Diet without fiber is okay at first, but as time goes by, you can gradually predispose yourself to disturbing conditions of the digestive tract such as colon cancer, anal abscess, diverticulitis, appendicitis, constipation, and hemorrhoids. Lack of fiber in the diet can irritate the linings of the lower gastrointestinal tract and since fiber promotes easier bowel movement, feces tend to stay longer than usual in the large intestines because peristalsis alone cannot facilitate in easy passage. Hydrating yourself is not enough to facilitate strain-free emptying of bowels. Fiber helps in forming bulk stools and provides a slippery lining for it to pass within the lower GI tract out of the body.
That is why fiber, which is found in many fruits, vegetables and other plant products, is essential not just for healthier digestion but excretion of wastes as well. One of the many complications of a fiber-poor diet is hemorrhoids or rectal varicosities. This condition is also commonly called piles. There are many plant remedies to help treat the condition and many doctors opt for slippery elm along with other plants that has medicinal properties.
Hemorrhoids are primarily the result of many aggravating factors. They are commonly caused by frequent straining during bowel movement, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and old age. Pregnancy can also trigger the occurrence of hemorrhoids. There are cases in which the condition is caused by yeast infection or Candidiasis.
In order to remedy this definitely uncomfortable condition, one should incorporate fiber into the daily meal plan, apart from increasing fluid intake. All in all, fiber is considered as the ideal bowel cleaner. The use of artificial remedies such as commercial laxatives is alright but they tend to remove important electrolytes along with stools from the body. Reduce straining during bowel movement by adding more fruits and vegetables to your meals follow an exercise plan that suits you and of course, lots of fluids to keep you hydrated. Oats, wheat, barley, and other grains with husks are rich in fiber, and for those who are predisposed to piles, try using slippery elm.
Chia seeds, milk thistle, green tea, and psyllium grains are also good remedies for piles aside from slippery elm. These plant extracts can be mixed with food, milk shake, or any juice drink. But you don’t have to worry about any unpleasant aftertaste because these plant remedies are usually bland in taste.
Its Latin name is ulmus rubra or ulmus fulva (from the ulmaceae family). Its common names are slippery Elm, Red Elm, Gray Elm, Soft Elm, Moose Elm and Indian Elm.
The popularity of slippery elm along with the other mentioned natural extracts is so great that many doctors and former hemorrhoid patients around the world testify to their effectiveness. Slippery elm is especially rich in fiber; its name indicates its benefits as you can see, making it one of the best remedies for constipation and hemorrhoids.
But take extra care when using plant remedies for GI upset and hemorrhoids though. Most plant extracts are discouraged for patients with certain heart conditions. Certain chemicals in plants also cross the placenta when used by pregnant women and they can also have teratogenic effects on the developing fetus. So don’t forget to seek consultation first. Go lightly, live lightly.
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