Like many millions of adult sufferers across the country, if you have hemorrhoids, then you want to find a way to shrink them and minimize your pain and discomfort as quickly as possible. The conventional thinking is that hemorrhoids are caused when a person strains to have a bowel movement, increasing the blood flow and pressure to the rectal area and which ultimately causes the veins in the area to bulge, thus creating the hemorrhoid. Hemorrhoids are often very painful and can cause mild to severe discomfort depending on the severity of the hemorrhoid itself. If you suspect you have hemorrhoids, you should make an appointment with your family physician in order to rule out a more serious condition. Once your diagnosis has been confirmed, there are a number of solutions you can incorporate in your daily life to begin shrinking hemorrhoids.

Primarily, change your diet! Aside from invasive medical procedures that can include the surgical removal of hemorrhoids, nothing will go further towards shrinking hemorrhoids than making sure you eat properly and drink plenty of fluids in order to stay hydrated. Foods rich in fiber, such as whole grain breads and cereals, as well as many fruits like cherries, bananas and oranges are ideal to either start eating or to consume more of. In order for proper bowel function, the recommended intake of fiber in a person's diet should be between 25 and 35 grams per day. Additionally, you should try to avoid foods that will continue to harden your stool making bowel movements difficult and the need to strain more prevalent... this will cause your hemorrhoids to flare up, which can cause additional pain and discomfort.

Too, staying properly hydrated is also a key component in shrinking hemorrhoids. By making sure your body is properly fueled and not missing any key nutrients, the likelihood of shrinking hemorrhoids is incredibly high. You should also begin a basic exercise routine that will break up your cycles of sitting or standing in one place for too long which will allow the blood to collect in the swollen hemorrhoid areas. By eating right and exercising, you can significantly shrink your hemorrhoids without the need for a doctor's intervention -- aside from the initial diagnosis, that is.