Not Suprisingly, what you eat can affect your chances of getting a hemorrhoid. Is a change in your diet worth it, if it prevents this veyr uncomfortable monster?
By: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN and Brandon Miller
Hemorrhoids are a common ailment that affect millions of people every year. They occur when the veins in the rectal area become stretched and swollen by excessive pressure. Hemorrhoids can go by unnoticed, or they to prevent the development of any hemorrhoids, there are simple lifestyle changes that can dramatically reduce themay cause pain, itching, burning, and bleeding. Poor diet, lack of exercise and physical stress are the most common causes of hemorrhoids. And for those who suffer from recurrent hemorrhoids, or those who simply want ir risk. Healthy digestive functioning that decreases constipation, diarrhea, gas, and bloating will also help to alleviate and prevent hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid sufferers need to avoid constipation and diarrhea to prevent further aggravation to the affected area. A diet rich in complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber (especially insoluble fiber) is essential for healthy digestion. Fiber helps to soften the stools and stimulate bowel contractions to ease elimination. Insoluble fiber is particularly because it is broken down slowly by intestinal bacteria and it aids in bowl function. A recent study found that people who skip breakfast have a greater chance of developing hemorrhoids. So, it’s important to eat breakfast and to use this meal to load up on dietary fiber. Increasing water consumption is another key component to keeping the bowels moving and avoiding digestive dysfunction. And vitamin C, calcium, potassium, zinc, vitamin E, anthocyanins, vitamin B complex and flavanoids have all proven beneficial for managing hemorrhoids. Dietary changes are your first defense for preventing and managing hemorrhoids. Read on to learn more about what you should eat if you suffer from hemorrhoids and why.
Anthocyanins
Foods rich in anthocyanins may help alleviate hemorrhoids by strengthening the veins and reducing permeability. Sources of anthocyanins include barley, chicken, crab, oysters, lamb, beef, wheat, turkey, cherries, blueberries, cabbage (red), radishes, grapes, raspberries, pomegranates, cranberries, rhubarb, and strawberries.
Calcium
Calcium plays a vital role in blood clotting and plays a role in the prevention of colon cancer. This mineral can help to relieve the rectal bleeding associated with hemorrhoids. Sources for calcium include: milk, cheese, yogurt, red meat, and dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale.
Complex Carbohydrates
With the emphasis these days on low-carb dieting, it's important to note that note that not all carbs are the same. Complex carbohydrates are a vital source of fuel for the body and they are an essential component to healthy bowel function. High-protein, low-carb diets can be especially difficult for the lower intestinal tract. In addition, studies have shown that hemorrhoids are very uncommon in countries where a diet rich in complex carbohydrates is consumed. Sources for complex carbohydrates include: broccoli, potatoes, squash (winter), blackberries, pasta (wheat), and rice (brown.)
Flavonoids
Foods rich in flavonoids can help manage hemorrhoids by strengthening the veins, and reducing the severity and duration of hemorrhoid symptoms. Rutin, hesperidin, and diosmin are all types of flavanoids that have shown promise in improving hemorrhoids. Sources for flavonoids include: apples, buckwheat, broccoli, grapefruit (white), pomegranates, limes, chocolate, soybeans, oranges, lemons, tomatoes, onions, carrots, and blueberries.
Insoluble Fiber
Insoluble fiber breaks down more slowly in the system. It helps to bulk and soften the stool, making it easier to pass. A diet rich in insoluble fiber promotes regular bowel movements and helps reduce the irritation on hemorrhoids. Mild cases of hemorrhoids can typically be treated by increasing the water and fiber content of the diet. But be careful to ass fiber to your diet slowly, to avoid causing gas and bloating. Sources of insoluble fiber include: figs, rice (brown), beans, raisins, currants, wheat, prunes, and peas.
Potassium
This vitamin helps to heal bleeding hemorrhoids. Also, potassium deficiencies are linked to the development of constipation, which could aggravate or cause hemorrhoids. Sources for potassium include: alfalfa, blackstrap molasses, and dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale.
Quercetin
As a flavonoid, quercetin helps to strengthen small veins and capillaries by making them less permeable and less fragile. They help to soothe the swollen, irritated veins that cause hemorrhoids. Sources of quercetin include: cabbage (green), grapefruit (white), apples, cranberries, kale, pears, grapes, spinach, onions, and garlic.
Viatmin B complex
All B vitamins improve digestion and reduce the stress on the anal area that can aggravate or cause hemorrhoids.
Vitamin C
This valuable vitamin helps hemorrhoid sufferers by toning and shrink veins. It also benefits the healing process. Sources for vitamin C include: cabbage (red), oranges, strawberries, potatoes, tangerines (and other mandarins), bell peppers (red), and kiwi.
Vitamin E
Like calcium, vitamin E is helpful at promoting blood clotting and healing and it may help to ease the rectal bleeding associated with hemorrhoids. Sources for vitamin E include:
Zinc
Zinc helps to speed the healing process and it is also beneficial for wound healing. Hemorrhoid sufferers may experience a shorter duration of symptoms by increasing zinc intake. Sources for zinc include: barley, chicken, crab, oysters, lamb, beef, wheat, and turkey.
Foods To Avoid
There are many foods that you can add to your diet to help reduce the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Similarly, there are several foods that you should avoid as they hinder digestive functioning and may lead to diarrhea or constipation. These include: fats, coffee, alcohol, and hot spices. Also, as mentioned above, high-protein/ low-carb diets can be difficult on the lower digestive tract.
More tips
In addition to these dietary changes, there are several techniques that you can try at home to help alleviate the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
Flaxseed Oil: Take flaxseed oil daily to soften stools and alleviate pressure in the rectal area.
Cayenne and Garlic Enemas: These powerful enemas can be used to clean the bowels and relieve some of the discomfort of hemorrhoids.
Sitz bath: A warm sitz bath is very helpful in alleviating the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Use water that is slightly hotter than bathwater, and submerse the affected area for 20-30 minutes 2-3 times a day.
Anal cleansing: Keep the anal area clean and free of debris, to avoid irritation to sensitive hemorrhoidal tissues. Use a warm wet cloth or baby wipe to gently wash the anus. Avoid toilet tissue that is rough or that contains perfumes or dyes.
