The Best Foods for Hemorrhoid Relief (and What to Avoid)

Hemorrhoids (or piles) occur when the veins in and around the anus and rectum swell, resulting in irritation, itching, bleeding, and pain. A high-fiber diet is commonly recommended to treat and prevent this condition.

Fiber makes stools easier to pass. This prevents constipation and straining, which can cause or aggravate hemorrhoids. Studies have shown that fiber supplementation can reduce the bleeding associated with hemorrhoids by 50%. Adding more fiber-rich foods to your diet can be an important part of a hemorrhoid treatment plan.

1. Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables contain insoluble fiber, which adds bulk to the stool, helping food pass more quickly through the digestive system. They include:

• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Collard greens
• Kale
• Swiss chard
  

2. Artichokes

This prickly veggie is a good source of fiber, including inulin, a soluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance that feeds the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. It also slows digestion, so you feel full longer.

3. Root Vegetables

Tubers like sweet potato, carrot, and rutabaga contain fiber as well as resistant starch. Research suggests that this type of carbohydrate improves the consistency and frequency of bowel movements, which may help prevent constipation and hemorrhoids.

4. Eggplant

Eggplant is rich in fiber and made up of 90% water. It also contains chlorogenic acid, an antioxidant compound associated with preventing and alleviating symptoms of hemorrhoids.

5. Whole Grains

Whole grains are rich in soluble fiber. Some whole-grain foods to try:

• Oatmeal (steel-cut oats are less processed than other varieties and higher in fiber)
• Whole-grain bread
• Brown rice
• Quinoa
• Corn
• High-fiber cereals, such as bran, shredded wheat, and puffed wheat
• Spelt
• Whole wheat pastas
  

6. Berries

In addition to disease-fighting antioxidants, berries are particularly rich in fiber, making them one of the best types of fruit for hemorrhoids. Try adding more blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries to your diet.

7. Citrus Fruits

Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons contain fiber and they're also rich in bioflavonoids. These compounds may help reduce inflammation and strengthen blood vessel walls, which can reduce the severity of hemorrhoids. One caveat: Citrus fruits are acidic, so you should avoid them if acid aggravates your symptoms.

8. Apples

In addition to being rich in fiber, apples contain pectin. This compound softens stools, easing constipation and symptoms of hemorrhoids.

9. Prunes

Prunes are rich in sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that is digested and fermented by gut bacteria. This process helps increase the weight and frequency of stools, which can treat and prevent constipation.

10. Legumes

Legumes like beans have plenty of soluble and insoluble fiber. Mix up your meals with the following options:

• Lentils
• Black beans
• Split peas
• Kidney beans
• Lima beans
• Chickpeas
• Navy beans
• Pinto beans
• Soybeans

11. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are rich in antioxidants and fiber. What's more, they contain healthy fats which help you feel full. Snack on roasted pumpkin seeds, cashews, and almonds. Or, add a handful of walnuts, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, or pistachios to a salad.

12. Water

While not food per se, water is also essential for hemorrhoid relief. Staying hydrated will help prevent constipation by ensuring your stools stay soft and easy to pass.

There's no magic amount of water you need to drink per day; fluid needs vary based on an individual's environment, lifestyle, and diet. If you're not sure how much water you need, talk to your healthcare provider.

The USDA recommends a dietary fiber intake of 14 grams per 1,000 calories consumed. For example, for a 2,000-calorie diet, the fiber recommendation is 28 grams per day.

Foods to Avoid

Foods high in fat and low in fiber can increase the risk of constipation—and, by extension, hemorrhoids.

Limit the following foods:

• Dairy products
• Red meat
• Chips
• Fast food
• Processed foods, such as hot dogs, frozen dinners, chips, and fast food
• High-fat and/or high-sugar foods
  

Self-Care

In addition to increasing fiber intake and drinking plenty of fluids, home treatments for hemorrhoids include:

• Avoiding straining during bowel movements
  
• Limiting time spent sitting on the toilet
• Taking warm baths or sitz baths (soaking the rectal area in a shallow tub of warm water)
• Applying an ice pack or cold compress to the anal area
• Using over-the-counter (OTC) hemorrhoid treatments (under the advisement of a healthcare provider)

Summary

Eating a high-fiber diet and drinking plenty of water can help prevent constipation, relieve the discomfort of hemorrhoids, and lower your risk of developing the condition. In addition, it's smart to limit foods that are low in fiber, and/or high in fat and sugar.

In addition to diet, home treatments like warm baths and ice compresses can help provide hemorrhoid relief. See your healthcare provider if you have new or worsening symptoms.