What are the best foods to eat when you have hemorrhoids. Which foods should you avoid if you suffer from hemorrhoids. How can dietary changes help prevent and manage hemorrhoid symptoms. What role does fiber play in hemorrhoid prevention and treatment. Why is staying hydrated important for people with hemorrhoids.

Understanding Fiber: The Key to Hemorrhoid Prevention

When it comes to managing hemorrhoids, fiber is your best friend. There are two types of fiber that play crucial roles in maintaining digestive health and preventing hemorrhoid flare-ups:

Soluble Fiber

Soluble fiber dissolves in water, forming a gel-like substance in your digestive tract. This type of fiber helps create soft, well-formed stools that are easy to pass, reducing strain during bowel movements. Good sources of soluble fiber include oats, barley, and fruits like apples and berries.

Insoluble Fiber

Insoluble fiber, often referred to as “roughage,” doesn’t dissolve in water. It adds bulk to your stool and helps move waste through your digestive system more efficiently. Whole grains, nuts, and vegetables like celery and carrots are excellent sources of insoluble fiber.

How much fiber should you aim for? The recommended daily intake is 25-30 grams, which is about twice what the average American consumes. Gradually increasing your fiber intake can help prevent gas and bloating. Remember to drink plenty of water – at least 8-10 large glasses per day – to help your body process the added fiber effectively.

Legumes: Fiber-Rich Powerhouses for Hemorrhoid Relief

Beans, lentils, and other legumes are excellent additions to a hemorrhoid-friendly diet. They provide a significant amount of both soluble and insoluble fiber, making them ideal for maintaining regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.

• Kidney beans
• Navy beans
• Lima beans
• Black beans
• Lentils
• Chickpeas

Just half a cup of beans can provide 7-10 grams of fiber, covering about a third of your daily requirement. Incorporating legumes into your diet is easier than you might think:

1. Add beans to soups and chili recipes
2. Use lentils as a meat substitute in tacos or pasta sauces
3. Toss chickpeas or edamame into salads
4. Snack on roasted chickpeas or bean-based dips like hummus

Can nuts help with hemorrhoids? Yes, nuts are another excellent source of fiber. A small handful of almonds or pecans (about 20) provides around 3 grams of fiber. They’re also packed with healthy fats and protein, making them a satisfying and nutritious snack option.

Whole Grains: A Fiber-Filled Foundation for Digestive Health

Switching from refined grains to whole grains is a simple yet effective way to increase your fiber intake and support hemorrhoid prevention. Whole grains retain all parts of the grain kernel, including the fiber-rich bran and germ, which are removed in refined grains.

Best Whole Grain Options for Hemorrhoid Prevention

• Oats (especially steel-cut or rolled oats)
• Barley
• Quinoa
• Brown rice
• Whole wheat bread and pasta
• Buckwheat
• Rye

How can you incorporate more whole grains into your diet? Try these simple swaps:

1. Replace white bread with whole grain varieties
2. Opt for whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta
3. Choose brown rice over white rice
4. Start your day with a bowl of oatmeal instead of sugary cereals
5. Use whole grain flours in baking

Is popcorn good for hemorrhoids? Yes, air-popped popcorn can be an excellent snack for those managing hemorrhoids. It’s a whole grain that’s high in insoluble fiber and low in calories when prepared without added fats or sugars.

Fruits and Vegetables: Nature’s Hemorrhoid Fighters

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is essential for managing hemorrhoids. These plant-based foods not only provide fiber but also contain compounds called flavonoids that can help control hemorrhoid bleeding.

Top Fruits for Hemorrhoid Relief

• Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Apples
• Pears
• Plums
• Watermelon
• Figs
• Prunes

Vegetables That Combat Hemorrhoids

• Leafy greens (spinach, kale, collard greens)
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Winter squash
• Green peas
• Cucumbers
• Celery

How can you maximize the benefits of fruits and vegetables for hemorrhoid relief? Keep these tips in mind:

1. Eat fruits and vegetables with their skins when possible (e.g., apples, pears, potatoes) as the skin contains insoluble fiber and flavonoids.
2. Choose brightly colored produce, which tends to be rich in flavonoids.
3. Consume fruits and vegetables as fresh as possible to preserve their nutrient content.
4. Avoid overcooking vegetables, as this can reduce their fiber content and nutrient value.

Are dried fruits good for hemorrhoids? Yes, dried fruits like figs, apricots, and dates can be beneficial due to their concentrated fiber content. However, consume them in moderation as they are also high in calories and natural sugars.

Hydration: The Unsung Hero in Hemorrhoid Management

While not a food, water plays a crucial role in preventing and managing hemorrhoids. Proper hydration is essential for several reasons:

• It helps soften stools, making them easier to pass.
• It supports the digestive system in processing fiber effectively.
• It helps prevent constipation, a common cause of hemorrhoid flare-ups.
• It promotes overall digestive health and regularity.

How much water should you drink to help with hemorrhoids? Aim for at least 8-10 large glasses (about half a gallon) of water per day. This recommendation may increase if you’re consuming more fiber or live in a hot climate.

Hydrating Foods for Hemorrhoid Relief

In addition to drinking water, you can increase your fluid intake through water-rich foods:

• Cucumber (96% water)
• Zucchini (95% water)
• Watermelon (92% water)
• Tomatoes (94% water)
• Strawberries (91% water)
• Cantaloupe (90% water)

Can other beverages help with hydration for hemorrhoid relief? While water is the best choice, herbal teas, clear broths, and fruit-infused water can also contribute to your daily fluid intake. However, limit caffeine and alcohol, as these can have a dehydrating effect.

Foods to Avoid: Minimizing Hemorrhoid Triggers

While incorporating fiber-rich foods is crucial for hemorrhoid management, it’s equally important to be aware of foods that can exacerbate symptoms or contribute to constipation. Here’s a list of foods to limit or avoid:

Low-Fiber Foods

• White bread and bagels
• Refined pasta and rice
• Processed snack foods
• Chips and crackers made with refined flours

Dairy Products

Some people find that dairy products can contribute to constipation. If you’re sensitive to dairy, consider limiting:

• Milk
• Cheese
• Ice cream
• Yogurt (unless it’s probiotic-rich and agrees with your digestion)

Red Meat

Red meat is low in fiber and can be difficult to digest. Opt for lean proteins like fish, poultry, or plant-based proteins instead.

Processed and Fast Foods

These foods are often high in sodium, unhealthy fats, and low in fiber. They can contribute to constipation and inflammation, potentially worsening hemorrhoid symptoms.

Spicy Foods

While not a problem for everyone, spicy foods can irritate hemorrhoids in some individuals. If you notice increased discomfort after consuming spicy dishes, it may be best to avoid them during flare-ups.

Are there any supplements to avoid if you have hemorrhoids? Iron supplements can cause constipation in some people. If you need iron supplementation, discuss alternative formulations or dietary sources with your healthcare provider.

Creating a Hemorrhoid-Friendly Meal Plan

Incorporating hemorrhoid-friendly foods into your daily diet doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a sample meal plan to inspire you:

Breakfast

• Steel-cut oatmeal topped with berries and chopped almonds
• A slice of whole-grain toast with avocado
• Herbal tea or water

Mid-Morning Snack

• Apple slices with a small handful of walnuts
• Or carrot sticks with hummus

Lunch

• Lentil soup with mixed vegetables
• Side salad with leafy greens, cucumber, and tomatoes
• Whole grain roll
• Water or unsweetened iced tea

Afternoon Snack

• Greek yogurt with chia seeds and sliced peaches
• Or air-popped popcorn

Dinner

• Grilled salmon
• Quinoa pilaf with herbs
• Steamed broccoli and carrots
• Water or sparkling water with a slice of lemon

Evening Snack (if needed)

• A small bowl of mixed berries
• Or a few dried figs

How can you ensure you’re getting enough fiber throughout the day? Keep a food diary to track your fiber intake. Gradually increase high-fiber foods in your diet, aiming for 25-30 grams per day. Remember to increase your water intake as you add more fiber to your diet.

By focusing on fiber-rich foods, staying hydrated, and avoiding potential trigger foods, you can create a diet that not only helps manage hemorrhoid symptoms but also promotes overall digestive health. Remember, dietary changes should complement, not replace, medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance on managing hemorrhoids.

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.

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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.