By Dr. Surya Bhagwati
Chief In- House Doctor
BAMS, DHA, DHHCM, DHBTC | 30+ Years of Experience
Life with hemorrhoids is pretty uncomfortable and painful, isn’t it? Especially when certain foods trigger the flare-ups. The only way to reduce discomfort and promote healing is by avoiding foods that irritate hemorrhoids. Selecting the right foods can be an important help, so here’s the piles avoid food list to help navigate life with hemorrhoids.
Foods To Avoid When Having Hemorrhoids
Refined Grains
Refined grains like white bread or white rice are packed with processed carbs and lack essential fibers, making it a food to avoid during hemorrhoids. Consuming low-fiber diets promotes constipation, which makes bowel movement painful during hemorrhoids. Whole grains should be consumed for easier stool passing, so eat oats, brown rice, and whole wheat to make your tummy happy.
Dairy Products
Don’t we all love scooping into a tub of ice-cream, especially on a sad gloomy day? But if you have hemorrhoids and you consume dairy products, including milk or cheese, it causes a reaction that leads to swelling and constipation, making digestion difficult. In case you feel that there is a need to strain to pass stool, the symptoms worsen, and this is a sign of having hemorrhoids. As a food avoid during piles, replace it with plant-based or lactose-free products such as almond milk and coconut yoghurt.
Meat
Although meat contributes protein, it is fiber-free and tends to be rough on the stomach. Called out for being one of the 5 foods to avoid with hemorrhoids, processed meat may cause a tendency towards constipation and leads to discomfort. Instead, go for plant-based proteins like lentils beans or tofu. They are loaded with fiber, which helps in smooth bowel movement.
Processed Snacks And Meals
When you think about food to avoid when having hemorrhoids, processed foods top the chart. Processed foods, including chips, frozen dinners, and packaged snacks, are low in fiber and high in unhealthy fats, preservatives, and salt. So, this causes constipation, bloating, and digestive issues, which can worsen hemorrhoids. Fresh, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains support digestion and minimize irritation from hemorrhoids.
Alcohol
Sometimes, we wonder what harm can a glass of wine do. But, alcohol causes dehydration that leads to constipation and makes stool painful if you suffer from hemorrhoids. The person becomes weak because he has reduced body function especially in the digestion system. If you want to minimize hemorrhoids, limit alcohol intake and keep yourself hydrated at all times, so that the stomach can work effectively.
Spicy Foods
Did you know spicy foods can worsen the irritation of hemorrhoids in the digestive system? Foods with high proportions of chilli peppers, hot sauce or spices may cause problems while passing stool. To reduce discomfort, if a person loves spicy food and is suffering from hemorrhoids, they can opt for milder seasonings like ginger and turmeric, as these help in digestion.
Allergy Or Sensitivity Foods
Foods that people might be intolerant or allergic to can increase the irritation and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids. Common culprits include gluten, some nuts, and dairy products for those who are lactose intolerant. Be aware of food sensitivities and adjust your diet according to foods to avoid with hemorrhoids. This one step can help get rid of bloating and promote easier bowel movements.
Excessive Fiber
Usually, large amounts of fiber is good for the digestive system, but if you have haemorrhoids, it is a piles food to avoid. It can lead to bloating and gas, resulting in pain. So, if you want to have fiber-rich foods, you need to drink plenty of water to ease digestion or slowly increase the amount of fiber into your diet.
Iron Supplements And Some Other Medicines
Our body needs iron, but if you have hemorrhoids, it can make you more constipated and increase the hardness of your stool, which worsens the hemorrhoids. And if you are on a prescription of iron or some other drugs that work on digestion, talk to your doctor for an alternative or a dietary plan that suits your gastrointestinal health.
Why Diet Matters For Hemorrhoids
Following a balanced and healthy diet is important for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Dietary changes like increased fiber intake, staying hydrated and limited alcohol intake promotes better digestion helps reduce constipation and lack of irritation. If you don’t eat foods that cause constipation, bloating or straining during bowel movements, you can easily reduce the discomfort from hemorrhoids.
Conclusion
To be able to control symptoms and avoid flare-ups, one needs to understand how diet is related to hemorrhoids. Dietary habits like eliminating refined grains, dairy products, and processed food, along with limiting alcohol intake and spicy foods, can make a huge difference in reducing discomfort. Opt for high-fiber, water-rich foods and stay hydrated to improve digestion and ease bowel movements. Such small things can make all the difference, try and see it for yourself!
FAQs On Foods To Avoid In Hemorrhoids
What not to eat in hemorrhoids?
Foods to avoid with hemorrhoids are refined grains, dairy products, processed foods, and spicy dishes. These food items cause constipation, bloating or irritation, which worsens the condition.
Is rice bad for hemorrhoids?
White rice is one of those foods that lacks fiber and may cause constipation. Instead, go for brown rice as it has a high fiber content that is good for digestion and smooth bowel movement.
Can I drink milk in piles?
For some, milk is the cause for bloating and constipation, which worsens the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Try alternatives like plant-based milk as it gentler on the digestive system, if you experience discomfort.
Hemorrhoids lead to discomfort even in everyday activities, but if you make a few lifestyle changes like diet, you can ease the symptoms. To make your daily routine more comfortable, you can try a few home remedies for hemorrhoids like a warm bath with epsom salt or apply coconut oil on the affected area. You can also get your hands on Dr Vaidya’s Piles Care Combo for effective and quick relief from piles. Made using high-quality Ayurvedic herbs like Aloe Vera, Haritaki and Nageskar, this formulation will reduce pain, bleeding, itching and swelling. Use it for 3 months consistently to notice any improvement and thank us later!
Dr. Surya Bhagwati
BAMS (Ayurveda), DHA (Hospital Admin), DHHCM (Health Management), DHBTC (Herbal Beauty and Cosmetology)
Dr. Surya Bhagwati is an established, well-known Ayurvedic expert with over 30 years of experience in treating and consulting in the field of Ayurveda. She is known for the timely, efficient, and patient-centred delivery of quality health care. The patients under her care receive a unique holistic treatment comprising not only medicinal treatment but also spiritual empowerment.