Hemorrhoids are quite common, with 1 in 2 Americans struggling from these bulging blood vessels.
It's also a terrible condition that people are afraid to bring up in conversations. Hemorrhoids in and around the rectum and anus frequently cause itching, irritation, and pain when passing stool.
Considering the fact that Hemorrhoids are associated with the characteristics of your stool as well as the ease with which your bowels may pass these stools, what exactly does food have to do with it? The types of stools you pass are influenced by your meals and the liquids you drink.
It's a scientifically proven fact that the foods and liquids you regularly consume significantly impact your health and stools and hemorrhoids are associated with the pattern of your bowel movements.
Best Foods to Treat Hemorrhoids
Are you having a hard time dealing with hemorrhoids? Take comfort in knowing that there are some things you can do to keep them from returning.
Since constipation is one of the most prevalent causes of hemorrhoids, it is essential to concentrate your efforts on the meals you consume regularly.
Here are some foods you should consume to avoid hemorrhoids.
Increase Your Fiber Intake
During constipation, the effort required to pass the stool aggravates hemorrhoids. Getting 28 grams of fiber per day can provide relief from hemorrhoids without the need for medical intervention.
Fiber is a substance that is necessary for maintaining good gut health. It is a component of many plant-based foods that keeps your digestive tract clean and your bowel movements smooth and regular.
Instead of turning to laxatives or in-office hemorrhoid surgery, try making dietary changes to alleviate constipation and prevent hemorrhoids. Increase your fiber intake by including the following foods in your diet:
Legumes: Lentils, beans, and chickpeas are just a few available legumes. Legumes are high in soluble and insoluble fiber, essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. They aid in forming thick stools, which reduces straining and the possibility of getting hemorrhoids.
Cruciferous Vegetables: Cruciferous vegetables include arugula, broccoli, kale, radish, cauliflower, cabbage, and other leafy green vegetables. They are high in fiber, which helps maintain regularity during bowel movements. Furthermore, these cruciferous vegetables provide more than just fiber. Their chemical composition is diverse, and the breakdown of these substances by your digestive system helps diversify and strengthen the good bacteria in your gut.
Whole-grain: Whole-grain foods include all portions of the grain, including the high-fiber germ, bran, and endosperm. They are high in fiber, but white flour contains less fiber. Opting for whole-grain alternatives can provide you with more fiber without compromising on taste. Oats, brown rice, barley, corn, quinoa, and whole-wheat flour are high in fiber and have gut-friendly properties.
Pears, Apples, and Berries: If you need to consume more fiber in your diet, pears, apples, and berries are the greatest fruits. These are the high-fiber fruit that can be eaten as a quick snack. A pear contains approximately 6 grams of fiber, while apples provide approximately 5 grams of fiber per serving. Fruits such as pears and apples are not the only ones that contain fiber. Various types of berries, such as blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries, contain a significant amount of fiber. While all berries are nutritious, raspberries have the highest fiber concentration, with approximately 8 grams in a cup.
Root Vegetables: Root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, rutabagas, carrots, turnips, beets, and potatoes are high in nutrients, with approximately 3–5 grams of fiber per serving. Since root vegetables help relieve constipation, they may also help alleviate the symptoms of hemorrhoids. The most effective method of incorporating root vegetables into your diet is to boil them with their skins still on.
Nuts: Walnuts and almonds, in particular, provide a significant amount of dietary fiber. Furthermore, nuts contain powerful properties, which may help reduce tissue swelling in the areas where had previous problems with hemorrhoids. Pistachios, macadamia nuts, peanuts, pecans, and hazelnuts contain significant fiber concentrations per one-ounce serving.
Worst Foods to Treat Hemorrhoids
As you've probably guessed by now, incorporating an excessive amount of low fiber foods in your diet can result in constipation and, in some cases, severe hemorrhoids. Some foods are harmful to hemorrhoids and should be avoided, as mentioned in the list below.
Refined Grains: Refined grain includes white rice, bagels, white bread, and pretty much anything else prepared from white flour or white flour substitutes. Refined grains are milled, which removes the bran and germ and any nutrients that may have been present in the grain when it was harvested. Since most refined grains contain little or no fiber, they should be strictly avoided when suffering from hemorrhoids.
Processed Foods: Fast food, frozen meals, and pre-packaged junk food are all extremely unhealthy choices because they contain few nutrients and a high amount of sodium. They also contain chemicals that promote inflammation, resulting in constipation and bloating in certain people. Foods rich in sodium, such as bologna and other cold meats, increase your chances of developing constipation.
Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, ice cream, and other dairy products are examples of low-fiber diets that can cause or aggravate constipation and hemorrhoids. Lactose and dairy products can irritate hemorrhoids because they frequently trigger gas and bloating, worsening hemorrhoid pain and stomachaches in those already suffering from constipation.
Summary
Knowing what foods to include in your daily diet can significantly improve how well you manage your condition and how often you experience Hemorrhoids flare-ups.
While it is generally recommended to include high-fiber foods in your diet, the sheer number of fiber-rich options available might be overwhelming; therefore, make sure to choose your food options wisely.
Ultimately, the idea is to have a well-balanced diet that gives your body all the nutrients it requires while also including enough fiber to aid in soft stool that is easier to pass.
Experts recommend increasing your fiber intake gradually while also drinking enough water (about 8-10 glasses per day) and engaging in regular physical activity.
On the other hand, if your symptoms do not improve or worsen, consult your healthcare professional to decide the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
