Understanding Hemorrhoids -- the Basics
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What Causes Hemorrhoids? continued...
It's likely that extreme abdominal pressure causes the veins to swell and become susceptible to irritation. The pressure can be caused by obesity, pregnancy, standing or sitting for long periods, straining during bowel movements, coughing, sneezing, vomiting, and holding your breath while straining to do physical labor.
Diet has a pivotal role in causing -- and preventing -- hemorrhoids. People who consistently eat a high-fiber diet are less likely to get hemorrhoids, but those who prefer a diet high in processed foods are at higher risk. A low-fiber diet or inadequate fluid intake can cause constipation, which can contribute to hemorrhoids in two ways: It promotes straining during a bowel movement and it also aggravates the hemorrhoids by producing hard stools that further irritate the swollen veins.