Hemorrhoid management: Foods to avoid with hemorrhoids for better healing

If you or someone you know is suffering from hemorrhoids, this guide about foods to avoid with hemorrhoids is going to help you.

When you have persistent constipation and are exerting pressure when passing stools, you may develop hemorrhoids. Blood in stool could be a sign of hemorrhoids.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing all sorts of medical conditions. Knowing what to eat is extremely important when you suffer from hemorrhoids. At the same time, it's important to note the foods that aggravate the hemorrhoids.

Let's take a look at the foods to avoid with hemorrhoids.

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Foods to avoid with hemorrhoids

There are some days when you experience greater pain than others when you have piles. Your eating habits and the type of diet you follow directly affect how well or poorly you pass things through your bowels.

You can ease symptoms, lessen inflammation and speed up the healing process by paying attention to your food. The following list comprises foods that cause hemorrhoids or exacerbate the condition, giving you key knowledge for managing your hemorrhoids:

1) Spicy foods

Too much spicy food must be avoided. (Image via Unsplash/ Peija Li)

Spicy foods must be included in the list of foods to avoid with hemorrhoids, as they can irritate the digestive system, which can increase discomfort and possibly exacerbate bleeding hemorrhoids. Consume hot peppers, chili powder and other spicy foods in moderation or not at all.

2) Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol must be avoided. (Image via Unsplash/Julia Nastogadka)

Alcohol can cause the body to get dehydrated and become constipated, which is a typical cause of hemorrhoid flare-ups.

Additionally, drinking too much alcohol may increase blood flow and cause blood vessels to dilate, which could exacerbate bleeding hemorrhoids. It's advisable to consume alcohol in moderation or not at all.

3) Processed foods

Processed foods may exacerbate hemorrhoids symptoms. (Image via Unsplash/Hamza Nouasria)

Fast food, packaged snacks and processed meats are examples of highly processed foods that typically have little fiber content and high levels of harmful fats. These are included in the list of foods to avoid with hemorrhoids.

Processed foods can worsen hemorrhoid symptoms by causing constipation, difficult stool movements and increased pressure in the rectal region.

4) Caffeine

It's advised to drink caffeinated drinks in moderation. (Image via Unsplash/Mike Kenneally)

While most people can usually tolerate modest amounts of caffeine without any problems, excessive consumption can dehydrate you and cause constipation. Limiting intake of caffeinated beverages, including coffee, black tea and energy drinks, is advised.

5) Dairy products

Foods to avoid with hemorrhoids- milk and milk products. (Image via Unsplash/Towfiqu Barbhuiya)

Dairy products, especially the full-fat varieties, may exacerbate hemorrhoid symptoms for some people.

Some people may get constipation from these products. If you discover that dairy is having an impact on your bowel movements, you might want to cut back on your consumption, or choose lactose-free or plant-based alternatives.

6) Refined grains

White bread, white rice and refined pasta are examples of refined grains that lack fiber and may cause constipation.

Instead, it's advised to choose whole grains, which are richer in fiber and may assist soften stools to improve comfort of bowel movements.

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Piles are uncomfortable and painful. However, the condition can be marginally improved with the proper diet of nutritious foods.

You can promote healing and better control hemorrhoid symptoms by knowing which foods to avoid with hemorrhoids or limiting consumption of foods known to aggravate bleeding or cause hemorrhoids.

To manage hemorrhoids, remember to drink enough water, have a diet rich in high-fiber foods and speak with a healthcare provider.