Hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable and may get in the way of your normal activities. Hemorrhoids occur when the veins around your anus become swollen and inflamed, MayoClinic.com reports, causing pain, itching and bleeding. You can develop bleeding hemorrhoids by straining to pass a bowel movement or during pregnancy as your baby pushes on your rectal area. If you are suffering from bleeding hemorrhoids, eating certain foods may reduce your symptoms and bring some comfort.
Pecans
Nuts are a high-fiber food and eating plenty of fiber will help keep your digestive system working efficiently so you are able to pass soft stools. Hard stools and constipation can lead to bleeding hemorrhoids and fiber can help prevent these conditions, David B. Jacoby and R. M. Youngson report in their book, "Encyclopedia of Family Health." Pecans are one type of nut that contains a good amount of fiber and eating a handful each day will boost your fiber intake. Sprinkle some pecans on low-fat yogurt or add to your morning cereal as other ideas for adding them to your diet. Other nuts, including walnuts, pistachios, almonds and cashews, contain fiber and will help you reregulate your digestive system so your bleeding hemorrhoids can heal.
Grapefruit
Citrus fruits, such as grapefruit, are one of your best sources for adding vitamin C to your daily diet. Vitamin C is considered a healing agent because it helps strengthen your body and helps fight off infection. Reader's Digest notes that grapefruit may help heal bleeding hemorrhoids because the vitamin C it contains can help reduce the swelling so you can begin to recover. Consuming plenty of vitamin C may also strengthen your blood vessels so you can prevent bleeding hemorrhoids from returning in the future. Eat a grapefruit half with your breakfast or as a snack, or add some grapefruit wedges to a spinach and walnut salad. All citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons and limes, will add vitamin C to your diet.
Apples
Apples are a high-fiber fruit that will help soften your stool and prevent further irritation to your bleeding hemorrhoids. Apples also contain a healing compound called rutin, Reader's Digest reports, that may improve the health of your blood vessels so the ones causing problems can heal and return to normal. Rutin may also strengthen your cells and blood vessels so you can help prevent future hemorrhoids. Add an apple as a snack each day or slice one up and add to a fruit salad. Chopped apples can be added to salads, oatmeal or yogurt as well.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Hemorrhoids
- "Encyclopedia of Family Health"; David B. Jacoby and R. M. Youngson; 2004
- "Fight Back with Food: Use Nutrition to Heal What Ails You"; Reader's Digest; 2002
