Prevention of piles

Many cases of piles can be prevented, or kept from returning, by looking after the bowels.

Keep stools soft

• Eat plenty of fibre from fruit, vegetables, whole grains and pulses
• Drink enough water through the day
• Use isabgol if advised, with plenty of fluid

Healthy toilet habits

• Go as soon as you feel the urge
• Do not strain and do not sit for long
• Do not use a phone or read on the toilet
• Raise your feet on a stool

Lifestyle

• Stay active, with a daily walk of at least 30 minutes
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Do not sit or stand for very long without a break
• Avoid lifting heavy weights with straining
• Keep the anal area clean and dry

During pregnancy

Eat fibre and drink fluids, walk daily, and tell your doctor about constipation early. Piles often improve after delivery.

Treat other causes

Treat chronic constipation or diarrhoea early, and talk to a doctor about persistent changes in bowel habits.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive)

Regular meals, warm water, buttermilk and attention to digestion are advised traditionally. These measures overlap with the practical steps above, but evidence for herbs is limited.

When to get help

See a doctor if you have bleeding or a lump after passing stool.

Small steps taken early work better than waiting for symptoms to become severe.

If you already had piles once, keep up the same habits. Recurrence is common when fibre, fluids and toilet habits slip. Also avoid long travel without breaks and drink extra water in hot weather, since dehydration hardens stool.

Remember

Soft stool and no straining are the two best ways to prevent piles.