Alcohol and Hemorrhoids

50% of the Indian population suffers from hemorrhoids, according to a research study conducted in 2019. Despite how widespread the condition is, most people avoid seeking medical help. The reasons? Embarrassment, stigma, or simply not knowing enough. But if you have ever suffered from hemorrhoids or know someone who has, you have probably heard that alcohol might be a culprit. So, does your weekend drink really play a role in developing or worsening this painful condition?

A number of lifestyle habits can cause hemorrhoids, including a bad diet, chronic constipation, sitting for long periods, and straining to have a bowel movement. Alcohol often slips into the conversation as a possible trigger. Is it a direct cause, or does it just make things worse? Read on to find out and get the list of best drinks to avoid with hemorrhoids. 

What is a Hemorrhoid?

The anal canal consists of three columns, each with cushions that are made up of both vascular (blood vessel-rich) and non-vascular tissue. They regulate bowel movements and guard against involuntary leakage of stool. But when these cushions become swollen or inflamed as a result of external pressure, they result in a medical condition, which is known as hemorrhoids or piles. Depending on their position, hemorrhoids can be divided into two categories:

• Internal Hemorrhoids: They develop inside the rectum. They usually aren’t painful but can cause bright red bleeding during bowel movements. 
• External Hemorrhoids: These are formed under the skin around the anus. These are often painful, especially when irritated, and may lead to swelling and darker bleeding.

What Are the Major Causes of Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids develop due to the increased pressure in the lower rectum, which can cause the veins around the anus to stretch or swell. Several everyday habits and conditions can trigger this pressure, including:

• Straining too hard during bowel movements
• Long periods of sitting, particularly on the toilet
• Chronic diarrhoea or constipation
• Being overweight or obese
• Pressure caused by pregnancy
• Anal intercourse
• A fibre-poor diet
• Regular heavy lifting

Thus, these factors can contribute to the development or worsening of hemorrhoids. But wait, alcohol isn't on the list. So, does it really cause piles or worsen them? Let’s find out.

Also Read: Laser Treatment for Piles

Does Alcohol Cause Hemorrhoids?

So, alcohol consumption doesn't directly cause hemorrhoids, but it can contribute to their development and exacerbate existing symptoms. Here's how:

• Dehydration

When you consume alcohol, your body enhances urine output. This is when you lose more water than you consume, and this will easily result in alcohol induced-dehydration and hemorrhoids. Due to this, your intestine extracts more water from your stool to keep you hydrated. This mechanism makes your stool hard, dense, and drier than usual. Therefore, the elimination of hard stools becomes more difficult and usually involves straining during the bowel movement. Straining tightens pressure on the lower rectal and anal veins, causing them to bulge or swell, leading to hemorrhoids or worsening any present ones.

• Weight Gain 

Alcohol is calorie-dense, and it also increases appetite, especially for high-fat or processed foods. Over time, this combination can lead to abdominal obesity. Moreover, this excess belly fat also puts increased pressure on the lower part of the digestive tract, including the veins in the rectal and anal areas. Thus, causing these veins to stretch and swell into hemorrhoids. For those already dealing with hemorrhoids, weight gain can worsen symptoms like discomfort, itching, and swelling. Moreover, obesity is often associated with a sedentary lifestyle, which can further slow down digestion and increase the risk of constipation. This leads to the worsening of the existing hemorrhoids.

• Liver Diseases

Alcohol is one of the leading causes of liver conditions such as fatty liver and cirrhosis (a form of irreversible liver damage), contributing to over 43% of liver disease cases. Moreover, one of the lesser-known consequences of advanced liver disease from alcohol also includes portal hypertension, a condition in which blood flow through the liver becomes restricted, causing pressure to build in the portal vein system. This pressure affects surrounding veins, including those in the rectum and anus. As the veins swell under this increased pressure, hemorrhoids can form or worsen, especially internal ones. Individuals may also suffer from blood clotting, which can make hemorrhoids more prone to bleeding. 

• Lack of Fibre

Another indirect but significant way alcohol contributes to hemorrhoids is through poor nutrition. Individuals who drink heavily often replace balanced meals with alcohol or unhealthy foods. This can lead to a lack of nutrients, especially dietary fibre. Fibre softens the stool, making it easier to pass. Without enough fibre, stool becomes hard and dry, leading to constipation and straining during bowel movements. Thus, these two factors trigger hemorrhoids. Additionally, fibre deficiency may also lead to incomplete bowel emptying, prompting frequent trips to the toilet and further strain on the existing hemorrhoid.

Best Drinks To Avoid With Haemorrhoids

Giving up alcohol can be difficult, but you don’t have to quit all at once. Start by limiting your intake and replacing alcoholic and sugary beverages with healthier options that support hydration and digestive health. This is especially important because, as explained above, alcohol and rectal bleeding are closely linked, particularly in individuals with hemorrhoids. That’s why, stated below are a few smart drink swaps and the best drinks to avoid with haemorrhoids:

Get Rid of Hemorrhoids with Expert Dietary Tips!

Alcohol consumption can contribute to the development or worsening of hemorrhoids by increasing the risk of constipation, dehydration and abdominal obesity. All of these places added pressure on the veins in the rectal and anal areas. This can lead to discomfort that disrupts daily activities, making it painful to sit, pass stool or perform regular tasks. 

Early intervention not only prevents symptoms from becoming severe but also allows proper treatment and faster relief. So, if you're struggling with hemorrhoids, Apollo Spectra can help! With the right support, you can heal and perform your daily activities like you used to. 

And the next time someone asks, “can drinking worsen piles?”, share this blog with them. It might just be the eye-opener they need!