The doctor warned about the relationship of chronic stress with the occurrence of hemorrhoids

Constant nervous tension contributes to the exacerbation of hemorrhoid symptoms, affecting the functioning of the intestines and the general condition of the body. Ulyana Novichkova, a coloproctologist at the SM Clinic, told Izvestia about this on February 5.

"Stress is not a direct cause of hemorrhoids, but it can worsen their symptoms or contribute to the development of risk factors. There are several mechanisms of influence. Firstly, chronic stress disrupts the work of the brain–intestine axis, which often leads to constipation or diarrhea, and straining during bowel movements is the main provoking factor for hemorrhoids," the specialist explained.

With constant nervous tension, the muscles of the body, including the pelvic floor, are in a state of spasm. They relax worse, which makes the bowel movement more difficult. In addition, people often change their eating habits due to stress, reducing their fiber intake and increasing the amount of fast food, caffeine or alcohol, which also leads to constipation.

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The doctor paid special attention to the perception of pain. With chronic stress and anxiety, the pain threshold decreases. This means that even a small nodule can cause severe discomfort and anxiety, creating a vicious circle.

The specialist stressed that the effects of stress rarely manifest themselves in isolation — it exacerbates existing problems, increasing the effect of other risk factors.

"An important part of prevention is dealing with stress levels. Breathing exercises, walking, and moderate physical activity every day help reduce stress and have a beneficial effect on bowel function. Chronic stress is a real factor that can trigger physiological changes, so it is important to adjust your lifestyle in a timely manner," Novichkova advised.

Earlier, on January 28, 2025, DDX Fitness fitness trainer Yuri Averyanov recommended that you stop delivering groceries to your home and go shopping on your own. He noted that a low-activity lifestyle has become one of the most common problems of our time, as people spend most of the day sitting at a computer. The fitness trainer reminded that an active lifestyle helps to improve the musculoskeletal system, toning the muscles of the body and delivering the right amount of nutrients to the joints.

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