Food for Piles (Hemorrhoids) – What to Eat and Avoid

Haemorrhoids or piles are a serious ailment that is associated with the swelling and inflammation of the vascular structure present in the rectum and anus. Passing bowel becomes a painful experience and stools are sometimes accompanied by blood.

Piles can be of two types — internal and external piles. In internal piles, there is bleeding with the bowel movement. In external piles, the area around the anus gets swollen and pains.

Foods to Eat When Suffering From Haemorrhoids

Are you wondering what to eat in piles? Whether or not you are suffering from piles, it is important to eat a healthy balanced diet that contains ample fibre. People with piles are recommended to eat a lot of fibre. Fibre makes stools softer, making it easy to pass them out. It is also important to eat a lot of liquids in the form of water and fruit juices.

Here are 12 foods that are good for people suffering from piles:

1. Whole Grains

Include a lot of whole grains in your diet like brown rice, oats, and whole wheat bread. Whole grains are an amazing source of fibre. Eating these will make stools softer and reduce the pain that you experience while passing stools.

2. Fruit Juice

Drink different kinds of juices throughout the day to stay hydrated. They will not only flush out the toxins, but antioxidants present in juices will reduce swelling and pain. Some of the preferred fruits for juices are blackberries, blueberries, and cherries. These fruits will also strengthen the veins present in the rectum and anus.

3. Green Leafy Vegetables

Eating a lot of green leafy vegetables will help in easy digestion. Greens are also an excellent source of antioxidants. Some veggies that are recommended for piles patients are broccoli, cabbage, carrots, spinach, cauliflower, tomato and similar ones. These are among the recommended high fibre foods for piles.

4. Fruits

Loaded with antioxidants and nutrients, fruits can help regulate proper bowel movement. Fruits have fibre, vitamins and minerals that are good for your health. Eating fruits with their skin like apple, grapes, prunes and berries are particularly beneficial for people suffering from piles. Papaya, orange and banana are the other options you have.

5. Clear Broths

Having clear chicken bone broth can also help get relief from the symptoms of piles. It will also serve as a high source of protein and strengthen intestinal walls and reduce swelling.

6. Herbal Teas

Different kinds of herbal tea can help in the proper management of haemorrhoids. They help soothe irritation, decrease inflammation, and reduce bleeding. Dandelion and mullein are particularly effective for this situation.

7. Beans

While beans are vegetables, beans need a special mention. Beans are a great source of fibre and should be eaten regularly. Black-eyes peas, kidney, lima, black, and legumes are what you can eat on a regular basis.

8. Banana

Banana is another food that needs a special mention. Banana makes passing stools easy by reducing inflammation of the anal veins. Banana is antibacterial and prevents further infection and damage to the anal tissues. This is a great food for piles home remedies.

9. Yoghurt

Yoghurt is one of the best foods for maintaining intestinal health. Yoghurt reduces constipation and reduces haemorrhoid pain.

10. Dry Figs

Dry figs again also help by reducing constipation. They also help in improving intestinal muscle motility and makes passing stool easy without applying extra pressure.

11. Onion

You can use onion with other ingredients like honey to get relief from the symptoms of piles. Onions prevent constipation by preventing indigestion.

12. Water

The perfect diet for piles should include a lot of water. It helps to manage piles by making stools soft and increasing stool volume. Water also prevents dehydration. You need to have at least 3 litres of water every day.

These are among the best food for piles patient. Consume these to ease the symptoms of piles.

Food to Avoid for Piles

What not to eat in piles is a common question that many people have. Some of the foods to avoid for piles are:

1. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper increases swelling and inflammation. It will increase the symptoms associated with piles.

2. Cheese

Cheese should be completely removed from the piles diet. It increases constipation.

3. French Fries

French fries and other deep-fried foods should totally be avoided. High-fat food puts pressure on the digestive tract. The added spices increase acidity and lead to swelling of the anal veins.

4. Processed Meat

Processed and red meat are a strict no. They too are difficult to digest. Processed meat contains preservatives that lead to indigestion.

5. Chocolates

Chocolates too increase constipation and should be completely avoided by people suffering from piles.

6. White Bread

White bread is difficult to digest and leads to constipation.

7. Coffee

Drinks that contain caffeine lead to dehydration. Dehydration in turn causes hard stools and puts a strain on the anal veins.

Dietary and Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Piles

Here, are some of the tips to help you prevent piles:

• Eat a lot of high-fibre food like beans, legumes, fruits and veggies etc. every day.
• Have a minimum of 8-10 glasses of water throughout the day.
• Exercise daily as it helps in digestion.
• Don’t strain your anal muscles while passing stool as it increases the risk of piles by damaging the anal veins.
• Consume yoghurt with every diet to prevent constipation.
• Do not sit in the toilet for  a long time, make dietary changes so that you are not forced to do so.
• Use the toilet as soon as you have the urge.
• Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.
• Consult your physician if you experience pain or see blood during a bowel movement.

Now that you know about the food to cure piles, make sure you include these in your diet. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and a stress-free mind are the best ways to prevent haemorrhoids.

Also Read:

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Foods to Eat and Avoid Before Going to Bed
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