During the winter, the climate is relatively dry, and people tend to consume more rich, sweet, greasy, and warming foods, which can easily lead to “internal heat” and subsequent anorectal conditions such as constipation, anal fissures, and bleeding from hemorrhoids. Among the commonly encountered benign anorectal diseases in clinical practice, hemorrhoids rank first, followed by anal fistula, with perianal abscesses and intestinal polyps tied for third place.

Hemorrhoid flare-ups are primarily associated with fatigue, overconsumption of spicy and irritating foods, and alcohol intake. During the winter months, which often coincide with the year-end period, middle-aged and young adults tend to work overtime and stay up late more frequently, leading to increased fatigue; at the same time, there is a marked rise in the consumption of spicy and irritating foods and in social drinking occasions. All these factors can trigger hemorrhoid attacks, resulting in symptoms such as prolapse, pain, and bleeding; in severe cases, massive hemorrhage may occur, necessitating prompt medical attention.

Patients with hemorrhoids and constipation are prone to anal fissures; particularly in winter, a diet high in spicy, drying, and heating foods or the use of warming tonics can lead to hard, dry stools, resulting in fissure-related bleeding and excruciating pain.

Perianal abscess presents with swelling and pain around the anus, along with a sensation of fullness, heaviness, or a foreign body. A firm mass can often be palpated in the affected area, which tends to gradually enlarge; in severe cases, low-grade fever may also occur. This is an infectious condition that can be alleviated with early intervention. However, many patients initially disregard the symptoms and only seek medical attention when redness, swelling, heat, pain, and fever develop.

If perianal abscesses are not treated effectively, they can progress to anal fistulas and become chronic, refractory conditions. Clinically, there is an observed increase in the number of patients with perianal abscesses during the winter months. This may be due, in part, to the accumulation of heat-toxins during the summer, which then manifest in winter; alternatively, it may be related to changes in dietary habits during the colder season.

Consuming excessive amounts of “hot” foods can easily lead to constipation, but some individuals may instead experience diarrhea—this varies depending on each person’s constitution.

Paying attention to diet is the most important aspect of preventing anorectal diseases. Many fruits and snacks may seem harmless, but consuming them in excess can still lead to physical discomfort. For example, eating too much chocolate can cause dry stools; grapes contain tannins, which have an astringent effect, so overeating them can easily result in constipation; and consuming excessive amounts of hot or acidic foods can also lead to dry stools.

People who suffer from constipation can consume foods with a laxative effect, such as black sesame seeds and walnuts. These can be ground into powder and mixed with water, or baked into pastries. However, roasted black sesame seeds and walnuts tend to be drying in nature, so they should be eaten in moderation. Goji berry tea also promotes bowel movements; those with poor sleep may add a few chrysanthemum flowers for added benefit.

It is important to note that individuals with a family history of polyps or tumors should pay close attention to symptoms such as rectal bleeding and seek medical evaluation promptly. Even in the absence of symptoms of anorectal disease, this high-risk group should undergo regular fecal occult blood testing starting at age 40; a positive result warrants further evaluation with colonoscopy.

There are many causes of constipation, and physicians will tailor treatment measures to each patient’s specific condition. Therefore, if you develop constipation, never self-medicate with laxatives.

Winter is the ideal season for tonifying the body, and almost every household thinks about how to nourish themselves through diet. Some people eat mutton or dog meat, while others opt for sesame-and-walnut powder, sea cucumber congee, or black chicken soup.

Appropriate dietary supplementation can indeed strengthen the body and prevent disease; however, improper selection of ingredients may lead to physical discomfort or even trigger illness. Therefore, it is essential to choose foods based on one’s constitution and in accordance with a physician’s guidance. Even nourishing foods are not necessarily better in larger quantities—no matter what you eat, moderation is key.

Patients with anorectal diseases should avoid consuming excessive amounts of “hot” foods during the winter, such as beef, lamb, dog meat, dried longan, and dried lychee. Overconsumption of these foods may lead to bleeding from hemorrhoids and even perianal abscesses.

Some people enjoy drinking warming and tonifying medicinal wines in winter, while others like to add spices such as Sichuan pepper, fennel, cinnamon, and black pepper to their dishes. However, these pungent and irritating ingredients can easily trigger anorectal disorders.

Some people, upon hearing that Euryale seeds and Coix seeds can transform dampness, begin to consume them daily as part of their staple diet. However, although these two herbs can strengthen the spleen, promote diuresis to dispel dampness, and even stop diarrhea, long-term consumption can actually lead to constipation.

In short, winter health preservation should not be a one-size-fits-all approach; rather, it requires tailoring practices to one’s own constitution and any existing medical conditions. By maintaining a healthy diet, one can enjoy the snowy winter scenery while also safeguarding one’s health.