Which foods to eat & avoid to help treat & prevent fissures

Individuals who show symptoms or are already suffering from fissures can control or avoid fissures by sticking to the diet recommended below.

Foods that need to be consumed

Fiber-Rich Foods

According to research, insoluble fiber fights constipation. So, those who suffer from such issues should consume fiber-rich foods to allow their stools to pass smoothly [1].
Studies show that everyone should consume 14 grams of fiber per 1000 kilocalories. Fiber-rich foods include whole grains, oats, brown rice, fruits, and vegetables.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are rich in fiber, which softens stools, soaks up fluids, and bulks them up. They also reduce the time required for the stool to pass through the intestines.

Included in whole grains are oats, rye, corn barley, quinoa, whole wheat, etc.

Brown rice is filled with dietary fiber owing to its unpolished outer layer.

Oats reportedly prevent inflammatory bowel disease, the primary reason behind anal fissures. Oatmeal also bulks up stool, helping prevent constipation and reducing gas and indigestion.

Legumes

Legumes are also fiber-rich and can help your stomach when you consume them with adequate fluids. On the other hand, soaked legumes may improve the absorption of zinc. Other legumes that are rich in fiber are lentils and beans.

Chickpea is an excellent source of zinc. Studies indicate that zinc helps heal wounds and, therefore, fissures.

Fruits

A lot of fiber is present in fruits, allowing them to battle constipation. Furthermore, certain fruit juices can be good as they comprise sorbitol and phytochemicals that rid you of constipation. Fruits that reduce constipation include oranges, strawberries, dry figs,

raspberries, kiwis, and others.

In addition to being rich in dietary fiber, green kiwi contains Actinidine. Studies have shown that it is an enzyme that activates bowel movements.

Prunes or dried plums are rich in fiber, as well as sorbitol and fructose. Together, these substances have a laxative effect [2].

Turmeric

Turmeric is renowned for its therapeutic properties. It contains an ingredient called curcumin, which is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

Studies have shown that turmeric can help cure inflammatory bowel disease. However, it should be consumed orally in a nominal amount, as excess consumption can harm.

Vegetables

Vegetables are a vital source of fiber and antioxidants, which prevent fissures. Furthermore, most vegetables contain vitamins A, C, zinc, and other minerals that help you in many ways. Most vegetables help in reducing fissures.

Vegetables that contain significant quantities of insoluble fiber are zucchini, green beans, tomato, and cauliflower are rich in fiber and antioxidants. There is a compound called naringenin in tomatoes, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Owing to this, the gravity of inflammatory bowel disease is reduced. Tomatoes also help protect you from colorectal cancer [3].

Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial to health in several ways. They raise the number of helpful bacteria in the gut, which improves the gut’s overall health. They also ferment fiber in foods to allow the discharge of gases, known as short-chain fatty acids, that benefit the body.

Probiotics also protect you from inflammation and infection. Studies indicate that probiotics improve immunity.

They help the body absorb nutrients required to heal wounds. Beneficial probiotic foods include buttermilk, cheese, tempeh bread, and others.

Other foods that help improve the gut include curd and yogurt. They protect the body from infections, improve inflammation, and help heal wounds faster.

Lemon juice, along with other fruits, is rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and plays a major part in collagen synthesis. Studies show that collagen synthesis is essential for wound healing. Citrus fruits are fiber-rich, bulking up the stool and enabling smooth bowel movements.

Food items like sugar, processed and refined foods, and alcohol and spicy foods can harm your gut and worsen fissures.

Sugar

Research shows that sugar intermingles with good bacteria in your gut and harms the balance of the gut microflora. This leads to a rise in inflammation and porousness of the gut, decreasing the protection against pathogens.

Processed & refined foods

Processed and refined foods modify the balance of gut microflora. Increased consumption of these foods can also hurt immune responses and cause bodily inflammations.

Alcohol and spicy foods

Alcoholic drinks and spicy foods aggravate the symptoms of bowel ailments. Studies indicate that the consumption of alcohol and spices heightens constipation, which may intensify the risk of anal bleeding [4].

Due to this, people prone to fissures and constipation should give up consumption of such foods and alcohol.

Additional guidance and proper medical support are needed to control nurse fissures. Vitality’s Laser Piles Clinic has a team of trained doctors to assist you. We are only a call away and can provide you with the appropriate medical assistance when you badly need it.

References

1. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. – https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/anal-fissure-expanded-information
2. The Regents of The University of California. – https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/anal-fissures
3. NHS services – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anal-fissure/
4. The Johns Hopkins University, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Johns Hopkins Health System. – https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/anal-fissures