Piles are a disease that is very common among Malayalis, but many people are hesitant to talk about it and delay treatment. This is a condition in which the blood vessels around our anus become swollen and swollen, and blood accumulates in them and pushes them out like abscesses. Scientifically, it is called hemorrhoids. Its main symptoms are severe pain during bowel movements, bloody stool, itching and swelling in the anus. Here are the 5 main scientific reasons behind the occurrence of piles:
Chronic Constipation: The most important scientific reason for the occurrence of piles is chronic constipation. When the stool thickens, a lot of pressure has to be applied to the muscles and blood vessels in the anus to expel it. Straining on the toilet can quickly swell these blood vessels, causing them to rupture and bleed over time.
Low-Fiber Diet: Another factor that leads to constipation and piles is a decrease in the amount of fiber in the food we eat. Fast food, bakery products, flour-based dishes (such as porridge), and excessive consumption of red meats such as beef and mutton slow down the movement of the intestines. Due to the lack of fiber, the stool becomes thick and it damages the blood vessels.
Not drinking water and sedentary work: When you do not drink enough water every day, the water content in the intestines decreases and the stool becomes hard. Along with this, people who sit for hours at a time (IT employees, drivers, etc.) feel excessive weight and pressure on the blood vessels around the anus. This constant pressure can cause the blood vessels to thicken and piles to form.
Pregnancy and abdominal pressure: Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing piles. As the uterus expands, there is a lot of pressure on the blood vessels in the abdomen and pelvic area. In addition, the progesterone hormone changes during pregnancy slow down the digestive process and increase constipation. Excessive straining during childbirth can also cause piles.
Obesity & Aging: Gradual increase in body weight always puts a lot of pressure on the blood vessels in the abdomen. Along with this, as we age, the tissues and muscles that support the blood vessels in the anus naturally weaken and lose elasticity. This can easily lead to piles. This risk is also seen in people with hereditary factors.