What foods can help alleviate hemorrhoid symptoms. Which dietary choices should be avoided when dealing with hemorrhoids. How can fiber intake be optimized for hemorrhoid relief. What role does hydration play in managing hemorrhoids. Which fruits and vegetables are most beneficial for hemorrhoid sufferers. How do legumes and whole grains impact hemorrhoid health. What are the potential risks of certain foods for those with hemorrhoids.

Understanding Hemorrhoids and the Role of Diet

Hemorrhoids are a common and often painful condition affecting millions of people worldwide. While there are various treatment options available, diet plays a crucial role in both the prevention and management of hemorrhoids. By making informed food choices, individuals can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve their overall digestive health.

The Importance of Fiber in Hemorrhoid Management

Fiber is often touted as the cornerstone of hemorrhoid relief, but why is it so crucial? Dietary fiber helps to soften stools and increase their bulk, making them easier to pass. This reduces straining during bowel movements, which is a primary cause of hemorrhoid flare-ups.

There are two types of fiber that play distinct roles in digestive health:

• Soluble fiber: Dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance, softening stools and aiding in their smooth passage.
• Insoluble fiber: Adds bulk to stools and helps move waste through the digestive system more efficiently.

For optimal hemorrhoid management, it’s recommended to consume 25-30 grams of fiber daily, with a balance of both soluble and insoluble types.

Top Fiber-Rich Foods for Hemorrhoid Relief

Incorporating fiber-rich foods into your diet is essential for managing hemorrhoids. Here are some of the best options to consider:

Legumes: The Fiber Powerhouses

Beans, lentils, and peas are excellent sources of both soluble and insoluble fiber. A half-cup serving of most legumes provides 7-10 grams of fiber, making them an efficient way to meet your daily fiber needs.

How can you incorporate more legumes into your diet?

• Add beans to soups, stews, and chili recipes
• Use lentils as a meat substitute in pasta sauces
• Snack on roasted chickpeas or edamame
• Include a variety of beans in salads and grain bowls

Whole Grains: The Fiber-Filled Foundation

Whole grains are rich in insoluble fiber and provide a sustainable energy source. Opt for whole-grain versions of bread, pasta, and crackers to boost your fiber intake.

Which whole grains should you prioritize for hemorrhoid relief?

1. Oats (especially steel-cut or rolled oats)
2. Barley
3. Quinoa
4. Brown rice
5. Whole wheat products

Fruits and Vegetables: Nature’s Fiber-Rich Remedies

Fruits and vegetables are not only rich in fiber but also contain flavonoids, which can help control hemorrhoid bleeding. Aim to consume a variety of colorful produce to maximize the benefits.

Which fruits and vegetables are particularly beneficial for hemorrhoid sufferers?

• Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Apples (with skin)
• Pears
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Leafy greens (spinach, kale, collard greens)
• Carrots
• Beets

The Hydration Factor: Water’s Role in Hemorrhoid Management

While fiber is crucial, it’s equally important to maintain proper hydration. Adequate water intake helps soften stools and prevents constipation, reducing the risk of hemorrhoid flare-ups.

How much water should you drink to support hemorrhoid relief? Aim for at least 8-10 large glasses (approximately 2 liters) of water daily. This amount may need to be increased if you’re consuming more fiber or exercising regularly.

Hydrating Foods for Hemorrhoid Health

In addition to drinking water, you can increase your fluid intake through hydrating foods. Some excellent options include:

• Cucumber (96% water)
• Celery (95% water)
• Watermelon (92% water)
• Zucchini (94% water)
• Tomatoes (94% water)

Incorporating these water-rich foods into your diet can help maintain proper hydration and support overall digestive health.

Foods to Avoid When Managing Hemorrhoids

While focusing on fiber-rich and hydrating foods is essential, it’s equally important to be aware of foods that may exacerbate hemorrhoid symptoms. Certain dietary choices can lead to constipation or irritation, potentially worsening the condition.

Low-Fiber Foods to Limit

Foods that are low in fiber can contribute to constipation, increasing the risk of hemorrhoid flare-ups. Consider limiting or avoiding the following:

• White bread and bagels
• Processed foods (e.g., frozen meals, fast food)
• Refined grains (e.g., white rice, regular pasta)
• Fried foods

Potential Irritants to Watch Out For

Some foods may cause irritation or inflammation in the digestive tract, potentially aggravating hemorrhoid symptoms. Be cautious with:

• Spicy foods
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Citrus fruits (in large quantities)

It’s important to note that individual responses to these foods may vary. Pay attention to your body’s reactions and adjust your diet accordingly.

Practical Tips for Incorporating Hemorrhoid-Friendly Foods

Making dietary changes can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can successfully integrate hemorrhoid-friendly foods into your daily routine.

Gradual Fiber Increase

When increasing your fiber intake, it’s crucial to do so gradually to avoid digestive discomfort. How can you smoothly transition to a higher-fiber diet?

• Start by adding one extra serving of fruits or vegetables to your daily meals
• Swap refined grains for whole grain alternatives one meal at a time
• Introduce legumes into your diet slowly, starting with small portions
• Monitor your body’s response and adjust accordingly

Meal Planning for Hemorrhoid Relief

Planning your meals in advance can help ensure you’re getting a balanced mix of fiber-rich foods throughout the day. Consider these meal ideas:

1. Breakfast: Oatmeal topped with berries and a sprinkle of chia seeds
2. Lunch: Whole grain sandwich with lean protein and plenty of veggies
3. Dinner: Grilled fish with quinoa and roasted vegetables
4. Snacks: Apple slices with almond butter or carrot sticks with hummus

The Role of Supplements in Hemorrhoid Management

While a balanced diet should be the primary focus for hemorrhoid relief, some individuals may benefit from supplements. However, it’s crucial to approach supplementation with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Fiber Supplements: Pros and Cons

Fiber supplements can be a convenient way to increase fiber intake, especially for those struggling to meet their daily requirements through diet alone. Common fiber supplements include psyllium husk, methylcellulose, and inulin.

What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of fiber supplements?

• Pros:
  • Convenient and easy to use
  • Can help achieve recommended daily fiber intake
  • May provide quick relief from constipation
• Cons:
  • May cause bloating or gas, especially if introduced too quickly
  • Don’t provide the additional nutrients found in whole foods
  • Can interact with certain medications

Caution with Iron Supplements

Iron supplements are known to cause constipation in some individuals, which can exacerbate hemorrhoid symptoms. If you’re taking iron supplements, discuss alternatives or adjusted dosages with your healthcare provider.

Long-Term Dietary Strategies for Hemorrhoid Prevention

While managing acute hemorrhoid symptoms is important, adopting long-term dietary strategies can help prevent future flare-ups and promote overall digestive health.

Establishing Healthy Eating Habits

Developing consistent, health-conscious eating habits is key to long-term hemorrhoid prevention. What steps can you take to establish these habits?

• Create a diverse meal plan that includes a variety of fiber-rich foods
• Practice mindful eating to avoid overeating and promote better digestion
• Establish regular meal times to encourage consistent bowel movements
• Listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues

Lifestyle Factors That Complement a Healthy Diet

Diet alone isn’t the only factor in hemorrhoid prevention. Consider incorporating these lifestyle changes to support your dietary efforts:

1. Regular exercise to promote healthy digestion and bowel function
2. Stress management techniques, as stress can impact digestive health
3. Avoiding prolonged sitting, which can put pressure on the rectal area
4. Practicing good toilet habits, such as not straining during bowel movements

By combining a fiber-rich, well-hydrated diet with these lifestyle modifications, you can significantly reduce your risk of hemorrhoid flare-ups and improve your overall quality of life.

Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Your Approach

As you implement dietary changes to manage hemorrhoids, it’s important to monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed. Every individual’s body responds differently, so what works for one person may not be as effective for another.

Keeping a Food and Symptom Journal

Maintaining a food and symptom journal can be an invaluable tool in identifying patterns and triggers. How can you effectively use a food journal for hemorrhoid management?

• Record all foods and beverages consumed, including portion sizes
• Note any hemorrhoid symptoms or changes in bowel habits
• Track your daily fiber and water intake
• Observe any correlations between certain foods and symptom flare-ups

Regular Check-ins with Healthcare Providers

While dietary management can be highly effective, it’s crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. Regular check-ins can help ensure your approach is working and allow for timely adjustments if needed.

What topics should you discuss with your healthcare provider during these check-ins?

1. Changes in symptom frequency or severity
2. Any difficulties in maintaining the recommended diet
3. Concerns about nutrient deficiencies
4. Potential need for additional treatments or interventions

Remember, managing hemorrhoids is often a process of trial and error. Be patient with yourself as you find the dietary approach that works best for your body and lifestyle.

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

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.