How Exercise May Effect Hemorrhoids

Ask someone what medical condition they would least like to have and chances are that hemorrhoids would rank at least somewhere in the top five. Indeed, hemorrhoids are one of the most maligned diseases precisely because it is so embarrassing, and not to mention painful! The condition seems to invade our most private spaces. Also, it is not the easiest medical condition to talk about, even in the private recesses of our doctor's offices.

It is estimate that hemorrhoids affect up to one-third of all Americans. Men are more likely to suffer from hemorrhoids than women, and the chances of developing the condition seems to increase with age. What are some of the other prevalent risk factors that seem to emerge time and again in the course of research studies? It appears that one of the greatest risk factors that determines whether you will suffer from hemorrhoids or not is physical activity. Whether or not you will develop hemorrhoids seems very connected to the amount of physical activity that you get.

 Since physical activity seems to be a major preventative factor in the development of hemorrhoids, it makes sense to want to get more exercise, particularly if you suspect you are more vulnerable to developing hemorrhoids. So, you've decided to take on exercise for the sake of a healthier body and the prevention of hemorrhoids. What sort of exercises are you supposed to do? Some researchers suggest that some exercises work better at hemorrhoids prevention than others. What are good exercises for the prevention of hemorrhoids, and which should be avoided altogether? Here are a few ideas for developing your very own anti-hemorrhoid exercise routine.

The key to your exercise routine should be muscle tone. According to research, individuals with good, strong muscle tone are much less likely to suffer from hemorrhoids. Good muscle tone refers to muscles that are firm yet flexible. Bad muscle tone refers to muscles that have gone lax from disuse. To encourage good muscle tone, the following exercises are highly recommended: running, walking, swimming, aerobics, and yoga. All of these, done on a regular basis, can result in good muscle tone. Other exercises that may be taken up for the sake of preventing hemorrhoids include all types of exercise that strengthen the abdominal area, as well as the sphincter muscles and glutei. Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after periods of extended physical activity. Drinking more water will also help you in your quest to a more healthy body.

Finally, one of the most popular anti-hemorrhoid exercise is the famous 'buttocks press.' To complete the buttocks press, simply begin a sequence of contracting and releasing the buttocks muscles. The best think about the buttocks press is that it can be done just about anywhere, whether you are on an airplane or driving. The buttocks press is important in the prevention of hemorrhoids because it makes the anal sphincter muscles become stronger, which is the area where hemorrhoids tend to develop.