Seventy-five percent of people will experience the discomfort of hemorrhoids at some point, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Hemorrhoids are bulging, inflamed veins in the lower rectum or around the anus. They frequently cause discomfort, pain and itching. Eating more fiber can help soften stool and reduce hemorrhoidal pressure. Certain supplements may help, as well. If your hemorrhoids are persistent or severe, consult a health care professional about medical treatments.
B Vitamins
In the book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Phyllis Balch recommends that people with hemorrhoids take a vitamin B complex as a regular part of their routine. Balch states that B vitamins are vital to the digestive process. They help promote good muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract, making digestion more efficient, which in turn results in less pressure on the rectum during defecation. Once believed to be a single vitamin, the B vitamin complex is actually eight separate nutrients. Balch notes that many people do not get enough B vitamins because with age absorption of these nutrients becomes less efficient. The B vitamins are included in good multivitamin products, and are available as a stand-alone supplement. Consult a qualified health care provider for more information about the role of B vitamins in hemorrhoid care and in your supplement regimen.
Psyllium
Psyllium is a soluble fiber derived from the husks of the seeds of Plantago ovata, a shrub-like plant native to India. It is the main ingredient in Metamucil and other bulk-producing laxative supplements. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, physicians often recommend psyllium to soften stool and lessen the discomfort associated with hemorrhoids. When it is exposed to water, psyllium husk forms a gelatinous mass that helps move waste more efficiently through the intestinal tract, reducing strain on the rectum. Avoid taking psyllium at the same time as other supplements or medications, as it may delay or reduce absorption of the nutrients in the supplements.
Horse Chestnut
An article in "Alternative Medicine Review" reports that a supplement made from the seeds of the horse chestnut tree has been used to ease the symptoms of hemorrhoids since at least 1886. The primary active constituent of horse chestnut extract is aescin, a substance that may help reduce the excessive accumulation of fluids and alleviate certain disorders of the blood vessels. Supportive clinical research on the effect of horse chestnut on hemorrhoids is limited. However, one clinical trial found that 82 percent of patients who took daily doses of horse chestnut extract tablets reported significant improvement in hemorrhoid symptoms such as itching, inflammation, pain and burning. High doses of horse chestnut supplements may cause gastrointestinal upset. Always consult with a health care professional about possible supplement-drug interactions before adding a new supplement to your regimen.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Psyllium
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2006
- Alternative Medicine Review: Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut)
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Hemorrhoids
