The 10 Best foods for piles

ByMs. Bhaswati Banerjee

Nutritionist/Dietitian

Kolkata | 11 Oct 2023

Hemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum or anus. Common causes include straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation or diarrhoea, pregnancy, obesity, and prolonged sitting. They can lead to discomfort, itching, bleeding, and pain, but dietary changes, especially diets specific for piles treatment, can help manage and prevent them.

An appropriate diet for piles can help soften the stool, prevent swelling (inflammation), manage weight, maintain proper hydration, and maintain healthy gut bacteria.

Incorporating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and probiotics into your diet can help manage existing piles and reduce the risk of developing new ones. Conversely, a diet high in processed foods, low in fibre, and lacking hydration can increase hemorrhoidal symptoms. Therefore, dietary choices are a fundamental aspect of piles treatment.

The 10 Best foods for piles are

1. Whole grains High-fibre Indian foods and grains, such as whole wheat, millet and other grains, are potent allies in promoting regular bowel movements. They're rich in dietary fibre, which softens stool and increases its bulk. Fibre also enhances intestinal motility, reducing the risk of constipation, a primary trigger for haemorrhoids. By preventing constipation and reducing the need for straining during bowel movements, whole grains contribute to haemorrhoid prevention and management.	2. Fruits Fruits like apples, guavas, and berries are dietary champions due to their high fibre content. Moreover, these fruits aid digestion by promoting a balanced gut microbiome, ensuring the efficient breakdown of food. This digestive ease reduces the likelihood of constipation, reducing the need for straining during bowel movements—a crucial step in averting the discomfort and potential haemorrhoid development associated with excessive straining.
3. Leafy Greens Leafy greens like spinach contribute to softer stools and smoother bowel movements primarily through their high fibre content. The soluble fibre in these greens absorbs water, making it easier to pass. Additionally, the insoluble fibre adds bulk, promoting regularity. Beyond their fibre benefits, spinach and kale offer a wealth of essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A and C, as well as magnesium and potassium. These nutrients support overall gut health, bolstering digestive processes and reducing the risk of constipation.	4. Vegetables Besides cruciferous and leafy greens, they are significant in haemorrhoid prevention and management. Many non-cruciferous vegetables, such as carrots and sweet potatoes, are excellent sources of dietary fibre. Their abundant vitamins and minerals also support overall gut health, aiding digestion and minimizing gastrointestinal discomfort. Incorporating a variety of high-fibre Indian vegetables into your diet ensures a well-rounded source of fibre and essential nutrients and is one of the best foods for piles.
5. Cruciferous Vegetables Fiber in these cruciferous vegetables softens stool and promotes regular bowel movements, reducing the likelihood of constipation and straining. Antioxidants, including vitamin C and various phytonutrients, fight inflammation and oxidative stress in the gastrointestinal tract, protecting delicate blood vessels from damage.	6. Beans Beans like lentils and chickpeas are instrumental in combating constipation and preventing haemorrhoids. They are loaded with dietary fibre, which increases stool bulk and softness, facilitating regular and comfortable bowel movements. This fibre content also helps regulate transit time in the digestive system, reducing the likelihood of constipation.
7. Curd Probiotics found in foods like yoghurt (curd) are instrumental in promoting a harmonious gut microbiome, which, in turn, can be beneficial in managing haemorrhoids. These "friendly" bacteria bolster digestive health by regulating gut flora and improving the efficiency of nutrient absorption. By maintaining a balanced intestinal environment, probiotics like those in yoghurt reduce the risk of constipation and gastrointestinal discomfort, thus significantly preventing haemorrhoids and alleviating their symptoms. Incorporating probiotic-rich foods into one's diet is a natural and effective strategy for enhancing digestive well-being and supporting haemorrhoid management	8. Nuts & Seeds Nuts and seeds, notably almonds and chia seeds are nutritional powerhouses that play a multifaceted role in the treatment of piles. Their high fibre content aids in regularizing bowel movements and preventing constipation. Additionally, these foods provide a source of good fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids in chia seeds, which have anti-inflammatory properties. The combination of fibre, anti-inflammatory compounds, and healthy fats in almonds and chia seeds makes them valuable for a diet for piles.
9. Garlic & Ginger Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and may help reduce swelling and discomfort associated with haemorrhoids. Both these foods have been naturally used in Indian foods for years; these play a crucial role in easy digestion and help to fight against piles.	10. Legumes Legumes offer a dual benefit in gut health and haemorrhoid prevention. These nutrient-rich foods contain soluble fibre as a prebiotic, nourishing beneficial gut bacteria. Legumes contribute to overall gastrointestinal well-being and prevent hemorrhoidal discomfort, making them a valuable addition to a diet for piles.

5 Foods to Avoid if you are Suffering from piles

Avoiding certain foods is crucial for preventing Piles and maintaining digestive health. Five foods to avoid for piles are:

1	Sugary Foods	High sugar intake can lead to obesity and contribute to constipation, a primary trigger for haemorrhoids. Sugary foods also disrupt blood sugar levels, potentially worsening haemorrhoid symptoms like itching and inflammation. Reducing sugar intake can mitigate these risks.
2	Salty Foods	Excessive salt consumption can cause water retention and bloating, worsening the discomfort associated with haemorrhoids. Moreover, salty foods often lack dietary fibre, essential for softening stool and preventing constipation. Reducing salt intake supports overall gut health and lowers the risk of haemorrhoids.
3	Highly Processed Foods	Highly processed foods, such as fast food, microwaveable meals, and packaged snacks, are typically low in fibre and unhealthy fats. This combination can lead to constipation and obesity. The artificial additives and preservatives in processed foods may also irritate the digestive tract, worsening haemorrhoid symptoms.
4	Spicy Food	Spicy foods can irritate the gastrointestinal lining and cause discomfort during bowel movements, increasing the likelihood of straining. Straining is a known trigger for haemorrhoids, so limiting or avoiding excessively spicy foods can help prevent their development.
5	Fatty/Oily Food	Foods high in unhealthy fats, such as fried and heavy items, can slow digestion and lead to constipation. Additionally, they contribute to weight gain, which increases the pressure on the rectal area, making haemorrhoids more likely to develop. Opting for healthier cooking methods and choosing foods rich in good fats (like those found in nuts and seeds) is a wiser choice for digestive health.