Do you suffer from hemorrhoids? Find out what to eat and what to avoid to reduce your symptoms.
If you suffer from hemorrhoids, you know well how painful and uncomfortable they can be. It's a common problem that affects many people at some point in their lives. Although hemorrhoids can have multiple causes, diet plays a key role in both prevention and treatment. Choosing the right foods can alleviate symptoms, while others can drastically worsen the situation. In this article, we tell you what to eat and what to avoid if you suffer from hemorrhoids.
What to eat if you have hemorrhoids
1. Foods rich in fiber
Fiber is key to improve intestinal transit. Include in your diet foods rich in soluble and insoluble fiber. You can opt for fiber supplements or include foods that contain it naturally, such as:
- Fruits and vegetables: cherries, apples, peaches, pears, broccoli....
- Legumes: lentils, chickpeas, beans.
- Whole grains: oatmeal, brown rice, bran, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat bread.
- Seeds and nuts: chia seeds, walnuts, almonds.
2. Water
Staying well hydrated is essential. It is recommended to drink between 8 and 10 glasses of water a day. You can also choose to consume fruits and vegetables with high water content (such as watermelon, zucchini, pumpkin) or prepare flavored water to make drinking a more pleasant experience.
3. Foods with anti-inflammatory properties
Consuming foods with anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce hemorrhoid swelling. Some examples are:
- Fish rich in omega-3: such as salmon or sardines.
- Olive oil: a healthy fat that also improves digestion.
- Turmeric and ginger: are powerful natural anti-inflammatories.
What foods to avoid if you have hemorrhoids
It is important to avoid foods that are low in fiber or that may cause constipation. Here are some of them:
1. Low-fiber foods: Avoid products such as: white bread, refined rice, refined pasta, etc.
2. Salt: Salt can promote dehydration, which worsens the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Limit its consumption.
3. Spices, condiments and spicy foods: Avoid ingredients such as: Chili peppers, cayenne pepper, sriracha or gochujang sauce, etc. These products increase the burning sensation and irritation, worsening the symptoms.
4. Alcohol and coffee: Both alcoholic beverages and coffee accelerate dehydration of the body, which hardens the stool and can cause constipation.
5. Processed foods: Exclude or limit sausages, sugary soft drinks and industrial snacks such as chips and crackers.
6. Fatty foods: Avoid whole dairy, fatty cheeses and fried foods, as these can worsen symptoms.
Adjusting your diet is key to reduce symptoms
Making certain adjustments to your diet can make a big difference to your well-being if you suffer from hemorrhoids - always remember to consult your doctor or nutritionist before making drastic changes to your diet!
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