Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins in the lower section of the gastrointestinal tract which is basically found in the rectum and anus. It causes pain if it protrudes especially during defecation. Every time the bump is irritated, the skin around it becomes inflamed, swollen, and painful. In some cases, these hemorrhoids bleed from single droplets to large amounts. Bleeding is manifested by the presence of bright red blood during defecation.

Hemorrhoids are somewhat similar to varicose veins. When bulging hemorrhoidal veins become irritated, the surrounding membranes swell, burn, itch and become very painful and can bleed later. Hemorrhoids are caused by too much pressure on the rectum and anus. The usual causative factor for hemorrhoids is too much pressure in the rectal and anal region. Blood is then forced into the affected site, which can cause the anal veins to stretch and bulge, and sometimes lead to their rupture.

When hemorrhoids start to become apparent, it is very difficult to get rid of especially thrombosed hemorrhoids. The problem associated with hemorrhoids is that it keeps getting worse unless an immediate remedy is done. If a person has recurring constipation, a main cause of hemorrhoids could be his diet.

There is a prescribed or appropriate diet for hemorrhoids that is aimed at avoiding constipation. Having a sufficient amount of fiber in your daily diet is essential to avoid fecal impaction. If a person has chronic constipation, a doctor could easily suggest daily bulk fiber supplements to alleviate the current hemorrhoid problem and prevent the growth of other hemorrhoids. These supplements need a large amount of time before they work.

In addition to taking fiber supplements, it is very important to add organic foods to your diet, such as fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables.

Here are some recommended foods for hemorrhoid patients:

Vegetables:

spinach, almonds, kidney beans, black-eyed beans, chickpeas, lentils, broccoli, peas, sweet corn, cabbage, carrots, asparagus, and cucumber

fruit

blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, apricots, oranges, pears, apples, plums, bananas, grapes, guava, kiwi, mango

others

Scones, Muffins, Bagels, Whole Grain Bread, Red River Cereal, Whole Wheat, All Bran, Barley, Onion, Sunflower Seeds, Popcorn, Brown Rice

It is advisable not to eat foods high in cholesterol as they could lead to obesity. Overweight people are more likely to get hemorrhoids due to the workload on their lower extremities carrying their body weight. Being overweight causes additional pressure on the rectal and anal veins during bowel movements.

In addition to taking a sufficient amount of high-fiber foods, you should also drink more water daily to soften your stools and prevent overstraining of hard stools. Apart from the reduction in pressure during a bowel movement, the softer stools pass through the rectum easily and without any irritation or discomfort. The adequate amount of liquids a day should be 6 to 8 glasses. In addition to that, whenever you have hemorrhoids, try to avoid eating watermelon or juices that can change the color of the urine, since it could be mistakenly perceived as blood when evaluating the severity or state of your condition. Try to avoid caffeine-rich drinks like coffee, chocolate shakes, colas, and alcoholic beverages, as they can cause dehydration that can lead to constipation. Always keep in mind the doctor’s quote: “Better safe than sorry!”