Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are becoming an increasingly common medical condition. It refers to swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum, which can be painful and frustrating for patients. In most cases, simple steps help alleviate the symptoms, and the hemorrhoids resolve without any treatment, but one should understand what increases the risk of hemorrhoids to prevent them from developing.

1. Poor hydration
Poor hydration is the causative factor of more than just one health concern, and hemorrhoids are one of them. People who drink less than about half a gallon or eight glasses of water a day are susceptible to getting dehydrated, which can increase the risk of hemorrhoids.

2. A low-fiber diet
Including the right amount of dietary fiber in the daily diet is of grave importance. A lack of it can lead to unwanted weight gain and undesirable changes in bowel movement. Chronic constipation, which often results from a lack of dietary fiber intake, is known to increase the risk of hemorrhoids. The recommended fiber intake is 25-30 grams per day, and anything less than that can elevate the risk of constipation. So, diets rich in fast foods, frozen foods, red meats, cheese, chips, and foods laden with artificial sugars can increase one’s risk. One of the easiest ways to overcome this risk factor is to increase the intake of soluble fiber by including more fruits, vegetables, and soups in one’s diet.

3. Lack of regular activity
Lack of activity can have a range of negative effects on the body other than weight gain. One of the major setbacks of a desk job is the loss of muscle tone. Prolonged periods of inactivity can cause the body to lose muscle tone, which also affects the anorectal muscles. It can increase the risk of hemorrhoids and result in alternating constipation and diarrhea.

4. Pregnancy
Pregnancy is another common factor that increases the risk of hemorrhoids. The weight of the growing uterus presses against the vein in the colon, which can cause it to swell up. In some cases, women may also develop hemorrhoids after delivery as the force of labor contractions put more strain during childbirth.

5. Other health conditions
Health issues like advanced liver diseases, heart conditions, Crohn’s disease, or IBS can also increase the risk of hemorrhoids. Additionally, ascites or the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, which is often observed in people with advanced liver disease, can increase hemorrhoid risk. Being overweight or obese and having suffered an anal injury or rectal prolapse are crucial factors that increase the risk of hemorrhoids.

Apart from this, the patient’s family history is just as important, as one has a higher risk of developing the condition if someone in their family experienced it.