Piles or hemorrhoids refer to swollen and inflamed veins surrounding the area around the anus or the lower rectum. External hemorrhoids form under the skin near the anus while internal hemorrhoids forms in the lining of the anus and lower rectum. Eating a nutritious and healthy diet that is rich in fiber helps to relieve the symptoms of piles. On the other hand, processed foods, alcohol and red meat increase a person’s risk of piles. It has again and again been stated that what a person eats has a strong impact on easing his symptoms of hemorrhoids. For example, eating low-fat, more high fibre and whole foods help in reducing or preventing the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Fibre helps to increase water retention in the colon which in turn results in softer stools that pass more easily. It also decreases the pH levels in the colon which in turn reduces the overall colon transit time or the time it takes for food to pass through the colon.
Must-Have Foods For Piles
1. Wheat bran and shredded wheat
Ready-to-eat bran cereal is enriched in fiber and must be included in the daily diet. Wheat bran and shredded wheat have insoluble fiber which gives stool bulk and makes it easier for it to pass (Lohsiriwat, V., 2012. Hemorrhoids: from basic pathophysiology to clinical management. World journal of gastroenterology: WJG, 18(17), p.2009).
2. Prunes
Prunes or dried plums are rich in fiber and must be consumed regularly. Dried prunes also help to keep the stomach feeling full for a longer time. This means that the person will not have the urge to eat so often. This in turn may help in reducing both obesity and constipation, which are common risk factors for hemorrhoids.
3. Apples
Apples are one of the greatest foods for piles as they contain a high amount of dietary fiber. The insoluble fibers in the apple’s skin do not break down during digestion and also help to bulk up stool and this leads to a laxative effect.
4. Pears
Pears have a high amount of fiber as well as other beneficial compounds that benefit patients suffering from piles. It also contains fructose which may act as a natural laxative.
5. Barley
Barley is also rich in Beta-glucan, a fiber that breaks down and forms a viscous gel in the colon while softening the stool. Consuming barley is therefore important as it helps to maintain good colon health.
6. Corn
Corn contains a high amount of fiber and thus it is considered one of the best foods for piles. Along with fiber, it also contains strong antioxidants that help to prevent cellular damage as well as other compounds that may be effective in reducing pain (Gami, B., 2011. Hemorrhoids-a common ailment among adults, causes & treatment: a review. Int J Pharm Pharm Sci, 3(Suppl 5), pp.5-13). The fiber in oats also helps in improving gut health. It softens the stool and makes it easier to pass thereby reducing the risk of straining.
7. Lentils
A wide range of pulses like chickpeas, lentils, split peas and lima beans are other best foods for piles as they are high in fiber. Consuming green lentils increases the weight of the stool and also reduces the time it spends in the colon.
8. Whole wheat bread, cereals and pasta
Lightly processed or unprocessed whole wheat products have a high amount of insoluble fiber and this helps to increase fecal weight and colon transit time. To make it more effective, pick whole wheat products with seeds and nuts.
9. Berries
Berries like strawberries, blackberries and raspberries have a high skin-to-flesh ratio. This implies that they offer a lot of fiber per serving. They also contain a good quantity of water that helps to soften stools and promotes the smooth functioning of the digestive system. These fruits also contain fructose which has a natural laxative effect and therefore serve as beneficial foods for piles.
10. Potatoes and sweet potatoes
Even a medium-sized baked potato and sweet potato with its skin on contains a high amount of fiber. They contain both soluble as well as insoluble fiber.
It is important to avoid processed foods as well as foods that are rich in refined carbohydrates, fats and sugar as they can increase the risk of constipation and other conditions that cause hemorrhoids. The main foods to avoid are:
- Salty and fried foods
- Chips and packaged snacks
- Full-fat dairy products
- Heavily processed foods
- Candies and chocolates
- Red meat
- Soda, energy drinks and coffee with added sugar, cream or milk
- Alcohol
- Excessive caffeine intake
Role of Supplements
1. Fiber
It is one of the most important tools for fighting hemorrhoids. If this is not attained enough from diet, fiber supplements may be taken in different forms such as capsules, tablets and dissolvable drink powders (Lambeau, K.V. and McRorie Jr, J.W., 2017. Fiber supplements and clinically proven health benefits: How to recognize and recommend an effective fiber therapy. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 29(4), pp.216-223).
2. Flavonoids
These are compounds found in fruits, vegetables, red wine, coffee and tea. A mixture of certain flavonoids is considered to be a safe supplement for managing hemorrhoid symptoms. These flavonoids include quercetin, diosmin, hesperidin and rutin.
3. Triphala
This is an herbal remedy that comprises an effective combination of three plants that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial effects (Tripathi, R.K., Bolegave, S.S., Shetty, P.A., Uchil, D.A., Rege, N.N., Chawda, M.B. and Rege, S.A., 2015. Efficacy and safety of a polyherbal formulation in hemorrhoids. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine, 6(4), p.225). This is known to alleviate cases of bleeding hemorrhoids.
FAQs
1. Which fruits are highest in fiber?
Ans. Mangoes, apples, pears, guavas and raspberries are some of the common fruits containing the highest amounts of fiber.
2. Does junk food cause hemorrhoids?
Ans. Low-fiber foods can cause or worsen constipation and may lead to piles. It is always a good idea to avoid pizza, sandwich meat, frozen meals as well as other fast foods.