Can Stress Cause Haemorrhoids? The Connection Between Your Mind and Your Gut

Haemorrhoids are a common but often uncomfortable condition, affecting millions of people worldwide. While many factors contribute to their development, stress is an often-overlooked trigger. The connection between stress and haemorrhoids lies in how stress influences bowel habits, leading to straining, constipation, and other digestive issues. If you’re struggling with haemorrhoids, getting haemorrhoid treatment from a colorectal surgeon in Melbourne can provide relief. In severe cases, haemorrhoid removal may be necessary to restore comfort and quality of life.

How Stress Affects Your Gut

When you’re stressed, your body enters fight-or-flight mode, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. While this response helps in short bursts, chronic stress wreaks havoc on digestion. Studies show that prolonged stress can slow down bowel movements, leading to constipation, or speed them up, causing diarrhoea—both of which can contribute to haemorrhoids.

Constipation and Straining

One of the primary causes of haemorrhoids is excessive straining during bowel movements. Stress often disrupts gut function, leading to constipation, which forces individuals to strain excessively. This pressure on the rectal veins can cause haemorrhoids or worsen existing ones.

Diarrhoea and Frequent Bowel Movements

On the other hand, stress can cause diarrhoea in some people. Frequent bowel movements irritate the rectal area, increasing the likelihood of inflammation and haemorrhoid flare-ups.

Poor Dietary Habits Under Stress

Many people cope with stress by consuming processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol—all of which can contribute to poor gut health and digestive issues. A lack of fibre in the diet makes stools harder, increasing the risk of haemorrhoids.

The Gut-Brain Connection

The gut and brain are intricately linked through the enteric nervous system, often referred to as the “second brain.” Stress affects gut motility, bacterial balance, and inflammation, all of which can contribute to haemorrhoid development.

Research highlights the strong link between stress and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition that often leads to chronic constipation or diarrhoea—both risk factors for haemorrhoids. Managing stress can therefore play a significant role in preventing and managing haemorrhoids, which is essential to your health over the long term.

Managing Stress to Prevent Haemorrhoids

Since stress plays a key role in bowel health, adopting stress-management techniques can help prevent haemorrhoids.

1. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can reduce stress levels and support better digestion.
2. Regular Exercise: Physical activity helps regulate bowel movements and reduce stress, making it an essential tool for both mental and gut health.
3. Hydration and Fibre-Rich Diet: Drinking enough water and consuming fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can prevent constipation and reduce haemorrhoid risk.
4. Seeking Medical Advice: If stress-related bowel issues are causing recurring haemorrhoids, consulting a colorectal surgeon in Melbourne is advisable. They can recommend the best haemorrhoid treatment, including lifestyle changes or, in severe cases, haemorrhoid removal.
5. Prioritise Quality Sleep: Poor sleep increases stress and disrupts digestion, leading to constipation or diarrhoea. Aim for at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night to support gut health and reduce haemorrhoid risk.
6. Avoid Prolonged Sitting: Sitting for long periods, especially on hard surfaces, puts pressure on the rectal veins, increasing the risk of haemorrhoids. Take breaks to stand, stretch, or walk every 30-60 minutes.
7. Reduce Caffeine and Alcohol Intake: Excess caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate the body and irritate the digestive system, contributing to constipation or frequent bowel movements. Choose herbal teas, kombucha, or water to support gut function.
8. Establish a Regular Bowel Routine: Rushing or delaying bowel movements can cause straining or irritation. Try to go at the same time each day, preferably after meals, when the body’s natural reflex to pass stool is strongest.
9. Consider Professional Support for Stress Management: If stress is significantly impacting your digestion and overall well-being, speaking to a therapist or psychologist can help develop effective coping strategies to protect both your mental health and gut health.

The Bottom Line: How to Protect Your Gut and Mind

The link between stress and haemorrhoids is clear—stress-induced digestive issues can lead to straining, irritation, and haemorrhoid flare-ups. Managing stress through lifestyle changes, a balanced diet, and hydration is crucial to stopping this vicious cycle. If symptoms persist, a colorectal surgeon in Melbourne can provide expert guidance on haemorrhoid treatment options and, if needed, haemorrhoid removal. Taking care of both your mental and gut health is the key to long-term digestive wellness.