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How does a high fiber diet help with hemorrhoids?

Assortment of food.

Hemorrhoids can be caused by factors outside of your control, such as chronic constipation, straining during bowel movements and age. You can’t turn back the clock, but dietary changes can help reduce your hemorrhoid  symptoms. 1 High fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains soften your stools so they can pass through easily. Try these recipes and meals with these high fiber foods to help prevent hemorrhoids.1

 

How does fiber help prevent hemorrhoids?

Dietary fiber includes parts of plant foods that your body can’t digest or absorb. 1 When it’s time to use the bathroom, fiber passes through your GI tract relatively intact and out of your body.1 Dietary fiber increases the weight and size of your stool and softens it. When your stools are soft and healthy, you strain less during bowel movements, lowering your risk of developing hemorrhoids. Recommended fiber intake varies by age and gender.1 

  • Women under 50 should have 25 grams a day
  • Women 50 and over should have at least 21 grams a day
  • Men under 50 should have 38 grams per day
  • Men 50 and up should have 30 grams per day.1

What high fiber foods should I introduce into my diet?

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a well-known source of fiber, and a great way to start off your day. In a single cup of oatmeal, there is approximately 5 grams of fiber.3 It can be served plain or sweetened with brown sugar or cinnamon. You can even add nuts, raspberries, or other fruit to your morning bowl for more flavor!

Broccoli

Broccoli is a versatile go-to-vegetable. There are many ways you can prepare it; you can steam it, throw it in the oven, or add it to a stir-fry for an extra source of fiber. Each serving of broccoli (1 cup) has 6 grams of fiber.3 So, make sure to incorporate it in your diet if it isn’t a part of it already.

Spaghetti

Spaghetti is a source of fiber at dinner. Each cup of spaghetti contains 6 grams of fiber.3 You can serve the classic spaghetti and meatballs, an easy carbonara, a lemon ricotta, or whatever recipe is appetizing for dinner.

Raspberries

Raspberries are rich, sweet, loaded with antioxidants and have a healthy dose of fiber. A cup of raspberries contains 8 grams of fiber.3 Other berries, like blueberries, are rich in fiber so include plenty of fruit in your diet!

Avocadoes

You can put avocados on toast, pair them with eggs, use them to make guacamole and more. Avocados have a hefty amount of fat and fiber, making them a highly nutritious food to add to your diet.3 Each avocado is packed with 10 grams of fiber.2

Black beans

Black beans are densely packed with fiber. One cup of black beans contains 15 grams of fiber.2 Canned black beans are simple to make and can be paired with rice for an easy, light dinner.

Apples

An apple a day can help keep the doctor away, especially preventing any hemorrhoid flare ups. An apple doesn’t contain as much as other food options. A medium apple contains 4.5 grams of fiber.2 Even though It contains less fiber than other foods mentioned, apples are easy to casually snack on throughout the day.

Popcorn

This movie night staple is an excellent source of fiber. Three cups of popcorn contain 3.5 grams of fiber.2 While you’re watching a movie, you can sneak in extra fiber into your day.

Lentils

These tiny legumes are a plant-based meal with plenty of fiber to help you reach your recommended daily value. A cup of boiled lentils contains 15.5 grams of fiber. 2Try lentil soup to warm your body on a cold day and add more fiber in your meal.

Potatoes

Sweet potatoes, red potatoes, and golden potatoes are all excellent sources of fiber. A potato with skin contains about 4 grams of fiber.2 Prepare them to your liking: loaded baked potatoes, caramelized sweet potatoes, twice baked potatoes, and more are all options you can add to your dinner.

 

There are plenty of foods you can add to you diet to introduce more fiber. In addition to high-fiber foods, there are other ways you can help prevent and get relief from hemorrhoids. Exercise, avoiding excessive sitting, and fiber supplements can help. If you’re dealing with a flare up, use Preparation H Medicated Wipes to help clean and calm burning and itching from hemorrhoids. 

 

Source Citations:

  1. Dietary Fiber: Essential for healthy diet. Mayo Clinic.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/fiber/art-20043983. Accessed 9/29/23.
  2. Chart of high-fiber food. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/high-fiber-foods/art-20050948. Accessed 9/29/23.
  3. Avocados. Harvard School of Public Health. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/avocados/. Accessed 9/29/23.