Hemorrhoids are painful, inconvenient and embarrassing – there’s no beating around the bush on this sensitive topic. This malady is bad enough in and of itself, but it also suggests larger health problems related to the digestive system and overall health. If you suffer from this problem, you may be in search of hemorrhoids treatment to alleviate your pain and stress. However, prevention is key in pinpointing the true reason behind your condition. One of the main culprits? A lack of dietary fiber.

Fiber’s role in digestion
Dietary fiber is a digestive star. As a preventer of constipation, fiber allows your body to go through the movements of digestion seamlessly.

According to the Mayo Clinic, dietary fiber doesn’t break down in the body like fat, carbs or proteins do. Instead, it passes through your body, and takes waste along with it. Fiber’s passage through the digestive system promotes healthy and regular bowel movements, relieves constipation and helps you keep a healthy body weight.

When you don’t get enough dietary fiber, it can be hard for your body to pass waste through your stomach and intestines. This often results in constipation, stomach issues and hemorrhoids, as well as obesity (which can make hemorrhoids even worse!).

Other health benefits of fiber include lower cholesterol levels, stabilized blood sugar and a “full” feeling, which can curb the tendency to overeat.

How to get fiber into your diet
Some of the planet’s most delicious foods contain high levels of dietary fiber. Fruits and vegetables are a fabulous source of this necessary component of a healthy diet, so snack away on apples, carrots, broccoli, berries and other delicious plants. Health and unprocessed whole grains like oatmeal, barley and whole grain bread are also fantastic sources of fiber.

To prevent hemorrhoids, make sure you are getting your daily recommended intake of fiber. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, men between the ages of 18 and 50 should get about 38 grams of fiber per day. Women of the same age group should get about 25 grams of fiber per day. Younger men and women under the age of 18 should get slightly more fiber than their grown-up counterparts, and those over the age of 70 can get away with consuming slightly less.

Western herbal offers a variety of products for the prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids. This painful condition is far from inevitable, so invest in your own quality of life by tackling hemorrhoids head-on and eating a diet rich in dietary fiber.