If you’re reading this article then chances are you or a loved one suffers from this uncomfortable and painful condition. While there’s no magic bullet to make hemorrhoids disappear overnight, you can significantly ease the discomfort and reduce the risk of flare-ups through a carefully tailored hemorrhoids diet plan.
The role of diet in hemorrhoid management
To understand how the right foods can help alleviate discomfort, it's essential to grasp how these uncomfortable little protrusions form. Hemorrhoids are essentially swollen blood vessels in the rectal or anal area. Straining during bowel movements, often due to constipation, is a major cause.
A common solution to managing hemorrhoids is to eat more fibre and drink more water. While this is good advice, what does it mean in real life when you’re shopping in the grocery store and wondering what food you can put on your plate? The hemorrhoids diet plan includes specific foods to ease this painful condition as well as foods that are best avoided. So let’s dive in and take a closer look.
Hemorrhoid-friendly foods
- Fiber-rich foods – Fiber is your best friend when it comes to preventing and managing hemorrhoids and you want to include about 20-30 grams or more in your daily diet (most Americans consume about half that amount per day). Soluble fiber, such as oats, dissolves when it’s mixed with water or milk to make a smooth, soft substance that helps make your stools soft, well-formed and easy to pass. Insoluble fiber or roughage as some people refer to it, remains unchanged during digestion and helps keep everything moving through (and out of) your body. Excellent sources of fiber include whole grains, bran, beans, lentils, fruits (especially prunes and berries), and vegetables (such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts). Too much fiber can cause bloating and gas, so if you’re not used to it, gradually increase your intake.
- Water – Staying well-hydrated will help your stools remain soft and easier to pass, putting less pressure on the hemorrhoids. Aim for at least 8 large glasses of water a day to help your body use the fiber. Herbal teas and water-rich foods like watermelon also contribute to your hydration.
- Probiotics – Probiotic foods like yoghurt with live cultures can facilitate easier bowel movements and help maintain a healthy gut. However, if you have a weakened immune system it’s best to discuss it with your doctor before including it in your hemorrhoids diet plan. Be sure to select a high-quality probiotic, looking at the labels carefully to avoid ones that contain artificial sweeteners which could result in additional digestive problems.
- Flavonoids – These are natural substances found in many plant-based foods, as well as beverages such as tea and wine that can help with itching, bleeding, and other symptoms associated with hemorrhoids. While you can purchase flavonoid supplements, it’s just as easy to get flavonoids from foods, including onions, red cabbage, parsley, kale, citrus fruits, berries, dark chocolate, and soybeans.
- Nuts and seeds – Nuts like walnuts and almonds are especially high in fiber and healthy fats, helping to prevent constipation. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that help minimize tissue swelling. Seeds like chia, flax and psyllium are also good sources of fiber and can be sprinkled into smoothies and on top of salads.
5 foods to avoid with hemorrhoids
While certain foods can be your allies in the battle against hemorrhoids, others can exacerbate the condition. It’s best to limit or avoid the following foods:
- Spicy foods – While spicy foods are enjoyable for many people they can irritate the digestive tract and potentially cause discomfort for those suffering from hemorrhoids. Spices can cause hemorrhoidal symptoms to flare up and become worse. They can also aggravate ulcer symptoms in the intestines or stomach, leading to bleeding.
- Dairy products – Giving up dairy products is a key step in managing hemorrhoids. Dairy products such as non-probiotic yoghurt, cheese, and milk contain high levels of lactose which can irritate the tissues around the anal area.
- White flour – This type of flour is highly processed and should be avoided. It’s very high in carbohydrates and can lead to constipation and diarrhea, two common causes of hemorrhoid flare-ups. When looking for a healthier alternative for baking, try switching it out with wholewheat or almond flour.
- Processed foods – Frozen meals, pre-packaged snacks and fast food typically lack fiber and are high in salt, which can lead to constipation and intensify hemorrhoid symptoms.
- Red meat – Another food to avoid is red meat. This has negligible fiber, is difficult to digest, and can exacerbate constipation – a major cause of hemorrhoids.
Lifestyle habits for hemorrhoid management
As well as switching to a hemorrhoids diet plan, it’s vital to take on board lifestyle habits that contribute to rectal health:
Regular exercise: Physical activity stimulates the digestive system and helps prevent constipation. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
Good bathroom habits: Try not to strain during bowel movements. Take your time, and consider using a stool or footrest to raise your knees when sitting on the toilet.
Excellent hygiene: Keeping the anal area clean and dry is essential to prevent irritation and infection.
When to seek medical advice
While a hemorrhoid-friendly diet and lifestyle changes can go a long way in managing the condition, some cases may require medical intervention. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, such as excessive bleeding, intense pain, or no improvement with dietary changes, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and potential treatment options. Here at MINT, we provide a proven and non-surgical way to eliminate hemorrhoids and get your life back on track. Hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE) is successfully used to stop the pain, bleeding and itching caused by grade 2 and 3 internal hemorrhoids. Why not call us today to schedule an appointment at one of our four convenient locations?
