Hemorrhoids affect millions of Americans, and like many medical issues, they tend to become more common with age. In fact, by the time you’re in your 50s, there’s a 50/50 chance you’ll have these sore, swollen veins.
Fortunately, there are medical treatments that can help manage your hemorrhoids and the painful symptoms they cause. Lifestyle habits can help too, including eating more fiber.
With locations in Moline, Illinois, and Davenport, Iowa, Digestive Disease Specialists is a leading provider of hemorrhoid treatments aimed at helping patients feel better. In this post, our team helps you understand the importance of fiber in relieving hemorrhoid symptoms, along with some simple ways to add more fiber to your diet.
Everyone knows fiber keeps you regular, but not everyone knows how or why. First, it’s important to understand what fiber is, beginning with the two types of dietary fiber: soluble fiber and insoluble fiber.
Soluble fiber dissolves in water, while insoluble fiber doesn’t. Together, both types of fiber help your stool retain more water while bulking it up, keeping it softer and easier to pass. Adequate fiber intake also helps your stool move more quickly, preventing constipation.
Eating plenty of fiber optimizes bowel function and prevents straining, one of the primary causes of hemorrhoids. When you strain to move your bowels, that added pressure causes the veins around your rectum and anus to swell, resulting in painful, inflamed hemorrhoids.
Fiber is found in plenty of foods, but unfortunately, many Americans still don’t get enough. The good news is, since fiber-rich foods are so plentiful (and delicious), it’s not hard to add more fiber to your diet.
Broccoli, carrots, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and green beans are all chock full of fiber, and so are leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collards. Try new ways of cooking them or opt for a fresh salad. Raw vegetables and hummus make a delicious and filling snack that’s also rich in fiber.
Fruit makes a great grab-and-go snack. Fresh fruits like apples and pears contain fiber in their skins as well as the flesh of the fruit. Add fresh or dried berries to yogurt, cereal, smoothies, or baked goods. Keep some dried figs or prunes on hand for a snack in the car or at work.
There was a time when most store-bought baked goods were made from refined flour, with the whole-grain goodness stripped away. Today, though, there are lots of products made from whole grains, including breads, pastas, and crackers. The key is to read labels carefully and choose foods where whole grains are listed at the top of the ingredient list.
When cooking at home, opt for pastas made from whole grains and substitute some of the white flour used in baking with whole wheat flour. For side dishes, choose brown rice instead of white, or opt for an entirely different grain, like bulgur or farro. Cooked grains make tasty additions to soups and salads as well.
Beans and legumes are well-known for their high levels of fiber — and for the bloating and gas they can cause if you eat too much, too soon. If you’re not used to eating these and other fiber-rich foods, incorporate them into your diet slowly, increasing the amount as your body adjusts to digesting them.
Cooked beans can be delicious on their own, and they pair well with lots of different spices to provide a range of flavors. Add some to soups and stews, or puree them for a delicious dip.
Walnuts, almonds, pecans, and other nuts are full of fiber, and they’re a great way to boost your intake of protein and healthy fats. Like fresh fruit, nuts are a great on-the-go snack you can take to work, the gym, or anywhere you go.
Consider adding nuts and seeds to baked goods, or top cereals, yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothies with flaxseed or chia seeds. Sprinkle sesame seeds or chia seeds on top of soups or stir frys.
Fiber absorbs plenty of water, so be sure to drink lots of fluids with your fiber-rich meals and snacks to keep your stool soft and prevent constipation and straining. Add fiber slowly, and if you feel like you’re not getting enough in your diet, consider taking a fiber supplement to make sure you’re getting your recommended daily intake of about 25-30 grams per day.
If you have painful hemorrhoids, we can help. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Digestive Disease Specialists today.
