We all love being productive at work. But could the very things that make us good employees also make us more susceptible to hemorrhoids?
Piles, as they are often called, are swollen veins in or outside our rectum. It’s actually a common medical condition; with almost 2 million affected individuals in the United States alone (as of 2013 data). Symptoms include itchiness, pain, and bleeding.
Many people think that hemorrhoids are caused only by too much pressure on the rectum. Unfortunately, we have more habits that could lead us into a life of discomfort. Most of them, being office or work-related.
1. Sitting for long periods.
Who’s not guilty of this number one culprit? We all want to beat deadlines and be able to go home early – but often, this involves sitting for hours. Inactivity causes pressure to build up in our abdominal area; which isn’t good for our colon. If you’ve ever wondered why you have stopped being regular, it’s probably because of all that overtime.
That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t aim to be productive. There are several things you can do to remain active even with an office schedule. Stand up every 45 minutes to get your circulation running again (get a drink from the water dispenser, buy a snack at the vending machine, give that photocopy to your co-worker, etc.). Use your lunch hour to walk around the park. Think outside the box!
2. Not drinking enough water.
Coffee is definitely a mainstay at the office. What about water though? Not getting enough hydration is the leading cause of constipation. When we’re constipated, we strain more. Thereby increasing our chances of developing piles. If you already have one, this could make it flare up!
Make sure you drink plenty of water (about 6-8 glasses) throughout the day – and more if you’re active. It’s inexpensive, simple, and won’t take more than a minute.
3. Eating too much takeout.
We’ve all been there: you’re tired, you just got home, and all you want is to eat then sleep. Another familiar scenario is the office brunch. Fries, burgers, pizza, cake – it’s a delicious affair with the colleagues at work. But do this on a regular basis and your colon might be in trouble.
Fast food is not only lacking in nutrients, it doesn’t have much fiber either. According to medical experts, getting enough fiber everyday makes ‘bathroom duties’ easier. It doesn’t have to be a chore either. Add in whole-wheat bread to your breakfast, maybe beans for lunch, or brown rice for dinner and you can complete your fiber requirement. Try carving out a few minutes each night to prepare a wonderful meal for the next day.
When Nature Calls…
It’s often our habit to ‘hold it in’, especially when we’re at an important meeting. But beware! Fighting the urge will only make it more painful for you down the road. Taking in laxatives is not a good idea as well. Doctors warn about supplements that simulate intestinal contraction, as it could change the natural pressure of our body.
If you need to go, just excuse yourself. You’ll not only save yourself from hemorrhoids, but also from embarrassment.
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