When it comes to digestive issues, it is no secret that millions of people are suffering from GERD, acid reflux, constipation, diverticulitis, gas, and bloating. 

But there is another digestive problem that isn’t talked about as often, but it can be a royal pain in the butt…literally! 

I am talking about hemorrhoids! 

Even though you do not hear about them as often as other conditions, nonetheless, searches for the term “hemorrhoids” on Google have shot up more than threefold since the early 2000s! 

Some analysts have claimed that this increase is likely due to “people being more likely to look things up on the Internet” or “people feeling uneasy discussing hemorrhoids with their doctor.”  

While that may be true to a certain degree, I think that the biggest factor here is that increasing numbers of people are having trouble you-know-where. 

Where the sun don’t shine

Hemorrhoids frequently “rear” their ugly heads (pardon the pun!) following bouts of constipation or diarrhea, which happen to affect millions of people, so it should be no surprise that increasing numbers of sufferers are searching for relief. 

Here are some interesting facts you might not know about hemorrhoids and how you can get relief: 

Technically everyone has hemorrhoids--they are normal cushions of tissue that are filled with blood vessels and are found at the end of the rectum, just inside the anus.  

But they become a royal nuisance when they get swollen and inflamed….and the term “hemorrhoids” (or in years past, “piles” as my mother used to call them) has taken on that common meaning. 

The symptoms can include: 

• Pain or burning during bowel movements  
• Bright red blood on the outer portion of your feces or on the toilet paper 
• Itching or irritation around your anal area  
• Fecal leakage 
• Protrusion of a perianal mass during bowel movements 
• Anal discharge 

In addition to constipation and diarrhea, hemorrhoids can also be brought on by pregnancy, being overweight, lifting heavy objects, or overuse of laxatives or enemas. 

The rating system

There are actually 4 different grades of hemorrhoids, depending on the severity and whether or not the hemorrhoids “pop back in” to the rectum: 

Grade 1: Slightly enlarged but cannot be seen outside the anus 

Grade 2: May go outside the anus during a BM, but then go back in on their own 

Grade 3: Come out of the anus during a BM and do not go back in on their own. They must be pushed back into the anus (please don’t ask me to elaborate). 

Grade 4: These are always outside the anus and can no longer be pushed back in. Hemorrhoids of this type may require surgery. 

Natural ways to address hemorrhoids 

Here are ways you can help address hemorrhoids and “settle them down”: 

1- Balance your gut microbiome 

The friendly bacteria in your gut microbiome help pave the way for normal, healthy bowel movements, so without a strong enough population of them, you are much more susceptible to diarrhea or constipation! 

Unfortunately, many people’s gut bacteria populations have taken a harmful hit from things like lacking sleep, medications, stress, and diets high in refined carbs and soda…and are they ever paying the price! 

If you suspect that your microbiome balance is in serious need of an overhaul, you can help attain a healthier balance with a potent probiotic formula Like Super Shield PLUS.   

Super Shield PLUS’s 15 billion CFUs and 13 strains of probiotic bacteria can help whip your microbiome into shape and pave the way for smoother, more comfortable BMs (without aggravating your hemorrhoids!). 

2- Have a healthful diet of real foods 

There used to be an old saying in the computer programming world— “Garbage in, garbage out.” 

That applies to your diet and your resulting products of excrement as well.  

In order to support regular, healthy BMs, you MUST eat real foods that are natural sources of nutrients and fiber. 

In addition, the foods you pair together in your meals also make an enormous difference! 

By combining complementary foods in your meals (protein and vegetables OR starch and vegetables), you make your GI tract’s job MUCH easier, and can set the stage for comfortable, complete digestion. 

My Great Taste No Pain system will guide you on this important mission!  

In addition to spelling out what you should and should not eat together, Great Taste No Pain also teaches you about good and bad carbs and fats and gives you a collection of delicious recipes that your family will love! 

3- Avoid straining 

Straining on the toilet frequently goes along with constipation, and this is also one of the most common ways hemorrhoids are aggravated. 

Try getting yourself in more of a squatting position by putting a small stepstool in front of the toilet and putting your feet up on it.   

Many people have reported this helps “move things along” tremendously with much less straining. 

4- Use witch hazel 

Witch hazel applied to the area can be very soothing and help cleanse any residual waste. 

5- Try magnesium for occasional constipation 

Magnesium helps keep peristalsis (the muscle contractions in your intestinal tract) working smoothly, so it is no surprise that magnesium deficiency is a common underlying cause of constipation. 

Look for products that provide 400 mg and take at night. 

Now you are on the road to healing your hemorrhoids and having much more comfortable BMs! 

To your health, 

Sherry Brescia