Piles are another word for hemorrhoids, or swollen, painful veins in your rectum or anus. The most common cause is strain during bowel movements, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. They also affect many women during pregnancy and after childbirth. In addition to topical creams, wearing cotton underwear and avoiding perfumed toilet paper and soaps, dietary changes may help manage your symptoms. For best results, seek guidance from your doctor or dietitian.
Function
The goal of dietary treatment for piles is to minimize strain during bowel movements, which minimizes pain and discomfort. Because constipation increases bowel strain, your diet should include rich amounts of fiber, or 25 to 30 g per day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In addition to stimulating digestive function, fiber helps soften stool, making it easier to pass. Staying properly hydrated also guards against constipation, so your diet should also emphasize fluids.
Helpful Foods
All whole, plant-based foods contain fiber. Legumes contain more fiber than most other foods. One cup of cooked lentils, black beans or split peas provides 15 to 16.3 g. High-fiber fruits and vegetables include raspberries, which provide 8 g per cup, green peas, which provide nearly 9 g per cup, and artichokes, which provide 10 g per medium-size vegetable. For increased hydration, the UMMC recommends drinking at least 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. Fresh fruits and vegetables, broth-based soups, low-fat milk and caffeine-free herbal teas promote hydration.
Foods to Avoid
While all foods suit a pile-friendly diet, emphasizing low-fiber fare can increase constipation and bowel movement strain. White pita bread and banana bread contain less than 1 g of fiber per serving. Crisp rice cereal contains less than 0.5 g per serving. In general, avoid breads, pasta, rice, crackers and snack foods that do not name whole grains as the top ingredient. The UMMC also recommends cutting back on fatty and sugary foods if you're prone to constipation. Particularly fatty foods include red meat, fried foods, butter and high-fat cheese and ice cream. Top sources of sugar include candy, regular soft drinks, pancake syrup, jellies, milk chocolate and commercially prepared cakes, cookies and pies.
Supplements
Supplements may benefit your symptoms, particularly if you have difficulty eating a nutritious, balanced diet. The NCBI recommends fiber supplements for reduced bowel strain. Useful varieties may include psyllium husk, wheat germ and flaxseed, which are available in capsule and powder-form. Probiotics, such as lactobacillus and bifidus, are beneficial bacteria that may help prevent or reduce pile symptoms. Top sources include yogurt with live cultures, kefir and supplements.
Member Comments