Inside the anus there are small glands that help ease bowel movements by lubricating the anus. Unfortunately, small pieces of stool can get caught in these glands and cause a blockage, ultimately leading to an infection or anal abscess. If left untreated the abscess can develop into an anal fistula, a small tunnel that develops inside of the infected gland and connects the gland to the skin outside of the anus.
Anal abscesses sometimes develop as a result of constipation and are the most common cause of anal fistulas. Other causes of anal fistulas are sexually transmitted diseases, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis or anal sex, factors that can also lead to anal fissures. Beverly Hills is seen as a premier area for health and nutrition, but without proper preventative care, painful conditions like anal fissures and fistulas can get the best of all of us.
While anal fistulas aren’t entirely preventable, it is possible to reduce your risk of anal abscess by eating a healthier diet. Your digestive health can cause problems like constipation, abdominal cramping and diarrhea which can in turn lead to painful conditions that affect the anus.
You don’t need to undergo a diet overhaul to improve your digestive health. By making small changes in your diet and lifestyle habits, you can reduce your risk of getting anal fistulas and other uncomfortable colorectal conditions while maintaining better digestive health.
Here are five strategies you can implement to begin improving your digestive health today:
- Limit Fatty Foods. Foods high in fat slow down the digestive process and increase your likelihood of becoming constipated. If you are going to eat fatty foods, do your best to pair them with foods that are high in fiber to cut your risk of becoming constipated.
- Eat on a Schedule. When your eating habits are sporadic, your body has a hard time maintaining a regular digestive schedule. Try to sit down for breakfast, lunch and dinner and have healthy snacks around the same time every day.
- Drink Water. Staying hydrated is just as important as eating a healthy diet. When water is present in your digestion system, fats are able to dissolve easier.
- Eat Fiber. There are two types of fiber: insoluble and soluble. Both are important for your digestive health. You can find fiber naturally in whole grains, nuts and fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Work Out Regularly: Many people are surprised to learn that exercise impacts their digestive health, but the truth is that working out regularly keeps foods moving through your system. Exercise does more to keep you healthy than just burning calories, so try to work out at least 30 minutes every day.
Other good digestive health habits are stress management techniques like deep breathing exercises and helpful hobbies like food journaling, which can help you stick to eating lean meats like poultry and pork instead of fatty red meats. Avoiding poor habits like smoking or drinking alcohol in excess will also promote good digestive health.
Poor dietary habits extend beyond what you eat and include habits like how and when you eat. By taking a step back and looking at what is healthy, you might be able to prevent a few uncomfortable digestive problems down the road.
