How Diet affects Hemorrhoids

One of the fundamental causes of hemorrhoids is straining during bowel movements.

Straining causes an increase in pressure on rectal veins and tissues and thus promotes the development of hemorrhoids.

Therefore, diet can be a significant risk factor if it contributes to straining - such as from constipation or hard stools.

Dietary fiber

Western diets are typically high in processed foods that lack fiber.

Inadequate fiber means that your digestive tract does not function as well as it could and that the progress of stool may be slowed. The result is constipation, which in turn leads to straining - a major risk factor in developing hemorrhoids.

Therefore, make sure that you're getting enough fiber in the foods that you eat.

Foods that are rich in fiber include fruits, vegetables, natural cereals and foods containing whole grains.

It's also good practice to check the nutrition labels on food packaging. These often describe how much fiber is in the food. Also, high-fiber alternatives are available for many foods and ingredients. For example, some breads are high fiber. High-fiber flour is available for cooking - some of these look, taste and behave exactly the same in cooking as their regular/low fibre equivalents.

Finally, how will you know when you've got enough fiber in your diet? Easy - if your stools float then you have enough fiber in your diet. If they sink like stones - then consider adding more fiber to your diet.

Hydration

Make sure that you are adequately hydrated - drink plenty of water.

If you are not adequately hydrated then stools may become drier and therefore more difficult to pass during bowel movement - this brings us back to the significant risk factor of straining.

Making sure that you are properly hydrated will help to make stools softer thereby making them easier to pass without straining.

Also be aware that if you are taking a fiber supplement then this will only be of benefit if you are adequately hydrated.

Alcohol and caffeine

Alcohol and caffeine have a dehydrating effect on the body. Therefore, if you are drinking alcohol or coffee then make sure that you compensate by drinking additional water.