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What Is Piles?

Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum or around the anus. They commonly cause pain, itching, swelling, and bleeding during bowel movements. Piles may develop due to chronic constipation, straining during stool passage, prolonged sitting, or increased abdominal pressure. Haemorrhoids can be internal (inside the rectum) or external (around the anus). In some cases, untreated piles may lead to discomfort, anaemia, or infection.

Types of Piles

Piles are categorised into two types:

Internal Piles

Often go unnoticed as they are not painful due to the lack of pain receptors in the rectum. However, when prolapsed, these internal structures, which are usually neglected, are visible outside the anus during defecation, and this may cause discomfort and pain. The most frequent complaint associated with a bowel movement is bright red blood that is streaked on the toilet paper after the defecation process.

External Piles

Located around the anus, these are often painful, especially if they become thrombosed. In such cases, patients may experience severe pain and swelling along with Itching and irritation due to the mucus they secrete. The swelling around the anus is common in this.

What Are The Causes of Piles?

The causes of piles are multifaceted, involving both lifestyle and physiological factors:

• Increased Abdominal Pressure: Sometimes, physical pressure in hemorrhoidal veins can be caused by straining to have a bowel movement, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, pregnancy, and heavy lifting.
• Dietary Factors: A diet low in fibre can cause constipation, leading to hard stools and straining, which increases the risk of haemorrhoids. Conversely, excessive intake of spicy and deep-fried foods can exacerbate the symptoms.
• Genetics: A family history of haemorrhoids can predispose individuals to developing piles.
• Ageing: As one ages, the tissues that support the veins in your rectum and anus can weaken and stretch, increasing the risk of haemorrhoids.

In Ayurveda, piles are considered to result from the disturbance of any of the three doshas, although it is most commonly linked to the dysfunction of the digestive system and an imbalance in the Vata dosha:

• Vata Type Piles: Dryness and hardness characterise these, causing pain and discomfort.
• Pitta Type Piles: These are associated with inflammation, infections, and bleeding.
• Kapha Type Piles: Characterised by the pile mass being soft and large, with itching and secretion.

Risks & Complications

Piles is a condition that, if not treated properly, may result in several complications, including:

• Severe Anaemia - caused by long-term bleeding from the piles
• Strangulated haemorrhoid, where the blood supply to an internal haemorrhoid is cut off, causing extreme pain and possible infection
• A fistula or breakdown in the tissues around the anus, leading to infection
• Ulcerated haemorrhoids that may be painful

Diet Plan for Piles Patients

A well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in managing and preventing piles. The primary aim is to soften stools and promote regular bowel movements.

Foods to Include

• Whole grains such as oats, brown rice, and wholemeal bread
• Fresh fruits like apples, pears, and papaya
• Leafy green vegetables
• Lentils and legumes
• Adequate fluids, including water and herbal teas

Foods to Avoid

• Spicy and deep-fried foods
• Processed snacks
• Excessive tea, coffee, and alcohol
• Low-fibre refined flour products
  
  

A fibre-rich diet for patients with piles reduces straining, minimises rectal bleeding and supports long-term digestive health. Consistency in dietary habits is essential for effective piles management.

How to Prevent Piles Naturally?

Preventing piles naturally focuses on improving digestion, avoiding constipation, and reducing strain during bowel movements.

To prevent haemorrhoids naturally:

• Eat a high-fibre diet to maintain soft stools
• Drink adequate water throughout the day
• Avoid prolonged sitting, especially on the toilet
• Exercise regularly to improve bowel movements
• Do not ignore the urge to defecate
• Limit spicy foods, processed meals, and excessive caffeine

Simple lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing haemorrhoids. Early prevention is the best way to avoid chronic piles and the need for invasive treatment.

When to See a Doctor?

You should consult a certified Ayurveda practitioner if:

• The symptoms do not go away in a week
• You bleed, or the pain is too much
• There is an outward bulging of the haemorrhoid
• When symptoms do not improve with home remedies for piles

Piles Treatment In Ayurveda

Ayurveda not only cures the piles symptoms but emphasises the restoration of digestive health and balance in the body’s doshas. Here’s how the condition of piles is treated in Ayurveda:

Dietary Adjustments

• Fibre-Rich Foods: Incorporate fibre-rich foods like whole grains, leafy greens, and fresh fruits into the diet to soften stools and reduce straining during bowel movements.
• Hydration: Adequate fluid intake is essential. Herbal teas and warm water can help promote digestion and reduce constipation.
• Avoiding Trigger Foods: If you have piles, there are certain foods you should keep away from, like spicy food, caffeinated drinks, and alcoholic beverages, because they can aggravate the condition.

Herbal Remedies

Haritaki and Triphala: These herbs are said to stimulate bowel movements and expel waste from the system, especially in postpartum constipation.

Kachnaar Guggul: A traditional remedy for reducing the size of piles and alleviating pain.

Nimba (Neem): It is also used to reduce inflammation and help curb infections; this is due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Lifestyle Modifications

Regular Exercise: Some light exercises or physical activities, such as brisk walking as well as yoga, may enhance proper circulation of blood, digestion, or every other dietary process and would, in turn, reduce the chances of constipation, which would otherwise lead to the formation of piles.

Proper Hygiene: Keeping the anal area clean can also prevent additional irritation and even infection.

Panchakarma Therapies

Basti (Medicated Enema): This technique is of great significance in piles management through purification of the lower bowel and restoring normal bowel function, especially in piles of Vata type.

Conclusion

Piles is not just a regular disease; it’s a condition that can make one’s life very uncomfortable and difficult. Any emerging symptoms of piles should not be ignored, as time only worsens this issue. Eating cooked vegetables and using herbs as per professional guidance can help immensely to increase the chances of an early reversal. 

If any of the symptoms of piles are detected, it’s necessary to consult a qualified healthcare professional to get the best treatment for your condition.

References:

Hemorrhoids: From basic pathophysiology to clinical management - PMC

Piles (haemorrhoids) - NHS

Definition & Facts of Hemorrhoids - NIDDK

Ayurvedic Treatment for Piles (Hemorrhoids)

A clinical study on the role of Ksara Vasti and Triphala Guggulu in Raktarsha (Bleeding piles) - PMC