What foods can help fight hemorrhoids. How much fiber should you consume daily to prevent piles. Which vegetables are particularly beneficial for hemorrhoid relief. Why are whole grains important for digestive health. How do legumes contribute to easing hemorrhoid discomfort. What role do root vegetables play in managing hemorrhoid symptoms. How can oatmeal improve gut health and potentially reduce hemorrhoid issues.

Understanding Hemorrhoids: Causes, Symptoms, and Dietary Solutions

Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are a prevalent condition characterized by swollen or distended veins in the anus and lower rectum. These can cause significant discomfort, including pain, tenderness, bleeding, and intense itching. If left untreated, hemorrhoids may clot or bulge, potentially requiring surgical intervention.

While various treatments exist, dietary modifications play a crucial role in both alleviating symptoms and preventing future flare-ups. The key to managing hemorrhoids through diet lies in consuming adequate amounts of fiber.

The Importance of Fiber in Hemorrhoid Management

Fiber comes in two forms: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract and can be fermented by beneficial gut bacteria. Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, adds bulk to the stool, promoting regular bowel movements. Both types are essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system and preventing hemorrhoid-related issues.

How much fiber should you consume daily? Most adults should aim for 21-38 grams of fiber per day, depending on age and sex. This intake helps maintain regular bowel movements, reducing the need to strain during defecation—a common cause of hemorrhoid development and exacerbation.

Legumes: Fiber-Rich Powerhouses for Hemorrhoid Relief

Legumes, including beans, lentils, peas, soybeans, peanuts, and chickpeas, are exceptional sources of both soluble and insoluble fiber. These edible seeds from the Fabaceae family are particularly rich in soluble fiber, making them invaluable for hemorrhoid management.

For instance, a single cup (198 grams) of cooked lentils provides nearly 16 grams of fiber—approximately half of the recommended daily intake. This high fiber content helps bulk up stool, reducing the likelihood of straining during bowel movements and potentially easing hemorrhoid symptoms.

Benefits of Legumes for Digestive Health

• Promotes regular bowel movements
• Reduces the need for straining during defecation
• Supports overall gut health
• Provides a rich source of plant-based protein

How can you incorporate more legumes into your diet? Try adding lentils to soups, using chickpeas in salads, or enjoying a side of baked beans with your meals. The versatility of legumes makes them an easy addition to various dishes, supporting your efforts to manage hemorrhoids through diet.

Whole Grains: Insoluble Fiber for Improved Digestion

Whole grains are nutritional powerhouses that retain their germ, bran, and endosperm—components rich in beneficial nutrients, including fiber. These grains are particularly high in insoluble fiber, which aids digestion and can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids.

What constitutes a whole grain? While whole wheat bread and flour are common examples, the category extends to include barley, corn, spelt, quinoa, brown rice, whole rye, and oats. Each of these options provides unique flavors and textures while delivering the fiber necessary for hemorrhoid management.

Spotlight on Oatmeal: A Hemorrhoid-Friendly Breakfast Option

Oatmeal deserves special mention in the context of hemorrhoid relief. It contains beta-glucan, a specific type of soluble fiber that acts as a prebiotic, nourishing the beneficial bacteria in your gut. This promotion of a healthy gut microbiome can indirectly support hemorrhoid management by improving overall digestive health.

When choosing oatmeal, consider opting for steel-cut oats. Although they require longer cooking times, steel-cut oats are less processed and provide a heartier texture. A 1/4-cup (40-gram) serving of dry steel-cut oats offers about 5 grams of fiber, slightly more than quick-cook or rolled oats.

Cruciferous Vegetables: Insoluble Fiber and Gut Health Benefits

Cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, arugula, bok choy, kale, radishes, turnips, and cabbage, are renowned for their health benefits. While often praised for their anticancer properties, these vegetables also provide significant amounts of insoluble fiber, crucial for maintaining regular bowel movements and potentially alleviating hemorrhoid symptoms.

For example, a cup (76 grams) of raw broccoli contains approximately 2 grams of dietary fiber, all of which is insoluble. This fiber helps bulk up stools and promote regularity, potentially easing hemorrhoid discomfort.

The Gut Microbiome Connection

Cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolate, a plant compound that can be metabolized by gut bacteria. Research suggests that increasing cruciferous vegetable intake can diversify the gut microbiome within just two weeks. A diverse gut microbiome is associated with a more resilient gastrointestinal system and improved immunity, factors that may indirectly support hemorrhoid management.

How can you include more cruciferous vegetables in your diet? Try roasting Brussels sprouts as a side dish, adding kale to smoothies, or enjoying a broccoli and cauliflower stir-fry. The variety of cruciferous vegetables available makes it easy to incorporate them into meals throughout the week.

Artichokes: Prebiotic Fiber for Gut Health

Artichokes are an excellent source of fiber, with a medium-sized raw artichoke (128 grams) providing about 7 grams of this essential nutrient. The fiber in artichokes, particularly a type of soluble fiber called inulin, acts as a prebiotic, nourishing beneficial gut bacteria.

Human studies have demonstrated that inulin can increase the populations of beneficial gut bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. This promotion of a healthy gut environment may help prevent the onset of hemorrhoids or diminish existing symptoms by supporting regular bowel movements and overall digestive health.

Incorporating Artichokes into Your Diet

• Grill or steam whole artichokes as a side dish
• Add marinated artichoke hearts to salads or pasta dishes
• Blend artichoke hearts into dips or spreads
• Include artichokes in vegetable-based soups or stews

By regularly consuming artichokes, you can boost your fiber intake and support your gut health, potentially aiding in hemorrhoid management.

Root Vegetables: Fiber-Rich and Gut-Friendly Options

Root vegetables, including sweet potatoes, turnips, beets, rutabagas, carrots, and potatoes, are not only filling but also packed with nutrition. These vegetables are rich in gut-healthy fiber, typically containing 3-5 grams per serving. This fiber content can aid in maintaining regular bowel movements and potentially easing hemorrhoid symptoms.

It’s worth noting that much of the fiber in tubers is found in the skin. Therefore, to maximize the fiber content and potential hemorrhoid-fighting benefits, it’s best to consume root vegetables with their skin intact whenever possible.

The Role of Resistant Starch

Cooked and cooled white potatoes contain a type of carbohydrate known as resistant starch. This starch passes through the digestive tract undigested, functioning similarly to soluble fiber. Like other prebiotics, resistant starch helps feed beneficial gut bacteria, potentially reducing constipation and easing hemorrhoid symptoms.

How can you best prepare root vegetables to support hemorrhoid management? Roasting, steaming, sautéing, or boiling root vegetables with their skin on preserves their fiber content. These vegetables can also be mashed or incorporated into soups and stews for variety in texture and flavor.

Creating a Hemorrhoid-Friendly Meal Plan

Incorporating these fiber-rich foods into your daily diet can significantly contribute to managing hemorrhoid symptoms and promoting overall digestive health. Here’s a sample meal plan that combines various hemorrhoid-fighting foods:

Breakfast

• Steel-cut oatmeal topped with berries and chopped nuts
• Whole grain toast with avocado spread

Lunch

• Lentil and vegetable soup with a side of whole grain crackers
• Mixed green salad with roasted beets, chickpeas, and a light vinaigrette

Dinner

• Grilled chicken or fish with roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potato
• Quinoa bowl with steamed broccoli, carrots, and a lean protein source

Snacks

• Raw carrot and celery sticks with hummus
• A small handful of mixed nuts and seeds
• Artichoke heart and spinach dip with whole grain pita chips

Remember to gradually increase your fiber intake and stay well-hydrated to avoid potential digestive discomfort. By consistently choosing fiber-rich foods and maintaining a balanced diet, you can support your digestive health and potentially alleviate hemorrhoid symptoms over time.

Beyond Diet: Additional Strategies for Hemorrhoid Management

While a fiber-rich diet is crucial for managing hemorrhoids, it’s important to remember that dietary changes are just one aspect of a comprehensive approach to hemorrhoid care. Here are additional strategies that can complement your dietary efforts:

Stay Hydrated

Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining soft stools and preventing constipation. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily, adjusting based on your activity level and climate.

Regular Exercise

Physical activity promotes healthy digestion and can help prevent constipation. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Activities like walking, swimming, or cycling can be particularly beneficial.

Proper Toilet Habits

Avoid straining during bowel movements and limit time spent on the toilet. Use the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge to go, as delaying can lead to harder stools and increased straining.

Sitz Baths

Sitting in a few inches of warm water for 10-15 minutes, several times a day, can help relieve hemorrhoid discomfort and promote healing.

Over-the-Counter Treatments

Creams, ointments, and suppositories containing ingredients like witch hazel or hydrocortisone can provide temporary relief from hemorrhoid symptoms. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using these products.

By combining these strategies with a fiber-rich diet, you can create a comprehensive approach to managing hemorrhoids and promoting overall digestive health. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to both dietary changes and lifestyle modifications for long-term hemorrhoid management.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Hemorrhoids

While dietary changes and home remedies can be effective for managing many cases of hemorrhoids, there are instances where professional medical attention is necessary. It’s important to recognize the signs that indicate a need for medical evaluation:

Persistent Symptoms

If hemorrhoid symptoms persist for more than a week despite dietary changes and home treatments, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider.

Severe Pain or Bleeding

While some bleeding can be normal with hemorrhoids, excessive or persistent bleeding, especially if accompanied by severe pain, warrants immediate medical attention.

Changes in Bowel Habits

Significant changes in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation, especially when accompanied by hemorrhoid symptoms, should be evaluated by a doctor.

Hard or Painful Lumps

If you notice hard, painful lumps around the anus that don’t improve with home treatment, seek medical advice. These could be thrombosed hemorrhoids requiring professional care.

Recurrent Hemorrhoids

If you experience frequent hemorrhoid flare-ups despite lifestyle and dietary changes, a doctor can provide additional treatment options or investigate underlying causes.

Remember, while hemorrhoids are common and often manageable at home, they can sometimes be a sign of more serious conditions. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Embracing a Fiber-Rich Lifestyle for Long-Term Hemorrhoid Prevention

Adopting a diet rich in fiber and implementing lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids and help manage existing symptoms. By consistently incorporating the foods discussed—legumes, whole grains, cruciferous vegetables, artichokes, and root vegetables—into your daily meals, you’re not only supporting hemorrhoid management but also promoting overall digestive health.

Remember, the key to success lies in making sustainable, long-term changes to your diet and lifestyle. Gradual increases in fiber intake, coupled with adequate hydration and regular physical activity, can lead to lasting improvements in digestive health and a reduced likelihood of hemorrhoid flare-ups.

As you embark on this journey towards better digestive health, be patient with your body and consistent in your efforts. The benefits of a fiber-rich diet extend far beyond hemorrhoid management, contributing to overall well-being and potentially reducing the risk of other digestive issues.

By prioritizing your digestive health through dietary choices and lifestyle modifications, you’re taking proactive steps towards a more comfortable, symptom-free life. Remember to listen to your body, consult with healthcare professionals when needed, and celebrate the small victories as you work towards improved digestive health and hemorrhoid management.

15 Foods to Fight Hemorrhoids

The pain, tenderness, bleeding, and intense itching that accompany hemorrhoids are often enough to drive you up the wall.

Also known as piles, these distended or swollen veins in the anus and lower parts of your rectum can clot or bulge if left untreated, potentially requiring surgery (1, 2).

Fortunately, some foods can help alleviate symptoms — and even help prevent piles in the first place (3).

Here are 15 helpful foods for hemorrhoids.

When trying to avoid or prevent piles flare-ups, one major rule of thumb is to make sure you’re getting enough fiber (4).

You can get two types of fiber from food — soluble and insoluble. While the soluble kind forms a gel in your digestive tract and can be digested by friendly bacteria, insoluble fiber helps bulk up your stool (5, 6, 7).

To promote a healthy gut, you need both.

Legumes are the edible seeds of plants in the Fabaceae family. They include beans, lentils, peas, soybeans, peanuts, and chickpeas.

They’re loaded with both kinds of fiber but especially rich in the soluble type (8, 9).

For instance, 1 cup (198 grams) of cooked lentils packs nearly 16 grams of fiber. That’s about half of the recommended fiber intake (10).

Most adults should get 21–38 grams per day, though this may vary depending on your age and sex (11).

Lentils and other legumes can bulk up your stool, making it less likely that you have to strain when going to the bathroom. This can help prevent hemorrhoids or ease symptoms (12).

Like legumes, whole grains are nutritional powerhouses. That’s because they retain their germ, bran, and endosperm, which are loaded with beneficial components like fiber (7, 13).

Whole grains are especially rich in insoluble fiber. This helps move your digestion along, which can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with piles (13).

Keep in mind that whole grains go beyond hearty whole-wheat flour and bread. While these are good options, this category also includes barley, corn, spelt, quinoa, brown rice, whole rye, and oats (13).

Oatmeal is an especially good option to include in your diet when you’re trying to reduce symptoms of piles.

It contains a specific kind of soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which benefits your gut microbiome by acting like a prebiotic. Prebiotics help feed the friendly bacteria in your gut (14, 15).

When shopping for oatmeal, keep in mind that steel-cut oats take longer to cook but are less processed. They provide a more toothsome bite and about 5 grams of fiber per 1/4-cup (40-gram) serving of dry oats, compared with 4 grams for quick-cook or rolled oats (16, 17).

Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, arugula, bok choy, kale, radishes, turnips, and cabbage (18).

While they’re predominantly known for their anticancer properties, they also deliver an impressive amount of insoluble fiber (18).

For example, 1 cup (76 grams) of raw broccoli provides about 2 grams of dietary fiber, all of which is insoluble. This works to bulk up your stools and keep you regular (19).

What’s more, cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolate, a plant chemical that can be broken down by your gut bacteria (20).

One study in 17 adults found that increasing intake of cruciferous vegetables by 6.4 grams per pound (14 grams per kg) of body weight diversified their gut microbiome within 2 weeks (20).

Diversity of gut bacteria is linked to a more resilient gastrointestinal system, as well as improved immunity. This, as well as their insoluble fiber content, make cruciferous vegetables a great choice for preventing piles (20, 21).

Artichokes are loaded with fiber, with a raw, medium-sized one (128 grams) packing about 7 grams of this nutrient (22).

Like many fiber-rich foods, artichokes’ fiber helps feed the friendly bacteria in your gut (23, 24).

Two human studies found that inulin — a type of soluble fiber in artichokes — increased the number of beneficial gut bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli (24, 25).

This may help prevent the onset of piles or diminish its symptoms by keeping your gut healthy and regular (21, 26).

Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, turnips, beets, rutabagas, carrots, and potatoes are filling and packed with nutrition.

They’re rich in gut-healthy fiber, containing about 3–5 grams per serving.

When it comes to tubers, keep in mind that much of their fiber is harbored in the skin, so be sure to leave it on when you enjoy them (27).

What’s more, cooked and cooled white potatoes contain a kind of carbohydrate known as resistant starch, which passes through your digestive tract undigested. Like soluble fiber, it helps feed your friendly gut bacteria (28, 29, 30).

As this reduces constipation, it may ease piles symptoms.

The best way to incorporate root vegetables into your diet is to roast, steam, sauté, or boil them with their skin on. They’re also wonderful mashed, or cut up and baked skin-on as a substitute for fries.

From summer to winter, squash bring color and fiber to your dinner plate.

There are many varieties, including yellow squash, zucchini, acorn squash, butternut squash, and pumpkin.

The most fibrous of this bunch is acorn squash, which packs 9 grams of this hemorrhoid-fighting nutrient in every cup (205 grams) of baked cubes (31).

Enjoy squash roasted, sautéed, or boiled to help keep your digestive tract moving while warding off piles.

Another great vegetable to help with piles is bell pepper.

Each cup (92 grams) of sliced, mild peppers delivers nearly 2 grams of fiber (32).

While not as fibrous as some of the other vegetables included in this list, bell peppers are very hydrating with a water content of 93% (32).

Along with fiber, this makes your stool easier to pass and prevents straining.

Similarly to bell peppers, celery delivers a lot of water, as well as fiber. This softens your stools and diminishes the need to strain.

One large, 11–12-inch (28–31-cm) stalk provides 1 gram of fiber and consists of 95% water (33).

Slice this crunchy vegetable into salads, add it to soups or stews, or dip the stalks into a bit of your favorite nut butter.

Cucumbers and melons belong to the Cucurbitaceae family (34).

Like bell peppers and celery, they’re delicious ways to bring fiber and water into your digestive tract.

When enjoying cucumber, make sure to leave the skin on, as that will ensure you get the most fiber.

One medium pear packs nearly 6 grams of fiber, which is 22% of your daily fiber needs (11, 35).

Be sure to eat this fruit with the peel on, as that’s where a lot of the piles-defying fiber can be found.

Pears make an excellent snack on their own or can be stewed or tossed into soups or salads.

Like pears, apples boast an impressive amount of fiber.

For instance, one medium apple possesses nearly 5 grams of fiber. What’s more, some of this fiber is pectin, a soluble fiber that creates a gel-like consistency in the digestive tract (36).

This helps soften and bulk up your stool, easing straining and aiding the discomfort associated with piles.

While berries are considered fibrous, raspberries stand out as a fiber-packing powerhouse.

Simply eat 1 cup (123 grams) of raw raspberries for a whopping 8 grams of fiber with 85% water content (37).

Together, these nutrients will make it easier to go to the bathroom without straining.

Boasting both pectin and resistant starch, bananas are an ideal food to incorporate into your diet to calm piles symptoms (38, 39).

One medium, 7–8-inch (18–20-cm) banana provides 3 grams of fiber (40).

While its pectin creates a gel in your digestive tract, its resistant starch feeds your friendly gut bacteria — a great combination to help your hemorrhoids.

Prunes are considered nature’s laxative.

Studies show that eating a moderate amount — up to 10 prunes daily — can improve the consistency of stools and digestive motility among people with constipation (41).

This is attributed not only to fiber but also sorbitol. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that your intestines don’t digest well. It draws water into your digestive tract, softening stools and spurring the need to use the bathroom (42).

Stewed prunes pack a bit more water. To make them, simply simmer dried prunes in filtered water for 10 minutes or until soft.

Keeping yourself hydrated will help make stools softer and easier to pass.

How much water you should drink depends on your age, sex, and activity level. Be sure to opt for water the majority of the time. If you need a bit more flavor, infuse it with lemon slices or berries.

You may occasionally reach for other fluids that are low in sugar, such as unsweetened or mildly sweetened teas and clear low-sodium broths.

Generally, drinking eight 8-ounce glasses per day is recommended, but this is arbitrary advice that’s not rooted in scientific evidence. It comes down to what works best for you (43).

It’s a good idea to limit foods that are low in fiber. These can worsen constipation, which can trigger piles.

Low-fiber foods to avoid include:

• Dairy products. These include milk, cheese, and other varieties.
• White flour. This flour has had the bran and germ removed, making it less fibrous. Products made from this type of flour include white breads, pasta, and bagels.
• Red meat. Avoid this type of meat, as it takes longer to digest and may exacerbate constipation.
• Processed meats. These foods, such as bologna and other cold cuts, are low in fiber and high in sodium, increasing your risk of constipation.
• Fried foods. These can be hard on your digestive tract and difficult to digest.
• Salty foods. They may cause bloating and make your hemorrhoids more sensitive.

You should also avoid:

• Spicy foods. While not necessarily low in fiber, spicy food may increase pain and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids.
• Caffeinated beverages. These beverages, especially coffee, may harden your stools and make it more painful to use the restroom.
• Alcohol. Like caffeinated beverages, alcoholic drinks can dry up your stools and exacerbate the discomfort of piles.

Hemorrhoids, or piles, can cause a lot of pain and discomfort.

While certain foods may worsen your symptoms, others can be highly beneficial.

Increasing your fiber intake may help diminish symptoms — as can staying hydrated with plenty of water.

Whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits are loaded with fiber. Eating more of them may help keep you regular and ward off constipation — and therefore piles.

However, if your symptoms don’t improve or worsen, see your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for you.

Best and Worst Foods for Hemorrhoids

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• 2 Kinds of Fiber
• Beans, Lentils, and Nuts
• Grains
• Fruits and Vegetables
• What Not to Eat

“Eat more fiber. ” “Stay hydrated.”

That’s the advice everyone gets about hemorrhoids — and it’s good. But what does it mean in real life, when you’re at the grocery store or deciding what to put on your plate?

Let’s take a look at specific foods that can help this painful problem and ways to work them into your meals. And on the flip side, what you may want to stay away from.

Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like goo. (Picture what happens to oats when you mix them with water.) You want this stuff. It makes your stool soft, well-formed, and easy to pass. No constipation, little irritation. Sounds like the Holy Grail of poop, right?

Insoluble fiber is what your grandmother would call “roughage.” It doesn’t dissolve. (If you drop a chunk of celery in water, it just sits there.) It helps to keep things moving through — and out of — your system and to balance the chemistry in your intestines.

Many “high-fiber” foods have both kinds.

You should aim for 25-30 grams or more of fiber every day from what you eat, about twice what most Americans get. In general, you’ll want about a third of that to be soluble (more when you have diarrhea).

Too much fiber too fast can cause gas and bloating, so add a little bit to your diet at a time if you’re not used to it. You’ll also need to drink more fluids to help your body use that fiber: 8-10 large glasses (at least a half-gallon) of water every day.

You’ll get a lot of bang for your bite with the legume family. Just 1/2 cup of beans — such as kidney, navy, lima, or black beans — will cover about a third of your daily goal. It will have between 7 and 10 grams of fiber (both soluble and insoluble), depending on which variety you choose.

About 20 almonds or pecans have around 3 grams of fiber. A 1/2 cup of edamame does, too, and it only has about half the calories.

Instead of using just meat in chili and soups, add or substitute beans. You can also use beans and nuts in salads. Try Indian and Middle Eastern recipes, which often call for beans, lentils, and peas.

Swap white breads, pastas, and crackers for versions made with whole-grain flours, buckwheat, stone-ground cornmeal, or rye to boost the amount of insoluble fiber you’ll get. Cooked oats and barley will give you soluble fiber, too.

Instead of a plain white bagel for breakfast, have a packet of instant oatmeal — with twice the fiber for less than half the calories. Reach for no-butter popcorn when you get the munchies. Sprinkle oat bran or wheat germ on salads and soups.

You can’t go wrong with plant foods. Keep the skins on when they’re thin, like on apples, pears, plums, and potatoes. That’s where the insoluble fiber is, as well as compounds called flavonoids that can help control hemorrhoid bleeding.

Brightly colored produce — berries, grapes, tomatoes, and kale and other dark, leafy greens — are generally rich in flavonoids. And the fresher, the better. Try to keep them whole and not damage the skins or leaves until you’re ready to eat them. Avoid cooking to the point that their color fades.

A serving of fruit is often good for at least 10% of your daily fiber, usually 3 to 4 grams. A cup of leafy greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, winter squash, or green peas will get you 4 to 5 grams of fiber.

Some veggies and fruits have fiber plus a lot of water. Cucumbers, celery, mild bell peppers, and watermelon are mostly water — more than 90%.

Make a habit of adding another fruit or vegetable to any meal, like berries or bananas in your cereal, apple chunks on your salad, spinach in your omelet, or grated zucchini in your spaghetti sauce.

Snack on dried fruits like figs, apricots, and dates. Swap sugary baked desserts for fresh fruit — raw strawberries rather than strawberry pie.

Foods with little fiber can cause or make constipation (and therefore hemorrhoids) worse, so it’s best to limit how much you eat of them.

• White bread and bagels
• Milk, cheese, and other dairy
• Meat
• Processed foods such as frozen meals and fast food

Iron supplements can cause constipation and other digestive problems, so talk to your doctor before you take them.

Top Picks

Diet principles and food list

Constipation, hemorrhoids – everyone has experienced at least once the unpleasant and painful symptoms of these common bowel diseases. Regular and prolonged stool disorders (lack of bowel movements for more than three days) lead to the formation of hemorrhoids and rectal fissures. Inflamed hemorrhoids and anal fissures bleed, causing new and bigger problems. Vicious circle. A properly selected diet and a balanced diet for hemorrhoids and constipation will help prevent and significantly alleviate the course of the disease.

It is known that excessive consumption of protein food with insufficient amount of fluid consumed at different stages of hemorrhoids and constipation leads to the occurrence of fecal plugs. Hardened feces not only disrupt blood circulation in the vessels of the anus, thereby increasing hemorrhoids, but in some cases lead to their inflammation, bleeding and infection. That is why in people suffering from hemorrhoids, diet becomes one of the most important factors in the treatment of the disease, not only at the stage of exacerbation and in the postoperative period, but also for the prevention and remission of the disease.

Thus, a well-designed diet must necessarily include a large amount of water and foods high in fiber, which stimulates the intestines and has a slight laxative effect.

“Alan Clinic” is a specialized clinic for the treatment of hemorrhoids – with us you can undergo a comprehensive examination and treatment in 1-3 visits to the proctologist, as well as free post-treatment monitoring by the proctologist for 12 months.

What can be done for hemorrhoids and constipation

When compiling a menu for every day, it is necessary to focus on foods that are quickly absorbed and thereby stimulate the motor activity of the colon, normalizing the stable functioning of the digestive tract. These include:

• Cereals – barley, buckwheat, oatmeal, barley. It is allowed to cook cereals in water or milk with the addition of a small amount of butter.
• Vegetable fiber – vegetables (pumpkin, beets, carrots, cauliflower, tomatoes, cucumbers), fruits (sweet apples, plums, apricots, peaches, bananas, pears, dogwood, dried fruits), fresh herbs, seaweed, berries. Vegetables are recommended to be consumed raw at least once a day, as well as steamed, baked or used to make soups. You need to understand that it is the vegetable diet that is the basis of nutrition for hemorrhoids and constipation, as it contributes to the motor function of the intestine.
• Meat – dietary turkey and chicken. The bird, cleaned of skin and fat, can be consumed boiled, baked or steamed. It is allowed to cook casseroles, cutlets, dishes stuffed with vegetables, provided that they are not fried in oil.
• Fish – zander, cod, pike, pollock. The list of fish products can be expanded with any low-fat varieties cooked in foil, steamed or in the oven.
• Vegetable oils – pumpkin, linseed, cedar, sea buckthorn. By including these oils in your daily diet for a week, you help protect the intestinal mucosa, have an enveloping effect and enhance its motor function.
• Fermented milk products — kefir, yoghurt, fermented baked milk, curdled milk. The use of permitted dairy products enriched with bifidum and lactobacilli allows you to normalize the intestinal microflora and avoid constipation.
• Bakery products – only dried bread from durum cereals without the addition of yeast is allowed.
• Beverages – weak herbal tea, homemade juices and fruit drinks.

What not to do with hemorrhoids and constipation

We found out what can be eaten in the treatment of hemorrhoids and constipation, now let’s talk about which foods are strictly prohibited during the period of exacerbation of diseases and after surgery to remove hemorrhoids. Prohibited foods include:

• spicy, fatty and spicy foods,
• fried foods, including grilled foods,
• various sauces and condiments,
• canned, smoked, dried and marinated foods,

90 017 rich meat soups,

• spirits,
• radishes, turnips, cabbage, onions, garlic, radishes, legumes, potatoes,
• grapes, persimmons, quince , sweet, mousses and jellies,
• fresh bread, pastries made from yeast dough, with a lot of cream and cream.

All these products irritate the intestinal mucosa, contribute to increased gas formation and constipation.

Important! The daily diet for a week for men and women is based on fractional nutrition. The main balanced diet in small portions and light snacks between them allow you to establish regular defecation and shorten the recovery period after an acute onset of symptoms of the disease. A sparing diet is prescribed until the stage of remission is reached, when the inflammation goes away, cracks begin to heal and bleeding stops.

Author

Volkov Vladimir Anatolyevich

Deputy chief physician of the clinic. Doctor of the highest category.

Proctologist, surgeon, endoscopist.

Member of the Russian Society of Colorectal Surgeons (ROKH).

Nutrition for hemorrhoids – proper nutrition for hemorrhoids with bleeding and constipation

Hemorrhoids develop as a result of dysregulation of blood circulation in the rectum. But this is not the only factor that contributes to the appearance of this disease. An important reason that provokes hemorrhoids is nutrition.

It helps to get rid of constipation, iron deficiency anemia caused by hemorrhoidal bleeding. The products should contain fiber, be enough mineral salts, amino acids and vitamins.

Therefore, if a patient is diagnosed with hemorrhoids at the medical center “Leomed”, the diet is included in the course of hemorrhoids treatment. Without it, taking even the best and most expensive drugs will be ineffective.

Nutrition for hemorrhoids: what not to eat

Together with a list of recommended products, the doctor will also issue a list of what not to eat and drink with hemorrhoids. In fact, there are not so many restrictions, the main thing here is to stick to common sense. For example, it is better to refuse spicy or fried foods, but if you still eat spices from time to time, nothing bad will happen.

Need to exclude or limit:

• white bread
• confectionery
• muffin
• chocolate
• pasta
• canned food
• coffee
• legumes

But the opinion of proctologists regarding whether it is possible to drink alcohol with hemorrhoids is unequivocal. The diet for hemorrhoids and fissures implies a categorical ban on alcoholic beverages.

Otherwise, the recommendations on how to eat with hemorrhoids do not differ much from the general principles of a healthy diet. By adhering to them, you will avoid the development of many other unpleasant diseases.

Diet for exacerbation of hemorrhoids

Exacerbations can sometimes occur during the treatment of chronic hemorrhoids. During these periods, it is worth paying special attention to what food you decide to use for hemorrhoids, since your condition and the intensity of symptoms will depend on this. With acute pain and bleeding, it is important to adhere to a slag-free diet. Include protein omelettes, light meat broths, boiled meat in your diet. You need to drink at least 2 liters of water per day. In agreement with the doctor, decoctions of medicinal herbs are allowed.

If you have constipation and have not had a bowel movement for two days, your doctor may recommend taking a laxative.

Diet for hemorrhoids with bleeding

Diet for hemorrhoids and constipation should consist of vegetables, fruits, cereals. Especially useful are beets, carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, apples, bananas, plums and dried fruits. From cereals, it is better to add buckwheat or barley, as well as oatmeal, to the diet. Meat and fish should be steamed without adding spices in the usual amount.

Vegetables and fruits should be eaten whole and fresh, as they retain more fiber. It is responsible for the adsorption of water in the stomach, which means it contributes to an increase in fecal masses, reducing the risk of constipation. There is a lot of fiber in bran, wholemeal bread. You can also buy special nutritional supplements.

Knowing how to eat right with hemorrhoids will help you to continue to maintain a healthy diet. After all, the above recommendations help not only to quickly get rid of nodes and other manifestations of pathology, but also for preventive purposes.

Diet after hemorrhoid surgery

Your doctor should advise you on how to eat after hemorrhoid removal. In the Kyiv clinic “LeoMed” recommendations for the recovery period are necessarily given.

During the day after the operation, it is not recommended to eat food, only drink – ordinary clean drinking water or mineral water without gas. On such a diet, the body does not form fecal masses, which is important in the first 48 hours after surgery.

Then, within 2-3 days, you can gradually introduce green or herbal tea, dried fruits, liquid porridge on the water into the diet.

You need to eat at least 6 times a day, every 2.5-3 hours. After 3 days, fermented milk products are allowed to be added, and after a week, steamed fish and meat.

It is important not only to eat certain foods and avoid others, but also to adhere to a few simple nutritional principles. You need to eat often, but in small portions. Alcohol is strictly prohibited.

The LeoMed clinic will provide all the necessary recommendations for a faster recovery.

After the patient returns to normal activities and normal nutrition, the diet will still need to be monitored. It is not necessary to eat only vegetables and light soups, the menu can be tasty and varied. The main thing is to adhere to the basic principles of nutrition, avoid foods that provoke constipation, heaviness in the stomach, and increased intra-abdominal pressure.