Hemorrhoids are inflamed and swollen veins in your anus and lower rectum. They usually occur as a result of chronic constipation or diarrhea, sitting on the toilet for long periods of time, aging, obesity, poor diet, genetics, pregnancy or strained bowel movements. Internal hemorrhoids develop inside of your rectum, while external hemorrhoids develop outside of your anus. Symptoms may include bleeding during bowel movements, anal itching, pain or irritation and stool leakage. Consuming certain foods can increase your risk of developing hemorrhoids, while avoiding these trigger foods can help keep you hemorrhoid-free.
Sugary Foods
Avoid or limit your consumption of sugary foods such as muffins, doughnuts, cakes, cookies, sodas, candy and ice cream because they can cause hemorrhoids. Paul Miskovitz and Marian Betancourt, authors of the book "Doctor's Guide to Gastrointestinal Health: Preventing and Treating Acid Reflux, Ulcers, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Diverticulitis, Celiac Disease, Colon Cancer, Pancreatitis, Cirrhosis, Hernias and More," report that consuming large amounts of refined sugars can cause constipation, strained bowel movements, and inflamed rectal and anal veins.
Alcohol
Use caution when drinking alcoholic beverages because they can increase your risk of developing hemorrhoids. According to Swami Sadashiva Tirtha, author of the book "Ayurveda Encyclopedia: Natural Secrets to Healing, Prevention and Longevity," alcoholic beverages can cause dehydration, a common cause of constipation and strained bowel movements.
Salty Foods
Avoid or limit your consumption of salty foods such as french fries, potato chips, pretzels, canned soups and salted nuts because they can cause hemorrhoids. According to Don Barone, author of the book "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies," high sodium levels can elevate your blood pressure and cause your rectal veins to bulge. Bulging rectal veins can cause hemorrhoid discomfort during a difficult bowel movement or after sitting for a prolonged amount of time.
Fatty Foods
Steer clear of fatty foods because they can cause hemorrhoids. According to Phyllis Balch, author of the book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," fatty foods such as sausage, beef, fried chicken, ham and lamb contain large amounts of saturated fats, unhealthy fats that can harden your stools, increase pressure on your rectal and anal veins, and elevate your risk of developing hemorrhoids.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 1996
- "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies"; Don Barone; 2003
- "Doctor's Guide to Gastrointestinal Health: Preventing and Treating Acid Reflux, Ulcers, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Diverticulitis, Celiac Disease, Colon Cancer, Pancreatitis, Cirrhosis, Hernias and More"; Paul Miskovitz and Marian Betancourt; 2005
- "Ayurveda Encyclopedia: Natural Secrets to Healing, Prevention and Longevity"; Swami Sadashiva Tirtha; 2007
- "Atlas of Colonoscopy: Techniques, Diagnosis, Interventional Procedures"; Helmut Messmann and Jürgen Barnert; 2005
