Preventing Hemorrhoids
Diet Tips for Reducing Hemorrhoids
Here are some effective dieting tips to reduce hemorrhoids:
* Most hemorrhoids can be managed with an increase in the diet fiber content. Fibers in fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains and cereals absorb more water into the small intestine, and helps in the formation of soft, smooth and bulky stool. This eliminates any strain on the anal and rectal regions.
* Avoid fatty and oily foods, refined carbohydrates and processed foods as they not only lack fiber, but also other vital nutrients.
* The fiber content in your diet should be increased gradually and divided over the meals of the day along with sufficient intake of water; otherwise it may cause flatulence, belching and abdominal cramps.
* Chewing food thoroughly allows saliva and the digestive juices of the liver, pancreas and the stomach to break down and digest the food with ease, and aids in proper stool formation.
* It is good to lose weight if you are above your ideal body weight. This helps in reducing the pressure and stress on the lower rectal and anal regions. However, avoid sudden weight loss through fad diets as it may cause more harm than good. A balanced diet and exercise is more beneficial.
Drinking plenty of water and fluids also helps in the formation of softer and bulkier tools.
* Fluids like alcohol and other caffeinated fluids, such as coffee, tea and soft drinks, should be avoided. These fluids act as diuretics, which causes the body to lose more water. This loss of fluids results in the formation of dry and hard stools, aggravating the condition.
Foods To Reduce Hemorrhoids
Here are some foods that can help reduce hemorrhoids:
* Fresh fruits with their skin and pulp.
* Stewed or dried fruits like apricots, raisins and prunes.
* Whole grain foods such as bran cereals and breads made from whole wheat grains.
* Cherry, blueberry and blackberry juices contain anthocyanins and proanthocyanins that help reduce hemorrhoidal pain and swelling by strengthening the hemorrhoidal veins.
* Bioflavonoids are natural chemical compounds, which help to reduce the pain, anal discharge and anal discomfort in acute hemorrhoid conditions. They are typically found in plants and act by strengthening and stabilizing the walls of the blood vessels and by reducing the inflammation. Citrus fruits are usually high in bioflavonoid content. Pregnant women suffering from hemorrhoids seem to benefit a lot from citrus bioflavonoids.
* Black currant and red currant juice helps a lot in reducing hemorrhoids. They also contain a fatty acid, which produces prostaglandin that helps to control the pain.
* Wheatgrass juice also helps to reduce hemorrhoids. It also helps in easy absorption of nutrients.
* Flax seeds, which have a high omega-3 oil content, helps to reduce the pain and swelling in the affected area. Moreover, they also have high fiber content.
* Blackstrap molasses, alfalfa and leafy dark green vegetables help to reduce bleeding hemorrhoids.
* Butter beans and lima beans also help to build blood, so it is advisable to add these in your diet if you are suffering from bleeding hemorrhoids.