Hemorrhoids, also called as piles, affect up to 50% of adults. 20-50% of pregnant women are also at risk of having hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are called as piles because of its appearance, they look like grapes. These can cause some itching, pain and bleeding. You may notice streaks of blood in the tissue which you used after a bowel movement or in the feces. Because of hemorrhoids, you may be unable to sit for long hours. Some of the causes of hemorrhoids are pregnancy, being overweight, lack of exercise and a low fiber diet. There are also some foods that cause hemorrhoids therefore you need to avoid eating them. The following foods are those which you need to avoid.
Caffeinated fluids and alcohol
Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages are diuretic and can cause dehydration. When you are dehydrated, you will be constipated and this will cause you to strain during bowel movements. When you strain, there becomes lots of pressure in the veins surrounding the anus. This will make the veins inflamed and swollen. You have to avoid tea, soft drinks, coffee and anything which contain alcohol. Instead of drinking these, drink at least 8 glasses of water and juices. Dark berry juices can help eliminate hemorrhoids.
Sugary foods
You have to limit or avoid foods with too much sugar such as cakes, doughnuts, pies, muffins, ice cream, candies, sodas and cookies. Eating too much refined sugars can cause inflamed anal and rectal veins, strained bowel movements and constipation.
Refined grains
The bran component of refined grains has been stripped off which then causes them to be low in fiber content. Your body needs fiber in order to well digest the foods you eat and to prevent hard and bulky stools. You have to avoid eating refined grains such as commercially-baked foods like cakes, pies and cookies; white rice and white bread. Change what you eat to high-fiber grains like oatmeal, brown rice and whole-wheat bread.
Fatty foods
Other foods that cause hemorrhoids are fatty foods. You have to avoid eating foods with too much fat such as lamb, ham, fried chicken, French fries, bacon, beef and sausage. This is because they contain high levels of saturated fats, a type of unhealthy fats. Saturated fats can increase your chance of having hemorrhoids, increase the pressure in the anal and rectal veins and harden the stools.
But there are certain fats which may help get rid of your hemorrhoids such as those found in flaxseed oil and olive oil. These two contain a fatty acid called Omega 3 which reduces inflammation.
Salty foods
Too much sodium can make the blood pressure elevated, causing the veins in your rectum to bulge. Avoid foods like potato chips, French fries, salted nuts, canned soups and pretzels.
If you do not want to have hemorrhoids or you want to get rid of these then you must avoid the foods that cause hemorrhoids. Also, you have to eat foods rich in fiber and drink lots of fluids every day. Exercising will also help prevent hemorrhoids.
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