We have checked out many companies selling hemorrhoid preparations to investigate their sales pitches. They say things like: 48 hr. cure, curative against hemorrhoids, two day cure, rapidly eliminate hemorrhoids, the most effective treatment, one week hemorrhoid removal, fast long-lasting results, 98% success rate, say goodbye to pain, fast-lasting relief, etc. These comments are taken right from their ads and the claims go on and on.

One of America’s largest pharmaceutical companies manufactures a very popular product for hemorrhoids called Preparation H. They state clearly on their label, “prompt temporary relief,” at least admitting their product works temporarily. Today, they say “Regular application and lubrication provides continual therapy for relief of hemorrhoidal symptoms.” The other companies go beyond this with their cure claims. But they all have one thing in common; they treat the symptom and not the cause. By treating the symptom, they insure they will sell a lot of their products. Most of these products whether capsules, creams/ointments do what they say they will do but only temporarily, the hemorrhoid will keep flaring up, itching or bleeding, etc. If you do not find the root cause of your hemorrhoids, they will never go away.

There are many contributing factors as to why people develop hemorrhoids. Diet is certainly a major cause. Below are a few tips that can help prevent hemorrhoids:

• Limiting fat intake. Fat has twice the amount of calories as protein and carbohydrates, the energy nutrients. Eat lean cuts of meat instead of heavy red meats. Low-fat cheese, soy cheese, skim milk are better alternatives. Bake instead of frying, and use olive oil if you must fry. Reduce your salt intake and substitute herb spices.

• Drink plenty of water–6 to 8 glasses a day. Water lubricates the anal track, removes waste, transports nutrients, regulates body temperature, and gives you that full feeling so you will not eat as much.

• Increase your fiber intake. Eat lots of salads, fresh fruits and vegetables and bran cereals and whole grains. Read the labels on the boxes to stay away from the products loaded with sugar. Eat an apple or banana as a mid-morning or afternoon snack. Put together a raw-vegetable platter with low-calorie dressing.

• Maintaining a healthy diet. Eat the above mentioned foods every day. Buy fresh veggies first if you can, if not, buy frozen veggies and lastly canned veggies. They use chemicals in the cans. High fiber moves through the large intestine easily which keeps bowl movements from being too loose or too hard. This will help shrink the hemorrhoid. Chewing food well will help digestion.

• Stress Management. When under stress people will look for things to give them comfort like snack foods, cookies, ice cream, chips, chocolate, and alcohol. Instead, we should think of other ways to handle our stress.

• Exercise can help the whole body. Try to take some time in your busy day to exercise. Pick activities that fit your life style. Set fitness goals. Exercising burns fat, increases stamina, removes toxins and helps to keep our weight down. Vigorous exercise strengthens the lungs, heart and circulatory system.

• Other things to remember: Do not push and strain when moving the bowels.

Do not sit for long periods of time. If nothing happens leave and come back later.

Primitive people did not have toilets to sit on. To have a bowel movement they squatted, keeping their muscles tight.

How to Spot Health Fraud

(c) 2009 HIC