Eat These 5 Foods to Prevent Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels that form in or around your rectum and anal opening. They typically develop when that area of your body comes under excess pressure, and one frequent source of pressure in the region is constipation. For that reason, a diet that’s high in fiber can help reduce your risk, which is why we suggest eating these five foods to prevent hemorrhoids.

Key Takeaways

• While there are many dietary sources of fiber, consuming apples, kiwis, barley, lentils, and popcorn will provide additional hemorrhoid-prevention benefits
• Hemorrhoids form when the rectum comes under pressure, and constipation can create that kind of pressure
• Consuming soluble and insoluble fiber can help prevent constipation

Fiber and Constipation

You can find fiber in several types of food sources, You can find fiber in several types of food sources, including nuts, seeds, grains, fruits and veggies. There are two types of fiber:

• Soluble, meaning it dissolves in water
• Insoluble, meaning it won’t dissolve in water

A healthy diet should contain a blend of both soluble and insoluble fiber. This mix helps prevent constipation by making stools both larger and softer. That way, they pass at a faster pace when moving through your body, and they are easier to pass when it’s time to head to the bathroom. This reduces the amount of time you spend on the toilet, and helps you avoid straining when you pass a bowel movement, both of which can be causes of hemorrhoids.

Recently, the American Gastroenterological Association published new guidelines intended to help prevent hemorrhoids. And, according to those guidelines, choosing grain-based fiber is particularly effective when it comes to hemorrhoid prevention.

High-Fiber Foods to Prevent Hemorrhoids

Some people take fiber supplements for hemorrhoids. But you can actually add more fiber to your diet naturally with these five foods. As a bonus, they are packed with plenty of other nutrients and substances that your body needs to function optimally, so by choosing these foods to prevent hemorrhoids, you may also improve your general well-being. Just remember to increase your fluid intake when eating more fiber.  An increase in fiber intake without adequate hydration can lead to constipation which of could cause worsening hemorrhoid flares and inflammation. 

1. Kiwis: this tasty choice is a great source of soluble fiber, with each fruit containing 2 grams. (The average daily goal is between 25 and 38 grams each day, though totals vary depending on your age, gender and current state of health.) Simply eating two kiwis a day for four weeks helped participants in this study increase their daily bowel movements and improve overall comfort with their digestive systems.
   
2. Apples: containing both soluble and insoluble fiber (as long as you keep the skin on your fruit), this crunchy favorite will help keep you from sitting on the toilet for too long.
   
3. Barley: Containing 6 grams of soluble fiber per cooked cup, this old-school grain can really soften stools to help make the go more comfortable. Plus, as a grain-based fiber, adding this food to your diet can help keep you in line with the American Gastroenterological Association’s recommendations. Try adding it to a soup or using it as a rice replacement in your favorite rice recipes.
   
4. Lentils: Another soup staple, this is one of the best foods to prevent hemorrhoids because it’s both a great source of fibroid and it can help nourish the healthy microbes in your gut, supporting optimal digestion and better overall health.
   
5. Popcorn: This choice may be surprising, but popcorn is packed with 1.2 grams of insoluble fiber per cup. Keep this food choice in the healthy realm by skipping the butter and salt, and you’ve got a fun and easy way to sneak more fiber into your daily diet.

Safely Increasing Fiber Intake

While constipation increases your risk for hemorrhoids, having diarrhea also places a strain on your rectum. As such, you want to gradually increase your weekly fiber intake to avoid overloading your digestive tract and triggering very loose bowel movements. While every person is different, a safe goal to shoot for is to increase your weekly fiber intake by 5 grams until you reach the target of consuming between 25 and 38 grams each week.

Help for Existing Hemorrhoids

While fiber can help reduce your risk for hemorrhoids, dietary changes alone may not be able to resolve existing concerns. So, if you are dealing with grade 2-3 internal hemorrhoids, and want relief without surgery, we’re here to help. You can reach out to our Texas Endovascular team to request a consultation at one of our seven locations in the greater Houston and Dallas regions.