Foods to Have and Avoid During Piles

In the realm of managing piles, diet plays a crucial role in alleviating symptoms and promoting healing. Knowing which foods to embrace and which to steer clear of can make a significant difference in your comfort and recovery.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the best dietary choices to soothe and support your digestive health while navigating the discomfort of piles.

How Does Diet Influence Piles?

Diet can play a significant role in influencing piles, also known as haemorrhoids. Haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus that can cause discomfort, bleeding, and itching. 

Overall, adopting a balanced diet rich in fibre, staying hydrated, and avoiding irritating foods can help prevent and alleviate symptoms of piles. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised dietary recommendations and treatment options if you are experiencing persistent or severe piles symptoms.

Which Foods Should Be Avoided If You Are Suffering From Piles? 

When experiencing piles, some days may be more painful than others. Your dietary habits play a crucial role in either improving or exacerbating your bowel movements and the resultant discomfort. Foods to stay away from include:

• Deep-fried and processed food items

Frozen meals, fast food, and deep-fried items are cumbersome for digestion, containing fewer nutrients alongside high levels of salt and unhealthy fats. These factors collectively contribute to digestive issues and constipation.

• Spicy food

While indulging in spicy dishes may be enjoyable, individuals with piles should exercise caution. Spicy foods can exacerbate discomfort during painful bowel movements or bleeding episodes associated with piles.

• Alcohol

Reducing alcohol intake is advisable as it disrupts digestive equilibrium by depleting essential nutrients and dehydrating the gut.

• Dairy products

Consumption of dairy products can lead to gas, stomach cramps, and constipation, particularly during flare-ups of haemorrhoids. Monitoring dairy intake is essential for managing symptoms.

• Unripe fruits

While fruits are beneficial for alleviating piles symptoms, consuming ripe fruits is crucial. Unripe fruits such as bananas may contain compounds that exacerbate discomfort. Opt for ripe fruits as part of your dietary routine.

• Refined grains

Opt for whole grains over refined varieties like white rice or bread, as refined grains lack fibre and essential nutrients.

• High-salted foods

Foods high in salt, such as tortilla chips, salted peanuts, and canned goods, can contribute to water retention and negatively impact blood vessels, worsening hemorrhoidal symptoms.

• Iron supplements and some other medicines

Iron supplements and some medications, such as those for colds or coughs, can cause constipation. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional before adjusting medication regimens.

• Excessive fibre

While fibre is beneficial for gut health, excessive intake can exacerbate hemorrhoidal symptoms. Gradually increasing fibre intake is recommended rather than sudden changes, as it can have a bulking effect on stools rather than aiding in relief.

• Processed meats

It’s advisable to limit the intake of processed meats during hemorrhoidal episodes due to their low fibre content and high sodium levels.

• Red Meat

Of all meat varieties, this particular type is notably challenging to digest and may impede bowel movements, making it unfavourable for individuals experiencing symptoms or predisposed to piles.

• Sweets

Consuming sweets can exacerbate piles due to their potential to cause constipation, worsen inflammation, and contribute to weight gain, all of which can worsen haemorrhoid symptoms.

You Can Also Read:  All you need to know about Piles

Which Foods Should Be Consumed if You Are Suffering From Piles? 

Numerous food options can aid in mitigating the likelihood of developing piles, which include constipation, bloating, and various digestive problems. These foods include:

• Legumes

Ensuring an adequate daily intake of dietary fibre can help minimise the occurrence of flare-ups associated with piles. There are two main types of fibre found in food: soluble and insoluble.

Soluble fibre forms a gel in the digestive tract and can be broken down by beneficial bacteria, while insoluble fibre adds bulk to stool.

Legumes such as beans, lentils, peas, soybeans, peanuts, and chickpeas are abundant sources of both types of fibre, with a particularly high concentration of soluble fibre.

Incorporating lentils and other legumes into your diet can increase stool bulk, reducing the likelihood of straining during bowel movements.

• Cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and radishes are renowned for their high insoluble fibre content. These vegetables contain a natural compound called glucosinolate, which can be efficiently digested by gut bacteria.

This digestion process aids in smooth bowel movements and can alleviate symptoms associated with a fresh bout of haemorrhoids.

• Root vegetables

Root vegetables such as turnips, beetroot, carrots, sweet potatoes, and potatoes offer substantial satiety and exceptional nutrition. Additionally, they boast a rich content of gut-friendly fibre.

Take cooked and cooled white potatoes, for instance; they harbour resistant starch, a type of carbohydrate that traverses the digestive system without digestion. Like soluble fibre, they support gut bacteria and promote smooth bowel movements.

• Bell peppers

Rich in essential vitamins such as vitamin C and minerals, bell peppers serve as an excellent choice for boosting fibre intake in your diet. Just a cup of mild bell peppers provides approximately 2 grams of fibre.

Moreover, boasting a water content of around 93%, bell peppers aid in hydration and promote smooth passage of stool.

• Whole grains

Similar to legumes, whole grains are a nutritional powerhouse as they preserve their germ, bran, and endosperm, all of which are rich in fibre content. Whole grains are notably abundant in insoluble fibre.

The advantage of insoluble fibre lies in its inability to be digested, thus adding bulk to stool and facilitating easier excretion, reducing the discomfort associated with piles.

Brown rice, oats and corn are among the beneficial whole grains.

For instance, incorporating oatmeal into your diet can alleviate symptoms of piles. Oatmeal contains a special soluble fibre known as beta-glucan, which supports the gut microbiome by acting as a prebiotic. This, in turn, nourishes healthy gut bacteria and aids in smoother excretion.

• Bananas

Incorporating them into your diet can effectively alleviate symptoms of piles. With their rich content of pectin and resistant starch, a single banana typically supplies an average of 3 grams of fibre.

This combination aids in promoting smooth bowel movements, facilitating easier stool passage.

• Tomatoes

Tomatoes are rich in dietary fibre and have a high water content, which helps alleviate symptoms of constipation by reducing the need to strain during bowel movements.

Additionally, tomatoes contain a natural antioxidant called naringenin, which some scientists suggest may have a laxative effect on constipation.

• Citrus fruits

Fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapes boast high levels of vitamin C. Beneath their outer layer, the inner skin of these fruits is abundant in fibre.

Citrus fruits are also rich in water content, which aids in softening stools. Similar to tomatoes, they also contain naringenin, a natural compound known for its laxative effect.

You Can Also Read: Piles and Fissures – Know the Difference

Conclusion

Managing piles through diet requires a balance of fibre-rich foods, hydration, and avoidance of trigger foods like processed snacks. Prioritise healthful choices to alleviate symptoms and promote overall well-being.

At the CK Birla Hospital, we ensure patients get holistic medical support which includes treatment in a compassionate environment. This patient-centric approach not only helps patients heal better but also ensures they are aware of the preventive measures as well. In case you need to consult a dietitian, reach out to us, or book a direct appointment at the CK Birla Hospital.

FAQs

Can change my diet cure piles?

A high-fibre diet can help alleviate symptoms of piles by promoting smoother bowel movements and reducing strain during defecation.

Are there any safe spices for piles?

Gentle spices like turmeric, ginger, and cumin can aid digestion and may alleviate discomfort associated with piles when consumed moderately.

How quickly can diet affect piles symptoms?

Improvements in diet, particularly increased fibre intake, can alleviate piles symptoms within days to weeks depending on individual responses.

Is a vegetarian diet beneficial for piles?

Yes, a vegetarian diet rich in fibre from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help alleviate piles symptoms and promote digestive health.

Can I enjoy any sweets or snacks safely?

Opt for low-sugar, high-fibre snacks like fruit, nuts, or dark chocolate to minimise aggravation of piles while still enjoying treats.