Hemorrhoids are an annoyance that 85% of the population will experience at some point in their life, luckily we have many ways to help prevent and alleviate the painful symptoms that accompany a flare-up of hemorrhoids.
One of the best ways to prevent and ease the pain of hemorrhoids is through diet. There are several things that we eat that promote the formation of hemorrhoids. Foods that are high in salt increase water retention, increasing the blood volume in the body. The increased blood pressure and volume creates a strain on all blood vessels, and can be a major contributing factor in hemorrhoids. Constipation causes a person to have to strain while trying to complete bowel movements, so avoiding foods such as cheese, or foods high in iron, refined sugars and starches, is one of the best ways to avoid developing hemorrhoids in the first place. Alcohol and sodas can dehydrate a person, leading to constipation and possible hemorrhoids.
For individuals who already have hemorrhoids, there are some foods that can make them much more painful. Along with anything that can cause constipation, mustard, chilipeppers, and anything spicy can aggravate hemorrhoids and cause them to be much more painful.
A person should focus on getting sufficient levels of fluids and fiber to prevent and ease the pain of hemorrhoids. Yogurt and kefir provide probiotics, beneficial bacteria that help the digestive system and help promote a healthy immune system. Kefir helps reduce dehydration and helps stimulate bowel movements without overstimulation. Look for yogurt and kefir with live active cultures to get the full benefit. Fruits and vegetables, especially fibrous vegetables, help with both fluid and fiber content. Fruits should be eaten with the skins on, so apples, and pears are a great way to get the best benefit from fruit. High water content vegetables such as celery and cucumber provide fiber and fluids as well as keeping you full.
Whole grains provide an excellent source of insoluble fiber, protein and other macronutrients that are extremely beneficial to being regular and not having to strain when having a bowel movement. Whole grains can be easy to incorporate and have been adapted to many common foods such as pasta, breads, rice and quinoa.
Fluids are the best way to make sure bowel movements are easy and to avoid forming hemorrhoids. Drink at least 8 cups of fluid, or 64 ounces, daily. While many may look at that and wonder how they will drink that much water, keep in mind, fluid intake can be counted from milk, broth-based soups, 100% fruit or vegetable juice and herbal teas. Fluids do not have to be restricted to just water. Smoothies are a great way to gain hydration and get all the beneficial fiber from fruits and vegetables.
There are many ways that diet can not only help with digestive health, but ease the pain and prevent the formation of hemorrhoids. Most times small changes can drastically affect the pain and discomfort associated with unneeded strain during bowel movements.
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