complete haemorrhoids management with compassionate, expert care.