Here are a few ways to help you prevent hemorrhoids:

• Eat a high-fibre diet. A high-fibre or high-bulk diet will move through the large intestine more easily and keep bowel movements from being too solid or too loose. Foods high in fibre include:
• Bran foods such as bran cereals and whole wheat bread
• Green leafy vegetables such as celery, lettuce and spinach. Also turnips, cabbage and carrots
• Fresh fruits, especially plums, apricots and apples
• Stewed or canned fruit such as prunes or figs
• Fruit juices
• Exercise. A regular, controlled exercise plan gives tone to the supporting muscles of the anorectal area as well as the abdomen.
• Practice proper hygiene. Carefully cleanse the anorectal area and remove matter that may aggravate pain and irritation.
• Use stool softeners when necessary. Stool softeners keep bowel movements moist and soft, helping them pass through the intestines more easily and be expelled without straining.