Seventeen high-fiber foods recommended for hemorrhoid relief

Seventeen high-fiber foods recommended for hemorrhoid relief

Hemorrhoids, or piles, are a common health issue that affects many individuals, with approximately 1 in 20 people living in the United States experiencing them [1]. As many as 50% of adults over the age of 50 will deal with hemorrhoids at some point [1]. To help reduce symptoms of hemorrhoids or the risk of developing them, a person can consider incorporating a high-fiber diet into their daily routine.

Hemorrhoids occur when the veins around the anus or in the lower rectum become inflamed and swollen. This can be a result of straining during bowel movements, constipation, or sitting for long periods [2]. To prevent and alleviate symptoms of hemorrhoids, a diet rich in high-fiber foods is recommended.

Fruits Rich in Fiber

Fruits like apples, bananas, and other whole fruits provide fiber that softens and bulks stools, easing bowel movements and reducing constipation, a primary cause of hemorrhoids [1][4]. The inner skin that covers the flesh of citrus fruits contains a lot of fiber as well. A 100g serving of raspberries contains around 6.5g of fiber, and a 100g serving of kiwifruit has around 3g of fiber and plenty of water [3].

Whole Grains

Whole grains such as brown rice, oats, and ragi contain substantial fiber, better than refined grains, which help promote regular, softer bowel movements [2][3]. One cup of cooked oatmeal contains around 4g of fiber, and one medium-sized baked sweet potato with its skin on contains 3.8g of fiber [3].

Legumes and Pulses

Beans, lentils, chickpeas, and green gram are excellent fiber sources that prevent straining during defecation by ensuring stool softness [2][3]. Just half a cup of cooked navy beans contains 9.6g of fiber, while half a cup of kidney beans contains around 5.7g of fiber [3]. One cup of cooked lentils contains around 15.6g of fiber [3].

Vegetables

Fiber-rich vegetables, particularly those eaten with skin when possible, aid stool bulk and ease passage, supporting hemorrhoid management [2]. Tomatoes contain fiber and water, which can ease constipation and make it easier to pass stool [3]. One cup of boiled broccoli contains around 5.1g of fiber [3].

These fiber-rich foods work by increasing stool bulk and water content, thus preventing constipation and straining which aggravate hemorrhoids. It is important to also maintain adequate fluid intake to optimize fiber’s effect [1][2].

In summary, a diet incorporating whole fruits (like apples and bananas), whole grains, legumes, and vegetables is recommended to prevent and alleviate piles symptoms. For severe cases or lack of improvement, medical consultation is advised [2].

[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Hemorrhoids. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20353081 [2] National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. (2021). Hemorrhoids. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/hemorrhoids [3] USDA. (2021). FoodData Central. Retrieved from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170170/nutrients [4] American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. (2018). Hemorrhoids. Retrieved from https://www.fascrs.org/patients/disease-condition/hemorrhoids

1. The path to better health often involves addressing common issues like hemorrhoids, a condition affecting many individuals globally.
2. Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are a health issue that approximately 1 in 20 people in the United States currently face [1].
3. As many as 50% of adults over 50 experience hemorrhoids at some point in their lives [1].
4. To reduce symptoms of hemorrhoids or prevent their occurrence, a high-fiber diet is recommended.
5. Hemorrhoids occur when veins around the anus or in the lower rectum become inflamed and swollen due to various causes, such as straining during bowel movements, constipation, or prolonged sitting [2].
6. Whole fruits, such as apples and bananas, share fiber that softens and bulks stools, promoting easier bowel movements and reducing constipation, a primary cause of hemorrhoids [1][4].
7. The inner skin of citrus fruits also contains significant fiber.
8. Raspberries, for instance, offer around 6.5g of fiber per 100g serving [3].
9. Kiwifruit, with around 3g of fiber and plenty of water, is another excellent source [3].
10. Whole grains like brown rice, oats, and ragi provide more fiber than refined grains, contributing to softer, regular bowel movements [2][3].
11. Cooked oatmeal includes around 4g of fiber per cup, while baked sweet potatoes with their skin offer 3.8g of fiber per medium-sized serving [3].
12. Legumes and pulses, like beans, lentils, chickpeas, and green gram, are rich in fiber, preventing straining during defecation and ensuring stool softness [2][3].
13. Half a cup of cooked navy beans offers 9.6g of fiber, while half a cup of kidney beans has around 5.7g of fiber [3].
14. One cup of cooked lentils delivers approximately 15.6g of fiber [3].
15. Fiber-rich vegetables, especially those eaten with skin, contribute to stool bulk and facilitate passage, actively supporting hemorrhoid management [2].
16. Tomatoes have fiber and water, which can ease constipation and support easier stool passage [3].
17. One cup of boiled broccoli contains around 5.1g of fiber [3].
18. A fiber-rich diet reduces the risk of constipation and straining, important factors in the aggravation of hemorrhoids.
19. In addition to fiber, maintaining adequate fluid intake is essential to optimize its effects [1][2].
20. For severe hemorrhoid cases or lack of improvement, professional medical advice is recommended [2].
21. Predictive analysis in science has a role in understanding chronic diseases like hemorrhoids and developing preventive strategies.
22. Workplace wellness programs promote awareness of medical conditions like hemorrhoids in the corporate environment.
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26. Fiber consumption is essential for digestive health, aiding in the prevention of conditions like constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and colorectal cancer.
27. A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that aids in the detection of colon polyps, colon cancer, and other digestive-related health issues.
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30. COPD patients require various treatments, including pulmonary rehabilitation, inhalers, and breathing exercises to alleviate symptoms.
31. Fiber-rich diets can help manage respiratory conditions like COPD and asthma.
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