Piles, also known as hemorrhoids or bawasir in Hindi, are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus. While not usually dangerous, they can cause significant discomfort, including pain, itching, bleeding, and difficulty passing stools. Understanding the major causes of piles is essential to prevent and manage this condition effectively. we’ll explore the most common causes of piles and how lifestyle choices can either trigger or help avoid this issue.


What are Piles?

Piles are two types: internal (form within the rectum) and external (form below the skin in the vicinity of the anus). Symptoms may be as slight as mild irritation or as bad as pain, depending on the size, location, and swelling of the hemorrhoid.

As per Ayurveda and Up-to-date medical research, piles are mainly due to poor digestion, chronic constipation, and excessive straining during defecation. However, a number of lifestyle and dietary factors are responsible for initiating this condition.

Let's explore the most important causes of piles.

1. Straining While Having Bowels

Excessive straining on the bowel is one of the main causes of piles. Increased pressure inside the rectum increases the swelling of the veins, resulting in hemorrhoids. This usually occurs when you:

Stay too long on the toilet

Force a bowel

Hold your breath while pushing

 
2. Chronic Constipation

Chronic constipation is one of the major causes of hemorrhoids. Hard and dry stools are harder to pass through, causing prolonged straining, which in turn over time makes the rectal veins and tissues weak and more prone to piles.

Constipation can be caused by:

Low-fiber diet

Insufficient fluid intake

Lack of exercise

3. Chronic Diarrhea

Though constipation is a recognized cause, chronic diarrhea can also contribute to hemorrhoids. Loose stools occurring frequently irritate the rectum, causing Swelling and damage to the blood vessels.

Besides the irritation, frequent wiping or washing makes things worse and facilitates the formation of external piles.

An imbalance of doshas, particularly Pitta and Vata, may contribute to chronic diarrhea. Digestion and gut balance are essential.

4. Low-Fiber Diet

Another leading cause of piles is a diet without dietary fiber. Fiber softens stools and helps to have regular bowel movements. If stools lack sufficient fiber, they become hard, dry, and difficult to move out.

Some common symptoms of low-fiber diet:

Feeling bloated

Bowel movements that are less frequent

Stools that are hard or pellet-like

5. Heavy Lifting

Continuous heavy lifting can lead to sudden increases in abdominal pressure. Gradually, this pressure affects veins in the anus and rectum, resulting in the development of piles.

Whether at the gym with weights or engaging in manual work, it is important to lift with proper form and refrain from holding one's breath while lifting.

6. Sedentary Sitting

Sedentary lifestyles are increasingly a primary cause of a number of health problems, including hemorrhoids. Too much sitting—especially on hard surfaces—narrows blood flow around the area of the anus, swelling the veins.

Hours at a desk, or even while traveling, can be particularly dangerous.

7. Pregnancy

Pregnancy hugely raises the risk of piles, particularly in the third trimester. The expanding uterus puts pressure on the veins in the pelvis, slowing the flow of blood and making veins swell.

Hormonal changes in pregnancy can also cause constipation, further increasing the risk.

Straining at delivery is also a cause of postpartum hemorrhoids.

8. Obesity

Both overweight and obesity raise the pelvic and rectal veins' pressure, predisposing them to swelling. Obesity also commonly goes along with physical inactivity and a poor diet, both of which enhance the formation of piles.

9. Too Much Alcohol or Hot Food

Regular intake of alcohol and hot food can stimulate the digestive tract and interfere with bowel movements. Alcohol is a drying agent, causing stools to become hard, and hot foods can induce inflammation in the gastrointestinal system.

10. Genetic Predisposition

If you have piles in your family, you have a higher likelihood of developing piles. Heredity can impact the strength of vein walls, digestive habits, and even the bowel habits.


Lifestyle Habits That Help Prevent or Manage Piles

Eat a High-Fiber Diet

Add whole grains, leafy greens, fruits, and legumes to keep stools soft and move them regularly.

Stay Hydrated

8–10 glasses of water a day keep stools soft and easy to pass without straining.

Exercise Regularly

Walking, yoga, or swimming enhances digestion, circulation of blood, and aids in maintaining a normal weight—relieving pressure on rectal veins.

Establish a Bowel Routine

Try to use the bathroom at the same time every day and never neglect the natural bowel urge.

Use the Bathroom Properly

Don't sit for extended periods on the toilet. Think about using a footstool to raise your legs and use a natural squatting position, which facilitates easier bowel movements.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Weight loss decreases the pressure on pelvic and rectal veins.

Practice Stress Management

Yoga, meditation, and proper sleep minimize digestive disturbances associated with stress.

Apply Natural Remedies

Add Ayurvedic herbs and products that aid digestion and lower inflammation—such as:- Triphala, Isabgol,  Aloe Vera, Guggul, Buttermilk with Rock Salt & Cumin, Coconut Oil

Final Thoughts: Prevention Is Better Than Cure

While painful and embarrassing piles are a certainty for some, they are primarily avoidable through simple lifestyle and dietary adjustments. Knowing the cause—ranging from chronic constipation and constant sitting to family predisposition—gives you the power to control your well-being. Ayurvedic care, like our reliable product Piles Zero Challenge, is best utilized in association with good habits and early attention.