Some Foods That Help In Treating Hemorrhoids

There is a high correlation between hard-constipated stools and the occurrence of hemorrhoids. As has been explained earlier, the hard stools put too much strain on the anal region, which causes the hemorrhoidal tissues to protrude and enlarge. Keeping the stool soft and easy to pass helps a lot in preventing painful episodes of piles.

A diet rich in complex carbohydrates and fibre helps in preventing stools from getting too hard and constipated. Brocolli, Potatoes, Pasta, Wheat, Brown Rice and Blackberries are some of the leading sources of complex carbohydrates. A recent study found that hemorrhoids occur more frequently in those patients who had a tendency to miss breakfast. That is because by missing a meal we rob our bodies of dietary fibre that helps in bulking up the stools. Similarly a diet rich in meat and dairy products also leads to constipation due to lack of fibre. Dietary fibre, especially insoluble fibre such as psyllium, is broken down slowly in the intestines. This gives the bacteria present in the walls of the intestines time to break down the fibre causing it to ferment. The extra fibre also absorbs water, which makes the stools soft and easy to pass. Most doctors recommend consuming atleast 20-30 grams of fibre per day. Studies have shown that the average American diet contains less than 15 grams of fiber.

Food products such as ground flaxseeds and oats are rich in fibre and help in making bowel functions regular. Prunes, which contain a gentle laxative substance called dihydroxylphenyl isatin also help in softening the stools. While consuming a high fibre diet, you should also drink atleast 6-8 glasses of water a day, because fibre binds well with water. Insoluble fibre can be obtained by eating Figs, Brown Rice, Dried Raisins and Currants, Wheat and Fresh Peas.
Sometimes if too much fibre is added very suddenly in the diet, it may cause bloating and flatulence. But if you continue to consume the same quantity each day then the digestive system gets used to it. If you feel that the flatulence is too much then you can gradually increase the quantities in your diet. Raw vegetables can at times cause flatulence, but if they are slightly steamed before consumption then that problem does not occur.

If you suffer from constipation, try eating a few dried prunes or drinking some prune juice. In addition to adding fiber, prunes have a mild laxative effect.
Apart from the extra fibre and more water, a diet rich in vitamins and minerals also helps in treating hemorrhoids. Foods that contain vitamin C, zinc, anthocyanins and flavonoids, such as quercetin, are useful for patients with hemorrhoids. Flavonoids are particularly good for managing the symptoms of hemorrhoids as they help in strengthening the hemorrhoidal veins. Flavanoids can be found in many food products. For instance buckwheat and apples contain a type of flavonoid called rutin. The white skin between the peel and meat of citrus, cayenne and other peppers, currants and parsley are rich in Bioflavonoids. Citrus foods contain flavonoids such as hesperidin and diosmin. Brocolli, Pomegranates, Soyabeans, Tomatoes, Onions, Carrots and Blueberries are some of the other sources of flavanoids. Quercetin is found in Green Cabbage, White Grapefruit, Spinach, Grapes, Kale, Pears, Onions and Garlic. Vitamin C and Zinc help by promoting the healing process. Vitamin C can be found in foods such as Red Cabbage, Tangerines, Bell Peppers, Kiwi Fruit, while Zinc can be obtained by eating Barleym Chicken, Oysters, Wheat and Turkey.

Anthocyanins are pigments that tone and strengthen the hemorrhoidal veins, and this helps to minimize pain and swelling. Foods such as cherries, blackberries and blueberries are rich sources of anthocyanins. Drinking four ounces of dark berry juice mixed with an equal quantity of apple juice, everyday can help in alleviating symptoms of piles. Anthocyanins are also available in plenty in foods such as Barley, Chicken, Crab, Cabbage, Radishes, Strawberries and so on.

Some researchers also say that hemorrhoids are related to protein deficiency in the human body. The protein deficiency leads to deteriotaion of tissues in the body, which leads to ailments such as hemorrhoids. According to a book (Healing With Whole Foods) written by author Paul Pitchford, hemorrhoids could also be caused due to weak spleen-pancreas energy. He says that a prolapse (fallen organ or vessel) of the hemorrhoids is a sign of the deficieny.

To correct spleen-pancreas deficiency, Pitchford mentions squash, carrot, rutabaga, turnip, black beans, peas, oats, spelt, ginger, fennel, cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic, cherry, date, mackerel, tuna, halibut, beef, beef liver or kidney, lamb, butter.

Other foods Pitchford suggests are clam, lettuce, eggplant (for bleeding hemorrhoids) and sour and sour mixed with bitter, pungent and sweet foods such as hawthorn berry, lemon, lime, pickles, rose hip, sauerkraut, vinegar, leek, aduki bean, apple, grape, mango, olive, raspberry, tangerine, tomato, homemade yogurt.

Mega-Recipes
1. Szechuan Lamb with Peppers & Spinach
2. Spinach & Paneer over Brown Rice
3. Penne with White Beans, Carrots & Tomatoes
4. Barley Risotto with Kale
5. Roasted Sweet Potato, Apple & Onion Salad
6. Herb-Grilled Red Onions.