Hemorrhoids, commonly referred to as piles, affect many individuals with discomfort and pain. However, despite various contributing factors such as genetics and lifestyle choices, the role of diet is significant in both preventing and managing this condition. Further by incorporating specific foods into your daily intake; you can actively support digestive health and decrease the risk of developing hemorrhoids. In this blog, let’s look at some foods to prevent piles.
Hemorrhoid Prevalence in India
Hemorrhoidal disease is widespread and frequently encountered by doctors in India, including general practitioners, general surgeons, and gastrointestinal surgeons. In fact, it’s estimated that around 50% of the population may experience hemorrhoids at some point in their life. Moreover, it’s typically by the age of 50. Further, at any given time, approximately 5% of the population is dealing with hemorrhoids.
Ultimately, what you eat can help ease the symptoms of hemorrhoids. So, read on to learn about the top foods to prevent piles and promote overall well-being.
High Fiber Foods to Prevent Piles
Foods rich in fiber, coupled with proper fluid intake (non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic), can soften stools, making them easier to pass and reducing the risk of piles. In fact, studies suggest that fiber supplementation can significantly reduce bleeding associated with hemorrhoids by 50%, though it does not appear to help prolapse (hemorrhoids that protrude outside the anus).
Here let’s see some high-fiber foods to prevent piles:
1.Vegetables: Lettuce, raw carrots, spinach, asparagus, beets, mushrooms, turnips, pumpkin, baked potatoes, and sweet potatoes with skin, broccoli, string beans, green peas, collard greens.
2.Fruits: Apples (with skin), avocados, bananas, peaches, pears (with skin), berries, figs, and other dried fruits, kiwis.
3.Grains: Hot cereals like oatmeal and farina, whole-grain bread, brown rice, popcorn, high-fiber cereals (bran, shredded wheat, puffed wheat), whole wheat pastas, bran muffins.
4.Legumes, Nuts, and Seeds: Lentils, black beans, split peas, kidney beans, chickpeas, navy beans, pinto beans, sunflower seeds, almonds, pistachios and pecans.
5.Hydrating Foods
Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining soft and easy-to-pass stools, preventing the strain associated with constipation and hemorrhoids. In addition, drinking plenty of water, incorporate hydrating foods into your diet, such as:
1. Cucumbers
2. Watermelon
3. Celery
4. Tomatoes
5. Citrus fruits
Foods Rich in Flavonoids
Flavonoids are the natural substances found in many plant-based foods, as well as beverages such as tea and wine that can help with itching, bleeding, and other symptoms associated with hemorrhoids. While flavonoid supplements can be purchased, it’s just as easy to get flavonoids from foods, such as
*Onions
*Red cabbage
*Parsley
*Kale
*Citrus fruits
*Berries
*Dark chocolate
* Soybeans
Probiotic Foods
Probiotic foods like yogurt can facilitate easier bowel movements and help maintain a healthy gut. However, it is always suggested to discuss it with your healthcare provider before including it in a hemorrhoid diet plan if your immune system is weak.
Furthermore, make sure to select high-quality probiotic foods. Also, learn to check labels carefully to avoid those that contain artificial sweeteners, as they could result in additional digestive problems.
To Sum up
The role of foods to prevent piles is paramount, with high-fiber foods, adequate hydration, and rich flavonoids proving to be beneficial. Thus, engaging in a holistic approach to diet, coupled with medical guidance from the best healthcare providers, can empower individuals to proactively reduce the discomfort of hemorrhoids and improve digestive well-being.
