Suffering from Hemorrhoids? Here’s How Your Diet Can Help!

Hemorrhoids are typically discussed in secret, if at all. They fall into that category of medical condition that is “more embarrassing than painful” or maybe “as embarrassing as it is painful”. In fact, hemorrhoids can be so embarrassing that people may not even go see a doctor about them. This is a mistake; although hemorrhoids most often heal on their own, if left untreated, they can cause some serious conditions that are life threatening such as, colorectal cancer. Thankfully, hemorrhoids aren’t too difficult to treat. You can actually begin at home, just use some of the foods that are listed below.

What is a Hemorrhoid?

Hemorrhoids are blood vessels that reside in the walls of the rectum and anus. They tend to form in clumps or cushions of tissue inside the anal cavity. Hemorrhoids occur when these blood vessels become swollen and inflamed. This can result in pain, bleeding, and itchiness and very bad constipation. Normally, pregnant women, people with spinal cord injuries, and elderly people are more prone to hemorrhoids, but anybody can be affected by them.

What to Eat to Treat Hemorrhoids

1. Stay Hydrated

The most important thing to do when you’re having trouble due to hemorrhoids is to hydrate yourself. Water removes toxins and helps to reduce inflammation, the source of your hemorrhoids. And since a major symptom of hemorrhoids is constipation, you want the lubrication water provides.

2. Eat Fiber

To keep your bowels healthy it is of the upmost importance that you consume fiber. There are 2 types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water, much like oatmeal; it makes your stools soft and easier to pass thereby reducing constipation.

Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water; it tends to just sit there. But you need this type of fiber to keep things moving through your system, and to make your stool a little bit less soft. Try to consume 25-30 grams of fiber a day, but not too fast, otherwise you will become gassy and bloated.

3. Whole Grains

A lot of people make the mistake of eating processed grains, such as white bread and flour. You want to consume whole grains because they have lots of fiber. Grains made from processed flours actually have the fiber processed out of them.