Karla Robinson, MD
Written by Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH | Reviewed by Karla Robinson, MD
TommL/E+ via Getty Images
Key takeaways:
- During a flare, certain foods can irritate hemorrhoids and make them more likely to swell and bleed.
- White flour, dairy products, processed meat, and spicy foods can make it harder for hemorrhoids to heal.
- Foods high in fiber like beans, whole-grain cereals, green vegetables, and fruits can help heal hemorrhoids and prevent flares.
If you have hemorrhoids, you know that a hemorrhoid flare can derail your week. As soon as you feel the itching and burning sensation coming on, you likely break out all your hemorrhoid treatment supplies. But did you know that your diet can play a role in how fast you get over a hemorrhoid flare? Some foods are more likely to irritate your hemorrhoids. And some foods are more likely to calm your hemorrhoids. If you’re experiencing hemorrhoid symptoms, here are five foods you want to avoid until you’re feeling better.
Refined flour
Refined flour — like white flour — has no bran or germ. These are the parts of the wheat kernel that contain fiber. So refined flour contains very little to no fiber. You want to avoid low-fiber foods if you have a hemorrhoid flare.
Studies have shown that you’re more likely to experience ongoing hemorrhoid bleeding if you don’t get enough fiber in your diet. That’s because low-fiber foods create hard, thick stools that are more difficult to pass without straining. Straining puts pressure on your hemorrhoids, causing them to swell and bleed.
So until your hemorrhoid flare calms, avoid foods made from refined flour like:
- White breads and bagels
- Non-whole-grain pasta
- Pizza crust
- Bakery items like cakes, muffins, and pies
- Prepared foods that contain bread
You can swap these items for their whole-grain counterparts, since whole grains haven’t been refined to remove fiber.
Dairy products
Dairy products can be a good source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein. But they don’t contain any fiber. Like refined flour, dairy products can make your stool harder and more difficult to pass. You want to limit or cut out dairy entirely from your diet while you’re waiting for your hemorrhoids to get better. Popular dairy items include:
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Ice cream
- Cheese
- Creamers
There isn’t a good swap for dairy products since alternative milks are also low in fiber. If you just need a small amount of milk to get through your day, you can consider oat milk, which contains a small amount of fiber per serving.
Spicy foods
If you love spicy foods, there’s no reason to avoid them if you’re prone to hemorrhoids. There’s no solid evidence that enjoying spicy foods on occasion can trigger a hemorrhoid flare. But if your hemorrhoids are already inflamed, you’d want to cut back the heat until you feel better.
Spicy foods contain capsaicin, which may not be completely digested by your intestines. As the leftover spice leaves your body in stool, it will pass over your swollen hemorrhoids and may worsen burning and pain.
Many people with hemorrhoids also develop anal fissures, which are small tears in your anal canal. Anal fissures are extremely painful on their own and they become even more painful if something irritating, like capsaicin, gets into them.
Processed meat
Processed meats are a type of ultra-processed foods that have been linked to a higher risk of cancer, high cholesterol, and heart disease. In general, you should limit how much processed meats you eat. But if you have hemorrhoid flare, you have to be particularly careful in avoiding them. Processed meats don’t contain any fiber and you want to steer clear of no-fiber foods during a hemorrhoid flare. Examples of processed meats include:
- Bacon
- Hot dogs
- Sausage
- Deli meats
- Cured or salted meats
There’s no dietary fiber in red meat, chicken, poultry, or even seafood and fish. During a flare, it may be beneficial to follow a vegetarian or flexitarian diet. You can replace meat in your diet with vegetable-based options until your hemorrhoids heal.
Fried, greasy foods
Fried or greasy foods are often processed and very low in fiber. This means they can make your stools harder and difficult to pass. Straining to pass stools can increase your risk for developing hemorrhoids and also makes them more likely to flare.
If you’re going out to eat, avoid greasy and fried foods. At home, swap frying for baking to prepare your meals. You also want to avoid prepared snacks that are high in fat like potato chips.
What are the best foods to eat if you have hemorrhoids?
Now that you know what to avoid, you’re probably wondering what you can eat to help your hemorrhoids heal. A hemorrhoid-friendly diet doesn’t have to be complicated. There’s plenty of great tasting, familiar food options that are high in fiber and can help you heal faster.
Your goal is to get at least 28 g of fiber each day. These foods don’t have to be the only thing you eat in a day. But if they’re not a regular part of your daily diet, they’re a great way to help you meet that fiber goal.
High-fiber cereal
Whole-grain cereals are a great option for breakfast or a snack when you have a hemorrhoid flare. You want to look for cereals that contain at least 5 g of fiber per serving. There are many options available in your cereal aisle like shredded wheat and high-bran cereals. There are several brands of each of these types of cereals — just make sure to check the nutrition label for the fiber content to see if they meet the 5 g cutoff.
Oatmeal is slightly lower in fiber at 4 g per serving but still packs a good amount. If you’re an oatmeal fan, you can add it to your snack and breakfast rotation.
Beans
Beans are a fantastic source of fiber and protein. You want to make them the star of as many meals as possible when you have a hemorrhoid flare. It doesn’t matter how you eat them, the fiber is still there. You can eat them roasted, baked, mashed, or pureed, and still get all the nutrients you need.
They make a great substitute for meats in dishes, too. You can swap them for meat in chili, stews, and soups. You can also add them to your salads for an extra dose of fiber.
All beans are packed with fiber, so you can go with whatever type you like best, whether that’s:
- White
- Navy
- Garbanzo
- Pinto
- Red kidney
- Black beans
You can also opt for dried or canned, both versions contain plenty of fiber.
Fruits and vegetables
While fruits and vegetables contain some fiber, some contain more than others. Focus on high-fiber options for sides and snacks to help your hemorrhoids heal.
For fruits, all berries are high in fiber. It’s best to eat them whole and fresh, but you can also make smoothies out of the frozen versions. Apples and pears are also great sources of fiber. Try eating them with the skin on since the peel contains the highest amount of fiber.
Most vegetables are great sources of fiber. Choose options that you enjoy eating since there are so many to choose from. When it comes to preparation, stick to baking, roasting, or a light sauté with olive oil. This will keep the fat content low so you don’t put extra stress on your hemorrhoids.
The bottom line
What you eat can affect how quickly you heal from a hemorrhoid flare. During a flare, avoid foods that are low in fiber like refined flour, processed meats, and dairy. Low-fiber foods make you strain when you’re passing stool. This may put pressure on your hemorrhoids and make them bleed. Eating high-fiber foods during a flare may help you recover faster. You’ll want to get at least 28 g of fiber each day. High-fiber foods include high-fiber cereals, beans, and many types of fruits and vegetables.
References
Altomare, D. F., et al. (2006). Red hot chili pepper and hemorrhoids: The explosion of a myth: Results of a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Diseases of the Colon and Rectum.
Gupta, P. J. (2008). Consumption of red-hot chili pepper increases symptoms in patients with acute anal fissures. A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind, crossover trial. Arquivos de Gastroenterologia.
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