by B.J. Armstrong

Autumn is the season between summer and winter. Our autumn (or fall), called so because of the falling leaves, is late September, October, and November. Autumn is also harvest time for many crops. Saying all of that, no matter what the season, hemorrhoids should not restrict your normal exercise routine. In fact, it's important for you to exercise every day - no matter the time of the year. First of all, moving around instead of sitting takes pressure off the veins in your rectum. Plus, exercise helps prevent constipation, one of the main causes of hemorrhoids.

Another cause of hemorrhoids is straining during a bowel movement. To prevent this, take a footstool into the bathroom and prop up your feet. Take your favorite magazine or a book with you and relax for a few minutes. Don't rush the process but don't sit too long either. Try lubricating the area inside and out with non-petroleum jelly first. Then wipe with a soft, moist tissue or baby wipes.

The number one way to prevent and treat hemorrhoids is to add more fiber to

your diet. Good sources of fiber are bran, whole  grain foods, potatoes, beans, and fresh fruits. Avoid ice cream, soft drinks, cheese, and white bread. Fiber will help you avoid constipation, soften the stool, and relieve the pressure on your hemorrhoids.

Being overweight is often a consequence of an inactive lifestyle and poor diet. Changing these two things will improve your health, including your

hemorrhoids. Try drinking the right amount of water, preferably 6 to 8 glasses a day. This will flush out your digestive system and keep it from becoming impacted. Stay away from alcohol because it draws water from your body and causes constipation. If your hemorrhoids are painfully swollen, take this as an excuse to rest. Go to bed for a while every day with an ice pack on your anal area.

Experts estimate that hemorrhoids affect one third of Americans. They cause rectal pain, itching, and bleeding. Consult your doctor if you have any anal bleeding to rule

out other serious problems. There are several products you can buy for relief but non-petroleum jelly will also help to relieve the irritation of pain, swelling, and itching.

Hemorrhoids can usually be prevented with a combination of diet modifications and good bowel habits. Never ignore the urge to go to the bathroom. For all health reasons,

drink plenty of nonalcoholic fluids. If your job requires you to sit for long periods, be sure to get up and walk around every hour or so to improve your circulation. Most constipation is caused by a combination of too little exercise and too little fiber and fluid in the diet. Therefore, we need to work to prevent constipation. Remember to eat a high-fiber diet. Snack on popcorn and fresh fruits. Drink plenty of fluids and exercise. And don't forget to get the rest your body needs to feel rested and refreshed for the days ahead.

The following 5 rules cover the essential principles of correct eating and will be of value in keeping you well and healthy:-

* Avoid unhealthful foods.

* Eat moderately.

* Eat regularly.

* Drink properly.

* Maintain cheerfulness.

To better understand what are best foods to keep the body in good working condition it is well to note God's original plan for man,

"Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat." Genesis 1:29
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