Stock photo. Posed by model.
The importance of a healthy lifestyle
A healthy life is the best way to prevent anal discomforts. But what exactly is a healthy lifestyle and why does it matter? According to the World Health Organization, a healthy lifestyle is “a way of living that lowers the risk of being seriously ill or dying early.1
What does science say
The science is clear – these basic principles will help you live a
healthy life and prevent disease 1,2
- Don’t smoke, and if you already do – quit! Tobacco use can lead to years of disease and disability, not to mention premature death.
- Be physically active. Exercise isn’t just for athletes – physical activity is necessary to stimulate the built-in maintenance systems of our bones, joints, muscles and organs and keep them younger.
- Eat healthy. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables are packed with fibre and other beneficial nutrients and should make up the bulk of your diet. Conversely, limit your intake of red meat and animal fats, since too much of those can contribute to disease.
- Moderate your drinking. Alcohol can damage your health and increase your risk of injury, so don’t drink more than one or two alcoholic drinks per day.
In addition to exercising and eating a healthy diet to keep your bowel movements regular, good toilet practices and anal hygiene will help you prevent discomforts like haemorrhoids and anal fissures. You should also choose underwear of undyed cotton and avoid wearing irritating clothing like thongs and tight trousers2.
1 World Health Organization. What is a healthy lifestyle? [Online] Accessed 2020-10-25
2 Chang J, McLemore E, Tejirian T. (2016) Anal health care basics. The Permanente Journal. Fall;20(4):15-222.
DOI: 10.7812/TPP/15-222
Preventive hygienic practices
Anal soreness may be helped with the use of bland emollients and the avoidance of irritating or perfumed soaps, wipes and bubble baths. Patting rather than wiping after defaecation may be less irritating. It is not to strain to pass stool, or to ignore the feeling to pass stool and ‘hold on’ for too long.
| Should be avoided | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Toilet paper Soap | Cleaning with cool water or disinfecting lotion (hip bath) |
| Rubbing | Gentle drying with a cotton towel or a hair dryer |
| Moisture ointments Creams Allergens | Adstringent or disinfection lotions |
What increases risk for haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids affect men and women equally. Any condition that increases intra abdominal pressure can trigger their appearance: pregnancy, obesity, ascites, chronic coughing, weightlifting, or constipation. Age is a factor: the most common time for them to develop is late middle age (between 45 and 65) as the perineal connective tissue weakens. They are not caused by sitting on cold steps, and there is no increased risk of colorectal cancer from having haemorrhoids, although you should not attribute new bowel symptoms to haemorrhoids without seeking medical advice.
There is no evidence that cycling or sitting for prolonged periods can make haemorrhoids worse, but you may benefit from advice about appropriate cushioning to relieve discomfort.