Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed veins formed externally around the anus, or internally in the lower rectum. They can cause extreme discomfort, including pain during bowel movements, itchy skin or pain and discomfort when you sit. Consuming a diet naturally high in fiber can keep you regular and create stools that are soft and easy to pass. Fruits are naturally full of fiber and can help with treatment of hemorrhoids. If you suffer from hemorrhoids, talk with your physician or health-care provider about changing your diet. In some cases, you may need some type of medical intervention.
Types of Fiber
You need both types of fiber in your diet to help with regularity, soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber attracts water in your digestive tract, forming a gel-like substance that slows digestion. Insoluble fiber stays relatively intact in your gut. It sweeps through your intestines, pushing out waste and increasing fecal bulk, says the Mayo Clinic.
Fiber in Fruits
High-fiber foods tend to contain both types of fiber, but are usually higher in one type. The soft parts of fruits, such as the insides of an orange or apple, provide soluble fiber. Since most fruits have a soft inside, the majority of fiber stemming from fruits is soluble. The tough, outer part of whole fruit that you consume is rich in insoluble fiber. Apple peels, the veins of citrus fruit and the skins of berries and pears all provide insoluble fiber. Consuming fruit in its whole state, rather than fruit juice, is important for getting all of the fiber you need.
Fiber for Hemorrhoid Treatment
Diet and lifestyle changes can reduce swelling and inflammation related to hemorrhoids, says the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Eating plenty of fibrous foods, such as fruits, can help reduce straining during bowel movements. Since fiber helps make stools soft and bulky, they'll be easier for you to pass. You'll experience less pressure on hemorrhoids, reducing the pain you experience.
Grams of Fiber
Optimize your digestive health and relieve pain associated with hemorrhoids by consuming about 14 g of fiber for every 1,000 calories you eat. Based on a 2,000 calorie diet, you need around 28 g of fiber, but this may be slightly more or less based on age and gender, explains the Colorado State University Extension. Since whole fruits provide both soluble and insoluble fiber, they are one of your best options for hemorrhoid relief. A medium apple has 3.3 g of fiber, a medium pear contains 4.3 g, 1/2 cup of fresh raspberries provides 4 g, 1 cup of cubed cantaloupe has 1.4 g and a small orange contains 3.1 g.
