How Stress and Hemorrhoids May Be Related
Does stress cause hemorrhoids? This is a very good question as it seems that there could easily be a connection.
However, a review of research going back for several decades shows very little direct evidence that this is the case.
There is certainly some evidence that highly stressed societies do have a have a higher incidence of hemorrhoids than those with a more contented population.
The evidence is not conclusive though, anyhow not in the same way that it is for heart disease.
One reason for this doubt is that the association between stress in a community and hemorrhoids could also be the result of genetic factors that make some people more likely to get hemorrhoids than others -- Caucasians are more prone to them than Africans for instance.
Consider the primary cause of hemorrhoids -- straining when passing a motion.
Anxious people are more likely to strain than those relaxed.
Lack of exercise, including remaining seated for long periods and unhealthy diet, both cause constipation, and thus in turn straining with resulting hemorrhoids.
Stressed office workers are thus far more likely to get hemorrhoids than hunter-gathers, or even 1920's farm laborers -- both living in far less chronically stressed circumstances.
Why is it likely that there is a connection despite the lack of good quality scientific proof? The reason is that acute stress can cause diarrhea which makes it easier to run away or fight.
Chronic stress causes constipation and consequent hemorrhoids.
Stress hormones and adrenal chemicals constrict blood vessels.
This shows that the connection between brain and digestive system is complex and intimate.
The connection between stress and hemorrhoids is nevertheless too interrelated with other factors to prove there is a causal connection.
So let's look at it another way.
If your stress vanished overnight would you be more able to get rid of hemorrhoids than you are now? I believe the answer to this is resounding positive.
Your body would be more relaxed.
You would have more time to do things properly - your blood pressure might even reduce.
Even if you have little control over your stress you could still adopt a healthier diet with more fruit, vegetables and bran.
Take regular exercise and drink lots of water as well.
You will feel far better that way anyway.
That way too you will reduce constipation and help get rid of hemorrhoids.
However, a review of research going back for several decades shows very little direct evidence that this is the case.
There is certainly some evidence that highly stressed societies do have a have a higher incidence of hemorrhoids than those with a more contented population.
The evidence is not conclusive though, anyhow not in the same way that it is for heart disease.
One reason for this doubt is that the association between stress in a community and hemorrhoids could also be the result of genetic factors that make some people more likely to get hemorrhoids than others -- Caucasians are more prone to them than Africans for instance.
Consider the primary cause of hemorrhoids -- straining when passing a motion.
Anxious people are more likely to strain than those relaxed.
Lack of exercise, including remaining seated for long periods and unhealthy diet, both cause constipation, and thus in turn straining with resulting hemorrhoids.
Stressed office workers are thus far more likely to get hemorrhoids than hunter-gathers, or even 1920's farm laborers -- both living in far less chronically stressed circumstances.
Why is it likely that there is a connection despite the lack of good quality scientific proof? The reason is that acute stress can cause diarrhea which makes it easier to run away or fight.
Chronic stress causes constipation and consequent hemorrhoids.
Stress hormones and adrenal chemicals constrict blood vessels.
This shows that the connection between brain and digestive system is complex and intimate.
The connection between stress and hemorrhoids is nevertheless too interrelated with other factors to prove there is a causal connection.
So let's look at it another way.
If your stress vanished overnight would you be more able to get rid of hemorrhoids than you are now? I believe the answer to this is resounding positive.
Your body would be more relaxed.
You would have more time to do things properly - your blood pressure might even reduce.
Even if you have little control over your stress you could still adopt a healthier diet with more fruit, vegetables and bran.
Take regular exercise and drink lots of water as well.
You will feel far better that way anyway.
That way too you will reduce constipation and help get rid of hemorrhoids.
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