DISORDERS

(Their description, characteristics or symptoms,

Causes, and complementary or alternative treatments)

Disorder: HEMORRHOIDS

Description: Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus, sometimes accompanied with bleeding. There are different types of hemorrhoids, depending on their location, severity and the amount of pain or aggravation they cause. These are: (1) Internal. Located inside the rectum and usually painless. However, they tend to bleed; when they do, the blood is bright red. (2) External. "Piles" is the old-fashioned term to describe external hemorrhoids. These develop under the skin at the opening of the anal cavity. This type of hemorrhoid can be very painful. (3) Prolapsed. This is an internal hemorrhoid that collapses and protrudes outside the anus, often accompanied by a mucous discharge and heavy bleeding. Prolapsed hemorrhoids can form clots within that prevent their receding; these can also be very painful.

Symptoms: Common symptoms include itching, burning, pain, inflammation, swelling, irritation, and bleeding.

Incidence: Between 50 and 75 percent of this country’s population develop hemorrhoids at one time or another. Hemorrhoids can occur at any age, but they tend to become more common as people age. Among younger people, pregnant women and women who have had children are most susceptible.

Causes: Hemorrhoids are caused by a weakness of the veins, excessive venous blood pressure, pregnancy, straining at bowel movements, insufficient consumption of dietary fiber, standing or sitting for long periods, and heavy lifting. Hereditary also appears to be a factor.

Treatments: Diet, nutrition, and exercise are all beneficial for treating and preventing hemorrhoids. A high-fiber diet is most important for preventing this disorder.

Nutrients:

Supplement Dosage Comments

Calcium And Magnesium	1500 mg. daily. 750 mg. daily.	Essential for blood clotting. Helps prevent cancer of the colon. Needed to balance with calcium.
Vitamin C plus bioflavonoids	3000-5000 mg. daily.	Aids in healing and normal blood clotting.
Vitamin E	600 IU daily.	Promotes normal blood clotting.
Vitamin B complex	50-100 mg. 3 times daily with meals	All B vitamins are vital for digestion.

Herbs:

A paste made from powdered comfrey root can be used in a poultice to heal bleeding hemorrhoids.

An elderberry poultice can relieve the pain associated with hemorrhoids. A mullein poultice can be used as well.

Other beneficial herbs include buckthorn bark, parsley, red grape vine leaves, and stone root. These can be taken in capsule or tea form.

Recommendations:

	A high fiber diet is probably the most important consideration in the treatment and prevention of hemorrhoids. Eat foods that are high in dietary fiber, such as whole grains, wheat bran, fresh fruits and vegetables.
	Drink plenty of liquids, especially pure water.
	Avoid animal fats and red meat .
	Take 1 or 2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil daily to help soften stools.
	Avoid constipation and learn not to strain when moving the bowels.
	Cleanse the problem area frequently with warm water. Hot baths every day are also helpful, but avoid adding bath beads, oils, or bubbles to the water as this can irritate sensitive tissues.
	Warm sitz baths are especially beneficial.
	Avoid use of strong or harsh laxatives; they can cause diarrhea and dependence on laxatives. Instead, use a stool softener if constipation or straining at defecation are a problem.
	Avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time. If sitting for extended periods cannot be avoided, take frequent breaks to stretch and move around.
	Get regular, moderate exercise.

Considerations:

If home treatments bring no relief, consult your doctor, especially if the problem is recurrent or bleeding persists. Depending upon the location and severity of the problem, physicians use several treatment approaches in dealing with hemorrhoids, including infrared heat; injection sclerotherapy; laser treatment; ligation; and if necessary, surgery. Improved surgical techniques result in less painful operations and faster recovery than in the past.

Vitamin For Life Recommended Regimen and cost:

Product No. 59618-	Description	Comments	Cost
112-17	Calcium Oyscal 500 mg. with D Tablets	1 tablet 3 times daily, in divided doses.	$5.75/120
232-15	Magnesium 200 mg. Caps.	3 capsules daily, taken with calcium	$4.95/100
970-12	Vitamin C 1000 mg. with Rose Hips Tabs.	3 tablets daily, in divided doses	$5.75/60
091-15	Citrus bioflavonoids 1000 mg. tablets	3 tablets daily, in divided doses	$5.95/100
237-15	Vitamin E 200 IU (D-alpha tocopheryl)	3 softgels daily, in divided doses	$5.28/100
891-15	B Complex Tabs. 50 mg.	3 tablets daily, in divided doses	$6.95/100

Sources:

Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 2^nd Edition

By James F. Balch, M.D. & Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.

Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide

Compiled by Burton Goldberg

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