Dehydration is often claimed to be a cause of hemorrhoids. The idea is that when you are dehydrated, your body pulls water from wherever it can find it, including the colon. This results in harder stools that require more straining to pass. And straining is a major cause of enlarged hemorrhoids.
While plausible in theory, there is little solid evidence confirming dehydration as a direct cause of hemorrhoids. However, staying hydrated does appear to help prevent constipation and hard stools, which are proven risk factors for hemorrhoids. So in that respect, proper hydration may offer some indirect protection against hemorrhoids.
What causes hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are enlarged and swollen veins located in the lowest part of the rectum and anus. There are two types of hemorrhoids:
- Internal – develop inside the rectum and are not visible from the outside
- External – develop under the skin around the anus and can be felt or seen
Hemorrhoids are thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Straining during bowel movements
- Sitting for long periods of time on the toilet
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation
- Low fiber diets
- Being overweight or obese
- Pregnancy
- Genetics
Of these, straining to pass stools appears to be the biggest culprit in hemorrhoid formation. When you strain excessively, it increases the pressure in the veins around your anus and rectum. Over time, this abnormal pressure causes the veins to swell and expand, forming hemorrhoids.
How might dehydration cause hemorrhoids?
When the body lacks sufficient fluid, it tries to pull water from wherever it can to maintain vital functions. The colon is a decent reservoir for extra water when dehydrated. As water gets pulled from your colon, stools become harder and more difficult to pass.
To push out hard, dry stools you have to strain more. And excessive straining is a well-established pathway to enlarged hemorrhoids. So in theory, dehydration could promote constipation and straining, thereby raising hemorrhoid risk.
Is there any research evidence?
There is surprisingly little research specifically examining dehydration as a cause of hemorrhoids. However, some related studies provide clues:
- Multiple studies confirm constipation and straining substantially increase hemorrhoid risk. So these are proven risk factors.
- Drinking adequate water does appear to help prevent constipation, suggesting hydration may have indirect benefits.
- One small study found hemorrhoid patients reported drinking less water than people without hemorrhoids.
- Rat studies show dehydration leads to increased water absorption in the colon. But effects on stool consistency are less clear.
Overall the evidence is limited. But it does seem plausible that poor hydration could contribute to the other known causes of hemorrhoids like constipation and straining.
Tips to prevent dehydration and hemorrhoids
Since staying well hydrated may help prevent the problematic bowel movements that cause hemorrhoids, here are some tips to avoid dehydration:
Drink plenty of fluids
- Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of non-caffeinated fluids per day. Water is best.
- Increase your fluid intake even more if you perspire heavily or exercise for long periods.
- Drink extra fluids in hot climates or at high altitudes where dehydration risk is greater.
- Avoid relying too much on thirst as an indicator of your fluid needs.
Monitor your urine
- Check that you are urinating at least every 2-4 hours throughout the day.
- Urine should be a pale yellow color. Dark yellow suggests you need more fluids.
Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Eat plenty of water-rich fruits and veggies like grapes, watermelon, cucumber, lettuce, celery, etc.
- Fruits and veggies add essential fluids along with fiber that helps prevent constipation.
Avoid dehydrating foods and liquids
- Limit caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and energy drinks which have mild diuretic effects.
- Avoid excessive alcohol intake which also acts as a diuretic.
- Be cognizant of salty foods which can increase fluid losses.
Treat underlying causes of dehydration
- Diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and intense exercise can deplete fluids, so treat causes early.
- Certain medications like diuretics, laxatives, and blood pressure pills may contribute.
- Control diabetes which increases urination and fluid losses.
Other tips to prevent hemorrhoids
Along with avoiding constipation through good hydration, the following lifestyle measures can further reduce hemorrhoid risk:
- Eat a high fiber diet with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- Don’t delay or rush when having a bowel movement.
- Exercise regularly to prevent constipation.
- Avoid prolonged sitting on the toilet.
- Lose weight if overweight or obese.
- Avoid heavy lifting activities that increase abdominal pressure.
Treating hemorrhoid symptoms
Making lifestyle modifications should help prevent hemorrhoids or keep them from worsening. But several treatment options are also available for managing symptoms:
Over-the-counter remedies
- Stool softeners and laxatives to ease straining.
- Ointments, creams, suppositories, or wipes to relieve swelling and irritation.
- Sitz baths can provide comfort.
Medical procedures
- Rubber band ligation puts rubber bands around internal hemorrhoids to cut off circulation.
- Sclerotherapy injects a chemical solution into hemorrhoids to shrink them.
- Coagulation therapies use infrared light, heat, or cold to clot hemorrhoidal blood vessels.
- Hemorrhoidectomy surgically removes large external hemorrhoids.
Conclusion
While the link between dehydration and hemorrhoids needs more research, proper hydration appears beneficial. Drinking adequate fluids can help prevent constipation and hard stools – known contributors to enlarged hemorrhoids. Along with other lifestyle measures, staying well hydrated may help reduce your risk of developing troublesome hemorrhoids.