6 types of foods that improve hemorrhoids

hemorrhoids It occurs when the veins in and around the anus and rectum swell and become inflamed due to pressure. They can be internal (inside the anus) or external (under the skin around the anus). Dietary changes, such as a high-fiber diet, are generally recommended to treat and prevent hemorrhoids.

Read on to learn about the benefits and ways to increase fiber in your diet.

hemorrhoid symptoms

Common symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

• Bright red blood (usually painless) on the outside of the stool, on the toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl
• Pain and irritation in the perianal area (area around the anus)
• Swelling or hard lump around the anus
• anal itching

fibers and hemorrhoids

Fiber-rich foods and adequate (caffeine-free, non-alcoholic) fluid intake soften stools and make them easier to pass. This helps treat and prevent hemorrhoids.

Studies have shown that fiber supplementation can reduce bleeding associated with hemorrhoids by 50%, but it doesn’t seem to have any effect on prolapse (hemorrhoids that protrude outside the anus), pain, or itching.

foods rich in dietary fiber

When increasing your fiber intake, start slowly and increase gradually. Consuming too much fiber too quickly can cause gas and bloating. When increasing your fiber intake, it’s also important to drink plenty of caffeine-free, non-alcoholic fluids.

There are a variety of fiber-rich foods that you can include in your daily diet.

vegetables

Eating vegetables is a great way to increase your fiber intake. Try vegetables such as:

• lettuce
• swiss chard
• raw carrots
• spinach
• asparagus
• beets
• mushroom
• turnip
• pumpkin
• Baked potato and sweet potato with skin
• broccoli
• artichoke
• crush
• green beans
• Greenpeace
• collard greens

fruit

Fruit (especially dried fruit) is also a good source of fiber.

Add the following fruits to your diet.

• Apple (with skin)
• avocado
• banana
• peach
• Pear (with skin)
• mandarin orange
• Prunes (stewed)
• berries
• figs and other dried fruits
• kiwi

grains

Whole grains are a delicious way to get more fiber into your diet. Try the following options:

• Hot cereals such as oatmeal or farina
• Whole-grain bread
• brown rice
• Quinoa
• Popcorn
• High-fiber cereals such as bran, shredded wheat, and puffed wheat
• whole grain pasta
• bran muffin

legumes, nuts and seeds

To increase your fiber intake, you can also eat:

• lentil
• Black bean
• split peas
• kidney beans
• lima beans
• Chickpea
• navy beans
• pinto beans
• sunflower seeds
• almond
• pistachio
• pecan

foods to avoid

Foods that contain little or no fiber can worsen constipation and, in turn, hemorrhoids. Limit foods such as:

• dairy products
• meat
• chips
• Fast food
• Processed foods such as hot dogs and some microwaveable dinners
• High-fat and/or high-sugar foods

Not all meat needs to be avoided. Fish, chicken, turkey, and other red meats are low in fiber, but they won’t make constipation worse.

Other treatments for hemorrhoids

A high-fiber diet is a good start when treating hemorrhoids, but if diet alone isn’t enough, other treatments may be needed.

home treatments

In addition to increasing your fiber intake and drinking plenty of fluids, home treatments for hemorrhoids include:

• Avoid straining when defecating
• Limit the time you spend sitting on the toilet
• Warm or sitz baths (soaking the rectal area in a shallow bath of warm water)
• Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the anal area
• Use of over-the-counter (OTC) hemorrhoid medications (with the advice of a healthcare professional)

Procedures at the counter

More severe hemorrhoids or hemorrhoids that are resistant to treatment may require medical treatment.

The in-office procedure works by creating scar tissue, which cuts off blood flow to the hemorrhoid and often causes it to shrink. The steps include:

• rubber band ligation: A special rubber band is placed at the base of the hemorrhoid to block blood flow, causing the band to fall off and create scar tissue.
• sclerotherapy: The solution is injected into the internal hemorrhoid by a healthcare professional.
• Infrared photocoagulation: The device irradiates the internal hemorrhoid with infrared rays and generates heat.
• electrocoagulation: The health care provider uses a device that sends an electrical current to the internal hemorrhoid.

surgery

In rare cases, surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. anesthesia It may be necessary in more serious or complicated cases. Also:

• hemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal of large external hemorrhoids and prolapsed internal hemorrhoids that do not respond to other treatments.
• hemorrhoid stapling: Use a stapling tool to remove internal hemorrhoid tissue and place the prolapsed internal hemorrhoid back into place within the anus.

How to prevent hemorrhoids

Although hemorrhoids cannot always be prevented, you can take some steps to reduce your chances of developing them, including:

• Eat a high-fiber diet with adequate water intake
• Avoid straining when defecating
• Avoid sitting on the toilet for long periods of time
• avoid routine heavy lifting

When should you see a health care provider?

Consult your health care provider if:

• Rectal bleeding occurs, especially if it is the first time.
• You have new or worsening symptoms.
• I noticed that there was more blood than usual.
• Symptoms persist even after one week of home treatment.
• I have a question or concern.

Seek medical attention immediately in the following cases:

• The pain in my anus is terrible.
• You are losing blood or losing a lot of blood.
• Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever.
• I feel dizzy or faint.
• You think you may have an emergency situation.

Remember to gradually increase your fiber intake. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult your health care provider.

summary

Eating a diet high in fiber and drinking plenty of caffeine-free, non-alcoholic liquids can help prevent constipation, treat hemorrhoids, and lower your risk of developing hemorrhoids.

Fiber-rich foods include vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Limit or avoid processed foods, foods low in fiber, and foods high in fat and sugar.

If diet alone does not improve your hemorrhoid symptoms, try other home remedies. More serious or complicated cases may require medical treatment or surgery.

A word from Berrywell

If your hemorrhoids are caused or worsened by constipation, try increasing your fiber intake gradually. Also make sure to drink plenty of water. This may make bowel movements easier and more comfortable and may help reduce symptoms.