The intense pain, bleeding, and itching that come with hemorrhoids are enough to make you crazy and troublesome. Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are distended or swollen veins in the anus or lower region of the rectum that can clot or swell if left untreated and may need surgery. Around 1 in 20 people suffer from hemorrhoids, and symptoms vary from mild irritation to extreme pain that hinders their day-to-day activities.
Hemorrhoids are categorised by inflamed veins in the anus and rectum, which can lead to sensitivity, itching, pain, and bleeding. It also makes the bowel movements more painful and hard, which may produce mucus discharge.
Some of the causative factors of hemorrhoids include:
Genetic
Pressure during bowel movements
Obesity
Pregnancy
Unhealthy diet habits
People who sit or stand for long hours are at higher risk.
Physical inactivity
Also Read: Hemorrhoids: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment
Diet and lifestyle modifications play a huge role in managing this condition. Certain foods can help to ease symptoms, while others can cause a flare-up. The right diet can help avert hemorrhoids and offer respite from the symptoms.
Read through this article to get an insight into the best diet that helps in managing piles.
Foods To Include:
Legumes/Lentils
One key rule to avert or avoid hemorrhoid flare-ups is to ensure that you are getting an adequate amount of fibre in your diet. There are two types of fibre: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre forms a gel in the gastrointestinal tract and can be digested by gut-friendly bacteria, while insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool and regularizes bowel movements. Both are needed to maintain gut health.
Legumes, including beans, lentils, peas, soybeans, peanuts, and chickpeas, are loaded with both types of fibre, particularly rich in the soluble type, which helps to add bulk to the stool, regularize bowel movement, and ease symptoms of hemorrhoids.
Whole grains
Whole grains are a good source of complex carbohydrates that retain germ, bran, and endosperm and are packed with fibre. Being intrinsically rich in soluble fibre, they stimulate the digestion process and help to mitigate pain and discomfort associated with piles. Swap refined cereals in the diet with healthy alternatives like barley, corn, quinoa, oats, whole rye, wheat, and brown rice. Oats are a good option to add to your meal plan, as they contain beta-glucan, a specific kind of soluble fibre that benefits gut microbiome by acting like and prebiotic and feeds gut-friendly bacteria. While choosing oats, go for steel-cut or rolled oats over the processed ones to add to the fibre content.
Also Read: Soluble Vs Insoluble Fibre: Know The Difference, Health Benefits And Sources
Fruits And Vegetables
Plant foods come with a plethora of nutrients that deliver a magnitude of health-benefiting properties. Try to have them with their skins like apples, pears, plums, and potatoes, where the insoluble fibre and flavonoids are loaded that support controlling hemorrhoids bleeding and inflammation.
Vividly coloured products like tomatoes, grapes, berries, kale, and other dark, green leafy vegetables are rich in flavonoids. Have them as salads ha, half-cook them, so that they retain nutrients and colour.
A serving of fruits meets 10% daily allowance of fibre, while a cup of leafy green vegetables, broccoli, winter squash, or green peas will provide you with 5 grams of fibre. Some fruits and veggies are packed with lots of water, like cucumber, celery, bell peppers, and watermelons, which contain90% water.
Ensure to add one fruit or vegetable to any meal, like bananas or berries in your breakfast cereal, apples, cucumber on your salads, spinach in omelettes, or grated zucchini in spaghetti sauce.
Fluids
Keeping yourself hydrated will help make stools softer, bulkier, and easier to pass. It is vital to drink plenty of fluids, as this will help to regularise bowel movements. Aim for at least 2-3 litres of water a day, to add a bit of flavour, infuse water with lemon slices or berries. Constipation can be the result of dehydration, which worsens hemorrhoids. Additionally, drinking plenty of water also helps to digest fibre and avert constipation.
Foods To Avoid
Simple or refined carbohydrates are low in fibre, and it’s good to limit the intake of these foods, as they can aggravate constipation and trigger piles.
Some of the Low-fiber foods to avoid include:
Milk and Milk products such as milk, cheese, and other varieties.
White flour has the bran and germ layer removed, making it less fibrous. Some of the food products made from this type of flour include white bread, pasta, cakes, cookies, and bagels.
Red meat and organ meat take a longer duration to digest and may worsen constipation.
Processed meats are also low in fibre and high in sodium, which increases the risk of constipation.
Deep-fried foods and snacks are hard on the intestinal tract and difficult to digest.
Salty foods can lead to bloating and make hemorrhoids more sensitive.
Spicy foods may increase pain and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids.
Caffeinated beverages like coffee may harden stools and make it more painful to use the restroom.
Alcoholic drinks can dry up your stools and aggravate the discomfort of piles.
Preventive Measures
Dietary modification plays a significant role in managing hemorrhoids. Include high fibre foods in meal plan, like whole grains like barley, quinoa, brown rice, rye, oats, and legumes.
Add a rich array of fruits and vegetables like spinach, gourd varieties, cauliflower, cucumber, pumpkin, green leafy vegetables, etc. Fruits such as apples, bananas, melons, guava, pears, and berries.
Stay well hydrated.
Leading an active lifestyle and regularly engaging in moderate-intensity workouts for a minimum of 30 minutes a day may greatly help to maintain weight and lower the risk of hemorrhoids.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Sit in a warm bath or use an ice pack or hemorrhoids cream for faster relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Eat To Stop Haemorrhoids?
Eat high-fibre foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes to soften stool and prevent straining. Staying hydrated is also crucial to ease bowel movements.
Can I Drink Milk If I Have Haemorrhoids?
Yes, you can drink milk, but choose low-fat or lactose-free options if dairy causes constipation or bloating. Excess dairy may worsen symptoms in sensitive individuals.
What Shrinks Haemorrhoids Fastest?
Witch hazel, cold compresses, and over-the-counter creams can be helpful, besides drinking water and avoiding spicy food.
Which Food Makes Haemorrhoids Worse?
Spicy foods, processed snacks, red meat, and low-fibre diets can irritate haemorrhoids or cause constipation. Limit caffeine and alcohol as well.
Which Fruit Is Best For Piles?
Fruits like papaya, pears, apples, and berries are excellent due to their high fibre content. Bananas are also gentle on the digestive tract.
Which Fruits Have High Fiber?
High-fibre fruits include raspberries, pears, apples, guavas, and oranges. Eating them with skin, where possible, boosts their fibre content.
What Are The Top 5 High Fiber Foods?
Top high-fibre foods are lentils, chia seeds, split peas, black beans, and raspberries. These support regular bowel movements and improve gut function.
Is Rice High In Fiber?
White rice is low in fibre, while brown rice offers more due to its bran content. Whole grains are a better option for fibre intake.
Are Dates High In Fibre?
Yes, dates are naturally high in fibre, especially insoluble fibre. They aid digestion and help prevent constipation.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile: M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
