Hemorrhoids are bumps or pouches of blood and tissue that form on the anus or in the rectal canal. These bumps inflamed blood vessels caused by chronic constipation, prolonged sitting, obesity, age, and biological factors such as genetics.
Hemorrhoids can be an absolute nightmare for people who do office jobs. While some hemorrhoids remain unnoticed and disappear on their own, others last much longer and become extremely painful. These hemorrhoids affect a person’s physical comfort and mental health, making regular activities such as walking, sitting, or using the bathroom a challenge. These hemorrhoids require attention and need to be treated medicines and a few home remedies.
Once a person develops hemorrhoids, chances of a flare up remain high despite ongoing treatment. Hence, the goal should be to focus on preventative measures over treatment.
Continue reading below to learn how desk workers are at risk of developing hemorrhoids and how one can minimize those risks.
How Are Desk Workers at Risk of Developing Hemorrhoids?
Most standard office hours require an employee to remain seated and work at a desk for almost eight to nine hours every day. America alone has nearly a million office workers that do desk jobs regularly. Although these jobs provide sustenance and growth, sitting in front of a desk for hours on end can affect a person’s physical and mental health.
When a person remains seated for long hours, blood accumulates in the vessels surrounding the anus and rectum. This accumulation of blood puts pressure on the vessel walls and may cause them to break or tear. The damaged blood vessels get inflamed as a result and form hemorrhoids.
Moreover, sitting for long hours means that the rectum and anus remain squeezed by the body’s weight. This prolonged compression may also cause hemorrhoids to develop.
Furthermore, when a person remains stressed at their desk job and doesn’t take any breaks, the stress causes them to tighten their sphincter muscles. This tightening puts pressure on the anus and rectum and can cause hemorrhoids to form.
Things Desk Workers Can Do to Minimize the Risks of Developing Hemorrhoids
Some office practices can minimize a person’s chances of developing hemorrhoids. Four of such practices are explained below:
1. Hemorrhoid Cushion
Since remaining seated is a must for some office jobs, one should try to make their seat as comfortable as possible. Investing in a donut-shaped hemorrhoid cushion allows a person to control the stress on the rectum and anus and thus prevent hemorrhoids from developing.
The unique designed cushion allows the buttocks to stay slightly apart, allowing the anus and rectum to feel less pressure. This cushion is also great for individuals trying to heal their hemorrhoids as it helps reduce friction, heat, and moisture.
All you need to do is place the cushion on your seat and sit on it
2. Request Multiple Short Breaks
Remember that your health comes first, no matter how important your desk job is. Talk to your employer and request more than one short break during your office timings. During the break, make sure to stay off your seat and walk around as much as you can.
Doing so will protect your anus and rectum from getting damaged under prolonged periods of stress and pressure. It will prevent blood accumulation and will promote a healthier blood flow.
Moreover, physical activity may help you shed some extra weight and minimize your chances of getting hemorrhoids.
All you need to do is design a work plan involving leaving your office seat for at least five minutes after every one hour. Such frequent breaks will also promote better blood flow to your brain, allowing you to de-stress and feel refreshed.
3. Indulge in Healthy Snacking
It is very common to see desk workers gain weight due to physical inactivity and unhealthy snacking habits. Eating during work can improve your mood and reenergize your body; however, the wrong snacks could negatively affect your health.
Purchasing unhealthy processed foods, instant noodles, donuts, pizzas, etc., at work indeed saves time but provides you little nourishment. All these food items have little to no fiber content. Lack of fiber causes the stools to become hard and stiff and thins out the gut’s lubricating ling. As a result, the person stays constipated, and hemorrhoids may form.
Hence, try to take the time to cook a healthy homemade lunch for your work. Include fresh fruits, greens and root vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and pulses in your meals to ensure you consume sufficient dietary fiber.
If cooking lunch is too inconvenient for you, purchase apples, pears, and berries over instant noodles and other processed snacks.
You can also request your office management to include healthier food items in their vending machine and office cafeterias.
4. Stay Hydrated
Water is key to a healthy body and regulated bodily systems. A hydrated body has a well-functioning and healthy digestive tract to control infections and prevent diseases.
When desk worker does not drink enough water, their stools become dry and hard. Moreover, the moist lubricant lining of the inner gut walls also gets thinner. As a result, the person gets constipated, and their chances of developing hemorrhoids increase.
To avoid this from happening, you need to take a measured water bottle with you to work and ensure that you consume two to three liters of water daily. You can also set up water reminders on your cellphone’s alarm system to remember drinking water.
If drinking too much water seems difficult, you can eat foods like cucumber or celery with high water content.
Furthermore, if carrying a bottle is inconvenient, you can request your office manager to arrange a water dispenser at the workplace.
Final Thoughts!
Work may be important, but your health is more valuable. Hence, take care of your body.
Using a special cushion, taking frequent breaks, and maintaining a healthy diet can minimize the chances of developing hemorrhoids due to office work.
For more information regarding hemorrhoid prevention and relief, click here.
