Low-Fiber Diet & Constipation:

A diet lacking in fiber is one of the leading contributors to anal health problems, including fissures, hemorrhoids, and indirectly, anal fistulas. When your body doesn’t get enough fiber:

• Stools become hard, leading to straining during defecation.
• Constipation rises intra-rectal pressure.
• Tiny anal glands can get blocked or infected, triggering abscess formation.

Over time, repeated infections and abscesses can evolve into a fistula.

Solution:

• Include plenty of fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits (especially papaya, guava, apple), vegetables (like carrots, spinach, and pumpkin), and legumes.
• Drink at least 8–10 glasses of water daily to maintain the stools soft and comfortable to pass.

Sedentary Lifestyle:

A sedentary routine, specifically one involving long hours of sitting, can lead to:

• Poor blood circulation in the pelvic area
• Increased pressure on the anal region
• Delayed healing of minor infections or abscesses

Prolonged sitting, particularly on hard surfaces, can also worsen the symptoms of an existing fistula or contribute to the development of abscesses due to trapped sweat and poor hygiene.

Solution:

• Take frequent breaks if your work involves sitting for long durations.
• Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily—walking, yoga, or swimming can be beneficial.
• Use cushions or soft seating to minimize pressure on the anal area.

Poor Toilet Habits:

Spending too long on the toilet seat or forcing bowel movements can lead to straining. This improves the risk of:

• Damaging the sensitive anal tissues
• Blocking anal glands, leading to infections

Solution:

• Maintain a regular bowel routine.
• Go to the toilet only when you have the urge—not just by habit.
• Avoid using mobile phones while sitting on the toilet, which can unconsciously improve time spent.

Smoking and Alcohol Consumption:

Smoking and heavy alcohol use negatively affect immunity and wound healing. They:

• Impair blood circulation
• Improve inflammation in the body
• Delay healing of infected tissues
• Improve the risk of chronic infections, which can turn into fistulas

Solution:

• Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake to stimulate healing and overall gut health.
• Opt for liver-friendly, anti-inflammatory foods instead, such as turmeric milk, beetroot, and green tea.

Spicy and Oily Food Intake:

While occasional indulgence is okay, a diet consistently high in spicy, fried, and processed food can upset the digestive tract and:

• Aggravate anal glands
• Improve chances of loose stools or diarrhea, which can worsen perianal skin condition
• Promote infection in an already sensitive area

Solution:

• Prefer home-cooked, less spicy meals.
• Add soothing items like buttermilk, curd, flaxseeds, and soaked raisins to your daily diet.