Five Food People With Hemorrhoids Should Avoid

Having hemorrhoids can be a painful and uncomfortable experience. If you have this problem, you may have tried many things to improve the situation. Do not forget that one way of doing this is by changing your diet.

What are hemorrhoids?

The root cause of hemorrhoids is not always known, but it may be related to heredity or chronic constipation. Hemorrhoids are often caused by increased pressure in the veins around your rectum and anus. This pressure can be caused by constipation, straining during bowel movements, or by the habit of sitting too long on the toilet.

Whatever the cause, you can reduce the risk of further hemorrhoids by taking care of your body. The following five foods should be avoided if you have hemorrhoids.

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids? 

The most common symptom of hemorrhoids is rectal bleeding associated with bowel movements. Although the bleeding is usually painless, itching and pain are some of the main symptoms associated with hemorrhoids. 

A feeling of rectal fullness or like not “getting it all out” will occur in patients with large hemorrhoids.

Worst foods for people with hemorrhoids 

There are particular foods people with hemorrhoids should avoid. For relief from hemorrhoids, you need to be aware of foods that may trigger an outbreak. Once you find out what foods may cause your hemorrhoids to flare up, don't eat them.

1) Dairy products 

Avoiding dairy products is a key step in treating hemorrhoids. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are high in lactose, which can irritate the skin of the anal area. Lactose intolerance can also lead to diarrhea and, less frequently, constipation, so it is important not to introduce these foods until the symptoms have subsided.

When dairy is consumed, some chemical reactions can worsen any existing hemorrhoid flare-ups or create new ones. If you have been diagnosed with lactose intolerance, avoid all dairy products for at least two weeks after your symptoms subside.

2) White flour 

White flour is a highly processed food and should be steered clear of when trying to avoid foods that trigger hemorrhoids. It's very high in carbohydrates, which can lead to diarrhea and constipation, two common causes of hemorrhoid flare-ups. White flour also contains gluten, which may contribute to inflammation in people with celiac disease.

If you're looking for healthier alternatives for baking recipes, try substituting white flour with whole-wheat flour or other alternatives like chickpea or almond flour.

3) Spicy foods 

Spicy foods can be bad for your hemorrhoids because they cause irritation. In some cases, the spiciness can trigger an attack of hemorrhoidal symptoms and make them worse. Spicy foods may also aggravate symptoms of ulcers in the stomach or intestines, which can lead to bleeding.

If you have hemorrhoid-related constipation, spicy foods may worsen the problem because they cause muscle contractions in the intestine that could hamper bowel movements.

4) Chips and salty food 

If you have hemorrhoids, it's essential to avoid chips and fast food. While the high-fat content of these foods is bad for your health in general, those with hemorrhoids should be particularly mindful of what they eat. These foods can cause or worsen hemorrhoid symptoms.

Furthermore, the high-sodium content in fast food and chips can aggravate the problem.

5) Hot dogs and beef jerky 

If you have hemorrhoids, it's best to avoid processed meats. Processed meats are loaded with sodium and preservatives that can aggravate your hemorrhoids. If you're craving something salty, try healthier snacks like nuts or seeds.

Starchy foods like corn chips can also lead to constipation, potentially worsening hemorrhoid symptoms. 

6) Alcohol, caffeine, and iron supplements 

Though not exactly "foods," alcohol and caffeine are known to increase pressure in hemorrhoidal veins. Additionally, alcohol can decrease blood flow to the area.

Reducing your intake of alcohol and caffeine can help lessen the discomfort of hemorrhoids. They can also cause gastrointestinal side effects, which are even more undesirable with hemorrhoids.

A few things you CAN eat 

It's crucial to maintain a high-fiber diet if you have hemorrhoids. High-fiber foods can help with constipation, which is a common issue for those with hemorrhoids. How bad food is for hemorrhoids depends on the severity of your condition and how you're feeling.

If you have severe pain or itching, avoid anything that could aggravate your hemorrhoids (i.e., spicy foods).

A high-fiber diet is one of the best ways to keep hemorrhoids at bay. Whole grains, nuts, vegetables, and fruits are all high in fiber and can help you maintain normal bowel function — they can also prevent constipation, a cause of hemorrhoids. Other food sources high in fiber include beans, peas, lentils, and oatmeal. Drink plenty of water daily as well!

Home remedies

1. Eating a diet high in fiber can help prevent constipation and hemorrhoid flare-ups. 

2. Drink at least eight glasses of water each day. 

3. Use an ice pack on your hemorrhoid area for 15 minutes at a time, two or three times a day. 

4. Apply cold packs to the area for 15 minutes, two or three times a day. Two ways are: using cold washcloths that you soak in ice water and using frozen vegetables like corn, peas, carrots, and other fruits/vegetables of your choice (15 minutes). 

5. Sit on a cushion when you're sitting down instead of sitting directly on the chair — this will make it easier for your body to digest food better, which will lessen pain.

Hemorrhoids management

Hemorrhoids can be caused by many things, including genetics and pregnancy, but are usually a result of constipation. The worst food for hemorrhoids is processed foods. These foods are typically high in sugar and salt, which can make the problem worse as they cause dehydration and swelling.

Some people try to treat their hemorrhoids with a high-fiber diet, but this can also cause more problems because the fiber needs water to work properly in the body.

The lowdown

If you have hemorrhoids, there are certain foods that you should avoid. These include spicy foods, alcohol, high-fat foods, and dairy products. It is essential to maintain a high-fiber diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as an adequate fluid intake.

Also, be sure to stay away from anything that triggers your hemorrhoids.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but you can follow some general guidelines. Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, which can help keep constipation at bay. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and other root vegetables are healthy choices for those with hemorrhoids.

Stay away from dairy products since they tend to aggravate the problem. Try replacing milk and cheese with foods that do not cause problems, such as soy or almond milk, and veggie-based cheeses, such as Daiya cheese. However, consult your doctor before making any dietary changes to see what works for you.