Are you suffering from hemorrhoids? Not knowing what to eat or what to not? No need to worry at all, In this article I am diving into 5 foods to avoid with hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are most commonly referred to as piles, a worldwide spread disease—hemorrhoids specialized with swollen veins of the rectum and anus which cause pain, discomfort, and bleeding.
Many factors contribute to the development of hemorrhoids, but out of all factors, diet plays a very crucial role in controlling the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
5 Foods to avoid with hemorrhoids
Certain foods worsen hemorrhoids. Before jumping into foods to avoid with hemorrhoids, let’s recall what exactly happened in hemorrhoids( swollen anus or rectum that causes pain and bleeding while defecation).
Constipation can be the major cause of hemorrhoids as their symptoms are related to each other. So, dietary recommendations for both conditions should be somewhat related.
1. Processed foods
Processed foods including all bakery items, frozen foods, and morning snacks contain unhealthy fats, refined sugars, lack of fiber, high amounts of salt, and preservatives can contribute to constipation which is the main risk factor for hemorrhoids.
These lack essential nutrients like fiber, which causes poor digestion and painful bowel movements(constipation). To avoid hemorrhoid symptoms it is recommended to avoid processed foods.
2. Spicy foods
Spicy foods contain capsaicin that irritates digestive tracts and leads to the increased risk of inflammation and discomfort upon defecation in a person with hemorrhoids.
To avoid irritation, it is advisable to limit the use of spices such as chili powder, hot peppers, and spicy sauces. Spicy foods don’t cause hemorrhoids, but they may irritate anal fissures
3. Caffeine and alcohol
These both cause dehydration which leads to constipation and may trigger the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Caffeine mainly found in tea, coffee, and certain sodas is a diuretic that increases urination production and causes more fluid loss.
4. Dairy products
Dairy products which include ice creams, cheese, milk, and non-probiotic yogurt contain high levels of lactose that causes constipation, and irritation in the anal area. To cope with hemorrhoid symptoms limit intake of full-fat dairy products that are low in fiber and high in saturated fats( slower digestion, irregular bowel movements, dry and hard stool).
5. Red meat
Red meat in itself is a challenge to digest because of its high fat content and extremely low fiber content that causes constipation. Specially processed and fatty cuts, trigger inflammation.
Moreover, processed meat like sausages and bacon contains food additives and preservatives that irritate and upset the digestive tract.
Recommended foods in hemorrhoids
High fiber foods
- Whole grains: For regular bowel movements and softer stools choose high-fiber foods including quinoa, brown rice, oats, and whole wheat.
- Fruits and vegetables: To gain fiber, include fruits and vegetables (apples, carrots, spinach, oranges, broccoli, beans, lentils, and chickpeas) in your diet. Avoid consuming too much fat because it may cause gas or bloating in some people.
Fluids and hydration
- Water: staying hydrated throughout the day by consuming plenty of water is a coping strategy for constipation making stools softer and become easy to pass out.
- Herbal tea: For some extra hydration include chamomile and peppermint teas instead of coffee that contains caffeine(an irritant for bowel movement).
Probiotic-rich foods
- Yogurt: Low-fat or no-fat yogurt with live cultures helps in the balance of gut bacteria and supports optimal digestion.
- Kefir: This is a fermented dairy product that has lots of probiotics that support the overall digestive system.
Healthy fats
- Avocados: Rich in monounsaturated fats and high in fiber content. Avocados are a good option to include in a hemorrhoid diet that has a minimum load on digestion.
- Nuts and seeds: Always consider adding unsalted nuts like almonds, chia seeds, and flax seeds into your diet for hemorrhoids. Nuts provide additional fiber and healthy fats. These also have anti-inflammatory properties that help treat the swollen rectum or anus.
Herbs and spices
- Turmeric: Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can be a good source to reduce inflammation.
- Ginger: When following a hemorrhoid hemorrhoid-friendly diet, always add ginger to your tea or in cooking as it heals the inflammation and smoothens the digestion process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much fiber should we consume every day?
The recommended daily allowance of fiber is 20-35 grams per day for a healthy individual.
Which fruit contains a high content of soluble fiber?
Orange is a fruit that contains a high content of soluble fiber. 1 large orange contains about 4.4 grams of fiber.
How much water should I drink a day?
Hydration is the most important factor in the treatment of hemorrhoids. You should need to drink 9-14 cups of fluid in a day.
Ending note
In this blog post, we have discussed 5 foods to avoid with hemorrhoids. Besides foods, there are certain other factors to consider when treating hemorrhoids.
Don’t try to overeat. Always go for frequent small meals throughout the day to ease the process of digestion. Practice mindful eating to avoid digestive discomfort.
Always consult with your healthcare provider or professionals before adopting any dietary changes. Always start with gradual changes to observe body responses.
