Hemorrhoids Diet

By: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN
updated on 02/25/2008 at 03:27PM

Dietary fiber plays an important role in keeping you healthy. Dietary fiber can help to lower your cholesterol and it can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and certain kinds of cancer. Eating foods that are high in fiber can also help to alleviate some of the symptoms of constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. Read on to learn more about dietary fiber, where to get it, and how it can help ease the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids Diet - High Fiber

Hemorrhoid sufferers need to avoid constipation and diarrhea to prevent further aggravation to their sensitive tissues. 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 useful because it is broken down slowly by intestinal bacteria and it aids in bowel 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.

Hemorrhoids Diet - How Do I Add Fiber To My Diet?

It's important to start slowly when adding fiber to the diet. Too much fiber can cause cramping, bloating, and gas. These symptoms would further aggravate the sensitive hemorrhoidal tissues. Make small changes in your diet over time to help prevent discomfort. Start with making one or two simple changes at a time and then wait several days or even a week before making another. If a particular food seems to cause your system distress, avoid it and try another.

Hemorrhoids Diet - Fiber and Fluids

You need to increase fluid consumption at the same time you are adding fiber to your diet. Water is the best, most natural stool softener and it can help prevent constipation. Try to increase your fluid intake by about two glasses a day as you increase your fiber intake.

Hemorrhoids Diet - Where Can I Find Fiber?

Fruits and Veggies: Many fruits and vegetables are high in fiber. Some good sources include apples, berries, figs, oranges, pears, prunes, broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, green peas and beans.
Whole Grains: You can increase the fiber in your diet by replacing white breads and grains with whole-grain breads and cereals. Choices include: brown rice, bran muffins, oatmeal, popcorn, cooked or dry multi-grain cereals, and stone ground whole wheat bread.
Wheat Bran: adding a small amount (one quarter cup) of wheat bran or miller's bran to cereal or applesauce can help boost dietary fiber intake.
Beans: Eat a variety of cooked beans each week to increase dietary fiber consumption

Hemorrhoids Diet - What Is 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 add 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.

Hemorrhoids Diet - Tips to help Alleviate Hemorrhoids.

A healthy diet and plenty of exercise are key components to good digestive functioning. And if waste can move through the system quickly, there is less chance for the development or aggravation of hemorrhoids. Exercise stimulates the digestive system and allows food and waste to proceed more quickly through the body. Food that does not sit in the colon for prolonged periods will not be subject to the dehydration that causes constipation. Daily exercise can be as simple as a walk around the block. Practiced for about thirty minutes on a daily basis exercise can improve health and lessen the incidence if hemorrhoids.

Women can also practice Kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles of the vaginal wall and improve circulation in the anal and vaginal area. No special equipment or experience is necessary to do Kegels. Simply squeeze the vaginal and anal muscles as if you were trying to avoid urination. Hold the tensed muscles for as long as possible (working up to about eight to ten seconds.) Repeat the move about twenty five times throughout the day.

Extended periods of sitting or standing can cause blood to build up in the anal area and increase pressure on the veins. If your work requires you to sit or stand for a prolonged period, try to take regular stretching breaks that alternate your position. Also, lie on your side while reading or watching TV to decrease the amount of pressure on the rectal area.

Heavy lifting and poor lifting technique can also contribute to hemorrhoidal development. The sudden increase of pressure on the blood vessels can cause the veins in the rectal area to stretch and swell. Don't lift objects that you are not physically strong enough to lift. Bend you knees and avoid holding your breath when lifting. Instead, breathe evenly, exhaling as you lift the object.