Hemorrhoids can be very uncomfortable and painful. So to avoid any unnecessary discomfort, you need to know what to eat when you have hemorrhoids. This article will help you out by explaining what foods to avoid with hemorrhoids and what the best food for hemorrhoids is.
What Is Hemorrhoids
Often known as piles, Hemorrhoids refer to the swollen and red veins that occur in the anus region, mainly inside the rectum and under the skin. They are usually painless but can bleed.
There are three different types of hemorrhoids: internal, external, and thrombosed hemorrhoids.
Internal Hemorrhoids
Those with the internal type have hemorrhoids inside their rectum. Although it can’t be seen, they will usually suffer from the following symptoms:
- Bowel movement bleeding (most of the time, this is pain-free)
- Hemorrhoids trying to push through the anus (usually results in pain and discomfort)
External Hemorrhoids
Those with the external type often have hemorrhoids under the skin of the anal area. They will usually suffer from the following symptoms:
- Irritation and discomfort in the anal area
- Swollen anus
- Bleeding from the swollen area
Thrombosed Hemorrhoids
The thrombosed type is due to those who did have external hemorrhoids, but the blood formed into a clot around that area. This can cause intense pain and surgery may be needed. Those who have this condition will usually suffer from the following symptoms:
- Extreme pain
- Swelling and a hard lump on the anus.
Alcohol and Hemorrhoids: Is There a Link Between Them?
We all like to enjoy a cold beer or a glass of wine now and then. However, many believe that there is a link between alcohol and hemorrhoids. Although there isn’t a direct link between alcohol and hemorrhoids, there is an indirect one. The more alcohol you drink, the higher your blood pressure goes. Constant overdrinking puts more strain on your veins, and as a result, puts more strain on your anal area. This has a large potential to cause hemorrhoids.
How to Reduce the Pain
One of the reasons why so many people struggle in pain with hemorrhoids is the food they consume. As hemorrhoids are worsened by the type of food you eat, ensuring to eat the right food for hemorrhoids is key in reducing this pain.
If you’re wondering what to eat when you have hemorrhoids, read on as we explain all the best and worst foods in detail.
Foods to Avoid with Hemorrhoids
If you have hemorrhoids, some foods are best to avoid if you are looking to decrease your pain. As well as this, some foods cause hemorrhoids if you don’t already have them. If you have more firm stools, your anus will need to strain more to release it, causing a higher amount of irritation to that area. To reduce this pain, you would need to have looser stools. But how do you do this?
For those with hemorrhoids, a high fiber diet is key for reducing the pain. There are tons of low-fiber foods that you might be eating without realizing it’s bad for you. For example, if you aim to feel less pain, the following are the best foods to avoid with hemorrhoids:
- Cheese, eggs, ice cream, and other dairy products
- White bread, pretzels, noodles, and white rice
- Fries
- Red meats
- Frozen food
- Fast food
- Foods high in salt
- Fried food
- Spicy food
Although the foods that this list mentions may take up a large proportion of your regular diet, there are still many foods that you can have that will be better for dealing with this condition.
Food for Hemorrhoids
One of the best treatments for hemorrhoids is a high-fiber diet. Now that you know the most common low fiber foods that cause hemorrhoids, what are the best high fiber foods for hemorrhoids?
Legumes
As mentioned earlier, high-fiber foods are of the utmost importance. Because of this, legumes are a great source of fiber that you should add to your diet straight away.
Legumes range from beans and lentils to peas and chickpeas. Due to being extremely high in soluble and insoluble fiber while being versatile and able to be included in almost any meal, legumes are a great way to help manage your hemorrhoid pain.
Whole Grains
When thinking of the best hemorrhoids high fiber diet, you should always include whole grains. Although refined grains are one of the foods that cause hemorrhoids, whole grains are a completely different story.
Refined grains are grains that have been milled to increase shelf life but decrease fiber. White bread, white rice, and pretzels are all examples of refined grains.
Whole grains have not been through this process. Examples of whole grains range from whole wheat bread, barley, corn, quinoa, brown rice, and oats. Once again, you can include these ingredients in any meal to increase your fiber intake.
Pears and Apples
Pears and apples are not just some of the most delicious fruits; they are also extremely high in fiber! When wondering what to eat when you have hemorrhoids, pears and apples should be top of your list. Remember, when eating apples and pears, always ensure you do so with the skin on. The skin increases fiber intake by twice the amount. They can be an excellent choice of food in between meals to keep your hunger at bay and your fiber up.
Vegetables
Vegetables such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, turnips, celery, carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cabbages, are all excellent high fiber sources. Potatoes, for example, are great in reducing constipation, and as a result, reducing pressure on your anal area.
In addition to all these great advantages, they’re not just perfect for reducing hemorrhoid pain; they are also known for lowering your cancer risk!
Water
Although not exactly food, ensuring you have enough liquid in your body is extremely important in ensuring your stools are much softer and cause a minimal amount of pain to your anal area. Although your recommended water intake will depend on your gender, age, and activity level, ensuring you regularly drink water throughout the day is key to having a more comfortable time in the bathroom.
Physicians That Will Help You Out Today
This article should cover all you need to know about choosing the right foods to feel less pain when having hemorrhoids.
If you believe that you may have hemorrhoids, feel that your condition is worsening, or just want some advice, it’s best to speak to a physician straight away.
Located in Palm Beach County, Florida, Advanced Surgical Physicians are here to help. With years of experience in helping patients out when it comes to hemorrhoids, we know exactly what’s needed to make your life as easy and comfortable as possible. Book a consultation with us today, and we’ll do all we can to reduce your discomfort.
