Simple diet change could relieve painful bathroom symptoms, experts say - AOL.com

Video Gut health doctor reveals dangerous health issue that affects men more than women Dr. Daryl Gioffre, gut health specialist and certified nutritionist, spoke with Fox News Digital about how acid reflux is becoming a "silent epidemic" among men and what they can do about it. More than half of people over 50 have experienced hemorrhoids, according to the National Institutes of Health and other medical sources. To help patients and providers navigate this common issue, the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) recently released updated clinical practice guidelines in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. The update focuses on a simple approach, emphasizing lifestyle modifications over quick-fix products. HEART DISEASE THREAT PROJECTED TO CLIMB SHARPLY FOR KEY DEMOGRAPHIC Hemorrhoids are swollen, enlarged veins that develop both internally and externally. According to the Cleveland Clinic, they can range from a minor annoyance to a source of significant pain and rectal bleeding. Experts estimate that one in 20 Americans have hemorrhoids that irritate them. They become more common with age. They are also particularly common during pregnancy due to increased pelvic pressure, though these cases can usually be managed with conservative symptom care. The guidelines warn against the overuse of topical steroids. While they can reduce inflammation, using them for more than two weeks can cause irritation. (iStock) One takeaway from the AGA update is that a promising treatment for hemorrhoids is often found in the pantry rather than the pharmacy. The experts labeled increased fiber intake as a "reasonable first-line therapy." By softening the stool and increasing its bulk, fiber reduces the need for straining, a culprit behind hemorrhoid flare-ups.