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

If you want to reduce or end the symptoms of hemorrhoids, you need to eat more low-fat, high-fiber, whole foods.

It is likely that fiber raises stool weight, cutting down the time bodily waste spends in the colon, raises water retention in the colon leading to softer stools that proceed with less effort, and reduces the pH levels in the colon, which also cuts down colon pass over time, or the time it takes for food to go through the colon. In simple terms, fiber helps in softening the stool and reducing the strain on the colon, which can be beneficial for managing hemorrhoids [1].

As per the American Dietary Guidelines, a set of evidence-based recommendations for a healthy diet, most individuals should be obtaining fiber of 14 grams for per 1,000 calories they eat. Increase your fiber intake to about 20 to 35 gms per day. [2].

Foods fit to be consumed

Although many foods contain fiber, some of the healthiest foods to eat for preventing piles are as follows:

Wheat bran & shredded wheat

Wheat bran & shredded wheat consist of insoluble fiber, producing stool bulk and allowing it to pass smoothly.

Corn

It is believed that people consumed corn since pre-modern times to cure hemorrhoids. This is because corn is not only a good source of fiber, but it also comprises strong antioxidants that prevent damage to cells from free radicals. These antioxidants, along with other compounds in corn, may help in easing pain associated with hemorrhoids.

Barley

Barley has a large proportion of fiber known as β-glucan, which disintegrates and gives rise to a viscous gel in the colon that allows the relaxing of the stool. According to research, consumption of barley may help people in
Research has also shown that consuming barley may help people to have good colon health.

Apples

According to an article, apples are the finest source of dietary fiber. Apple skins contain insoluble fibers that do not disintegrate during digestion. These fibers aid in making stool larger and act like a laxative.

Prunes

Prunes are dried plum, which stewed or dried become rich in fiber. With dried prunes, the stomach feels full for longer, allowing individuals to eat less frequently. It helps in reducing constipation as well as obesity, which could put you at risk of hemorrhoids.

Furthermore, compounds in prunes, known as phenols, may also work as antibacterial agents in the stomach, lowering the risk of infection. These phenols also act as antioxidants, which can help prevent damage to cells from free radicals, a common cause of hemorrhoids.

Pears

Pears have a high proportion of fiber and other compounds that help individuals with hemorrhoids. They also consist of fructose, a type of sugar that behaves like a natural laxative. Fructose can help in softening the stool and reducing the strain on the colon, which can be beneficial for managing hemorrhoids.

Lentils

Pulses, including chickpeas, lentils, and split peas, are said to be one of the best sources of fiber. Research also shows that the intake of green lentils significantly increases the amount of stool and cuts down the time it occupies in the colon [3].

Artichokes

A few conventional medicine systems use artichokes and varieties of thistle – also related to artichokes – to heal hemorrhoids. This is attributed to their high fiber content.

Broccoli

Present in broccoli is also a compound known as sulforaphane, which, it is believed, helps the digestive system better and defends the gut.

Berries

Berries, including raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries, have a skin-to-flesh ratio that is high, implying they consist of a lot of fiber. In addition, berries also consist a lot of water, which can help in softening the stools and preventing constipation, a common cause of hemorrhoids. Present in them is also fructose, which acts like a natural laxative.

Sweet potatoes & potatoes

Both sweet potatoes and potatoes contain significant quantities of insoluble and soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber helps in producing stool bulk and allowing it to pass easily, while soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like material. Both types of fiber can be beneficial for managing hemorrhoids.

Foods to stay away from

Processed foods and ones that are rich in sugar, refined carbohydrates, or fats also can raise the risk of disorders that trigger hemorrhoids.

In addition to the ones stated above, citrus fruits, beans, kiwis, and tomatoes also work effectively as laxatives.

To aid in decreasing the risk of developing hemorrhoids, an individual should avoid the following [4].

• alcohol
• high caffeine consumption
• fried & salty food items
• packaged snacks
• Dairy products high in fat
• deeply processed foods
• red meat
• chocolates and toffees
• soda
• energy drinks
• sports drinks

For further guidance and personalized medical advice on managing and treating hemorrhoids, our team of trained doctors at Vitality’s Laser Piles Clinic is here to assist you. We are just a call away, ready to provide you with the right medical help when you need it.

References

1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases(NIDDK) – https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/hemorrhoids/eating-diet-nutrition.
2. Cleveland Clinic. – https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15120-hemorrhoids.
3. Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust – https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/health-information/piles-haemorrhoids/lifestyle-changes.
4. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases(NIDDK) – https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/hemorrhoids/eating-diet-nutrition.