Hemorrhoids in the summer: Do they get worse?

It is a well-known fact that during the long, hot summer months, when the overall temperatures tend to rise, that our legs and other extremities are more likely to become swollen.^[1] The reason for this is because the heat causes our veins to dilate so that our bodies are able to regulate our temperature.

When it comes to hemorrhoids, the heat of the summer months can sometimes exacerbate the symptoms. In this article we explain the link between heat and hemorrhoids, and how to prevent the increase in temperature from worsening hemorrhoidal disease.

Can heat cause hemorrhoids?

Summer heat waves and raised temperatures in general can worsen symptoms of Chronic Venous Disease (CVD). In the same way, heat can be a factor that increases the swelling, pain, and itching of hemorrhoids. One of the main culprits of hotter temperatures flaring up hemorrhoids is linked with the venodilation effect that heat provokes in our bodies.

Venodilation refers to the mechanism that our bodies puts into action when the overall temperature of our body rises as a direct effect of increased atmospheric temperature. Through this process known as venodilation, the body widens the diameter of the veins themselves to allow for a better blood flow under the skin in order to reduce the body’s temperature.^[2]

Added to that, what we put into our bodies tends to change during the summertime, when we can easily indulge in more alcohol, spicy food, and a diet consisting of less fiber over these longer days. This overall change to our diet can increase the likelihood of suffering from constipation, and this added strain therefore increases the likelihood of suffering from hemorrhoids.

Finally, heatwaves carry with them the far greater danger of people easily and quickly becoming overwhelmed by dehydration. One of the direct results of dehydration is the increased risk, not only of constipation, but also of the veins within our bodies becoming enlarged and swollen.

Hemorrhoids, in turn, are the result of enlarged veins found in the anal area, so it makes sense that these lifestyle changes, when combined with the elevated temperatures to which we are exposed during the summer months, can lead to the increased likelihood of hemorrhoids forming.

 How does heat impact our gut health?

Hot temperatures can also have a direct effect on our digestive capabilities, such as loss of appetite or the capacity of the body to remain hydrated.

According to recent studies, stomach pain and other intestinal issues tend to happen more often during the warmer months, since heat itself can actually alter the bacterial composition of our gastrointestinal tract.^[3] The reason for this seems to be the fact that our blood flow changes during summer months to help our body maintain an adequate temperature, as we have explained previously. Those changes, however, also have an impact on our gastrointestinal system that can lead to constipation and even diarrhea.

While constipation can happen to all of us through different stages of our lives, it is the extra strain we put on the anal area that can cause the development of hemohrroids.

Understanding the potential effects that heat can have on the body and the gut is important if we want to lower the risks of hemorrhoids occuring by using some of the following tips.

Tips to prevent and treat hemorrhoids in the summer

During the hotter months of the year, here are some handy tips when it comes to preventing the development of hemorrhoids and avoid unnecessary constipation and straining.

• Add probiotics into your diet, such as kombucha or yogurt to keep a healthy gut bacteria and ensure a good bowel movement.^[4]
• Be active on a daily basis. Walking, breathing exercises, or even yoga can be great allies to prevent hemorrhoids from forming. By incorporating physical activities in your routine you will ensure that hemorrhoids stay away, even during the hottest months of the year.
• Keep hydrated. In summer it is especially important to keep the body properly hydrated. Make sure to drink enough water to make up for the increased rate of sweating that tends to happen during the summer.^[5]
• Limit the time you spend sitting down. To avoid putting added pressure on the anal area.
• Avoid alcohol consumption that can also increase dehydration and Alcohol is a diuretic^[6] beverage that increases dehydration within the body. Together with heat, alcohol can increase the likelihood of hemorrhoids, especially in the summer.
• Maintain a healthy diet which is high in fiber. Ensuring that an adequate amount of fiber is consumed on a daily basis is one of the key elements to keep hemorrhoids at bay.^[7] You can read more about what dietary changes to make to prevent hemorrhoids.
• Get familiar with venotonic oral medications. Oral venotonic medications are one of the very best methods of reducing both the development and recurrence of hemorrhoids. They not only alleviate symptoms, but they can also efficiently strengthen the tone of your veins, which in turn improves blood flow. ^[8]

Hemorrhoidal disease can become chronic and quickly worsen if left untreated. It is therefore important to get familiar with the disease and the signs that tell you it is time to visit the doctor.