Hemorrhoids are not just something old people get. They are not something you discount because your mother or father had them, so you will too. While hemorrhoids may be genetic in some families, the truth is that it has more to do with what you do or do not do than family genes. Yes, you can get the anal blood vessel composition of your parents, but that is NOT a guarantee that hemorrhoids are in your future. You can prevent them, and here is how:
Fiber-Rich Diet
Hemorrhoids are often the result of straining to defecate, which means that your bowel movements (feces) are too hard. Consuming more fiber, which is present in almost all fruits and vegetables, makes your bowel movements a lot softer. Softer feces means less straining, and less straining means no hemorrhoids.
Exercise
It is an absolute truth that the lazier you are, the more likely you will have to contend with hemorrhoids. Sitting on the couch all the time does not help blood flow, circulation, and/or proper digestion. All of a sudden, the blood vessels in your body from the waist down (including your anus and rectum!) do not function as they should. Thankfully, getting up off the couch and exercising more reverses this issue, and even helps treat any minor hemorrhoids you do have.
Water and Caffeine
Water helps break down stools to make them looser and easier to pass. Thus, you do not strain as much to defecate. Water also helps keep the elderly from becoming dehydrated, which can lead to death in those with already weakened bodily systems.
Caffeine can also be helpful. If you are used to drinking coffee every morning, it will help move your bowels along a little faster. This is especially important when you get much older since digestion and defecation in older adults and the elderly slow down immensely. Continue to consume your usual amount of coffee or other caffeinated beverage daily, as stopping all caffeine consumption can cause constipation.
Stool Softeners
When all else fails, use a stool softener. There are many over-the-counter, safe to use daily stool softeners. Choose one that is non-habit forming and gentle on your digestive system. You do not want to be forcefully clearing your colon a couple of times a day, nor do you want to be on stool softeners the rest of your life and be unable to defecate without them. Ask your doctor for his/her recommendation of which stool softener product he/she recommends.
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