(Foreword: This is the continuation of our response to Mikaela of DC regarding her desire for at home treatments for hemorrhoids.)
Dear Mikaela of DC,
Moving on...here’s more...
7. Go for good bathroom habits.
If your bowels don’t seem to move, even if you want to, don’t force it. Just go back to the bathroom if the real need comes and goes. Use moistened alcohol-free wipes, instead of toilet paper, which can irritate you more.
Go for squat position by raising your knees as you sit on the toilet. This can be done by placing a short seat or anything that can raise your knees under your feet. This can make bowel movements easier.
8. Make things easier.
Soften your stool by increasing your fiber intake. Load up beans, whole-grain bread and cereals, and fresh fruits and veggies. Or you can try some fiber supplements if you can’t get them from your daily food. But, add fiber slowly, or else, you will get bloated.
You also have to drink lots of fluids to keep yourself well hydrated. Prune juice is also a natural laxative that can help.
Exercise regularly. Go for 20-30 minutes every day, not just during the weekends. And don’t forget to breathe as you push, or pull or make an effort when you exercise.
Sit on a cushion. You can bring a pillow if your chairs in your office or school have hard surface.
Don’t sit for too long. Take a break every hour and move around for at least five minutes.
Good luck! I hope this helps.
Dr. Fritz
(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She is the co-host of digital page of Superbalita. For your questions, you may send them to Dear Dr. Fritz, c/oSunstar-Davao Publishing Inc., Ebro-Pelayo Building, Juan Luna St., Davao City, or you e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)