Hemorrhoids, the painful inflammed and swollen veins that appear in the rectum and the entrance to the anus, are the result of a variety of causes. When the causes of hemorrhoids are discovered and addressed, future occurences of hemorrhoids can be prevented.
A lack of adequate fiber in the diet is one of the real causes of hemorrhoids. A diet that is rich in refined foods such as white flour, sugar and fat, as well as being fiber-poor, causes constipation and straining during bowel movements, placing pressure on the rectal veins which often results in hemorrhoids.
Obesity and having a sedentary lifestyle also rank high among the real causes of hemorrhoids because excess weight and prolonged sitting both place excessive pressure on the rectal veins and can lead to the formation of hemorrhoids.
Pressure from the fetus on the abdomen during pregnancy often cause hemerrhoids in women who are expecting. And during the menstrual cycle, many women who retain water and experience constipation will also experience hemorrhoids.
Not drinking enough water or other fluids throughout the day can cause hemorrhoids due to harder than normal stool formation which necessitates straining while on the toilet. Once hemorrhoids have formed, eating certain foods often worsens the pain, such as nuts and spicy foods.
Drinking an excessive amount of coffee, caffeinated beverages or alcohol is a leading cause of hemorrhoids, due to the chronic dehydration caused. This dehydated state encourages constipation, which adds pressure and straining to the walls of the veins in the anus, causing the formation of hemorrhoids.