Project M

The experiment was conducted to determine the effects of a dietary fiber supplement on the lower digestive tract. Progress was tracked by an arbitrary but relative rating system on a daily basis.

During the fall and spring of the years 2000-2001 there was much discussion among collage-aged students as to the impact of dietary fiber on proliferation of hemorrhoids later in life. Such talk was a side argument of the greater question of what can people do during their lives to prevent hemorrhoids in general. Theories ranging from the amount of time spent during a restroom trip, to what brand of toilet tissue was used, to the amount of fiber that was present in a person's diet were debated as primary causes.

Researchers are not certain what exactly causes hemorrhoids, however, they do know that it is a dilated vein that can swell up (painfully) and cause general discomfort and digestive tract problems. Accoring to WebMD.com approximately half of Americans will experience problems with hemorrhoids between the ages of 20 and 50 (http://my.webmd.com/content/article/3608.1084) Current treatment methods include dietary change to injections to laser surgery for removal or reduction of irritation. See your doctor for more information.

It is a general consensus that there is a better solution to this problem, and that solution is prevention. However, consumer health education glosses over this important topic and even advertisements for over the counter drugs such as Preparation H are confined to the black hole of daytime television not to mention that these are treatments and not preventions.

Nutrition and Diet
Prevent constipation by following a high-fiber diet. Meals and snacks should consist primarily of vegetables, fruit, nuts and whole grains, and as few refined foods and meats as possible. If this is a big change for you, introduce the new foods slowly, to avoid gas. If you aren't able to eat enough high-fiber food, supplement your diet with psyllium stool softeners or bulk-forming agents. (Avoid laxatives, which cause diarrhea that can further irritate the swollen veins.) Drink at least eight glasses of water each day; if your life is especially active or you live in a hot climate, you will need more. It's almost impossible to drink too much water.

Fiber Supplements such as Metamucil have advertised their products based on the benefits of the continuation of "regularity" and also as a way to reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood stream. However, one of the theorized benefits of daily fiber supplements is the reduction of the risk for hemorrhoids. It is believed that this is not included on their platform of benefits because there is not enough research to support this plank. Our experiment is geared at bringing attention to this important area of research and to prevent this unsavory and stigmatic condition.

This is not meant as a definitive piece of research, it is really more oriented as a springboard from which further (and actually funded) studies can leap towards the betterment of society as a whole. Special thanks go to awalters (dietary consultant) and siverson (research consultant and horrified gawker).