If you have hemorrhoids or piles, a healthy diet full of whole foods high in fiber can help ease your pain. By contrast, processed foods, red meat, and alcohol can increase the risk of piles.
Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen, red veins around the anus or in the lower rectum. This is where waste builds up before it comes out as a stool.
Hemorrhoids come in two types: external and internal. External hemorrhoids form under the skin near the anus, and internal hemorrhoids form in the anus and lower rectal lining.
A report from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) says that 20% of people in the US have hemorrhoids. Around 50% of adults over the age of 50 will deal with hemorrhoids at some point.
This article lists the best high fiber foods to help with hemorrhoids and which foods to avoid. It provides additional tips for the treatment and prevention of hemorrhoids.
Eating more high fiber, low fat, whole foods can often reduce or prevent the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–2020 say that most people should try to get 14 grams (g) of fiber for every 1,000 calories they eat.
Lots of foods contain fiber, but some of the best foods to eat to help with piles include:
Hemorrhoids can be an irritating and painful condition that disrupts daily life. While treatments are available, adjusting your diet can also help provide relief This raises the question – is salmon good for hemorrhoids? With its impressive nutritional profile, salmon may be able to aid hemorrhoid management.
In this article, we’ll explore how hemorrhoids develop, salmon’s nutritional benefits, and how it could potentially ease discomfort. We’ll also look at other dietary tips for reducing hemorrhoid symptoms.
Understanding Hemorrhoids and Discomfort
Also known as piles hemorrhoids refer to swollen inflamed veins in the rectum and anus. They can develop internally or externally and often cause symptoms like
- Painful bowel movements
- Itching and irritation
- Bleeding
- Swelling and discomfort
Hemorrhoids frequently result from chronic constipation and straining during bowel movements. Obesity, pregnancy, aging, and a sedentary lifestyle can also contribute to their development.
The swollen hemorrhoidal veins can sometimes protrude out of the anus, especially during bowel movements. This can cause significant discomfort. Managing hemorrhoids often requires a combination of at-home remedies, lifestyle changes, and medical treatments.
Salmon’s Nutritional Profile
Now that we’ve reviewed hemorrhoids, let’s discuss salmon’s nutritional attributes and why it may be beneficial:
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Omega-3 fatty acids – Salmon is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory omega-3s. This can help reduce swelling and irritation.
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Protein – Hemorrhoids involve damaged blood vessels. Salmon provides protein to repair tissues.
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Vitamin D – This vitamin supports immune health, which helps prevent infections.
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B vitamins – B vitamins boost energy levels for combating fatigue.
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Minerals – Salmon contains iron, zinc, and selenium for cell repair.
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Antioxidants – These protect against free radical damage and oxidative stress.
This impressive nutritional profile explains why salmon can be helpful for managing hemorrhoid symptoms.
Key Benefits of Salmon for Hemorrhoids
Salmon contains two key nutrients that make it a particularly good choice for hemorrhoids – omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
1. Omega-3s Reduce Inflammation
Hemorrhoids involve swollen, inflamed blood vessels in a highly sensitive part of the body. Omega-3 fatty acids have natural anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce this swelling and irritation.
The omega-3s EPA and DHA in salmon help inhibit inflammatory pathways in the body. Consuming salmon regularly can help minimize flare-ups.
2. Protein Repairs Damaged Tissues
Hemorrhoids damage the fragile blood vessels and tissues in the anal area. Salmon provides high-quality protein that is vital for repairing and replacing these damaged tissues and promoting healing.
Adequate protein intake enables the body to rebuild the affected hemorrhoidal veins and tissues. Salmon can boost protein levels to speed recovery.
Other Tips for a Hemorrhoid-Friendly Diet
While salmon can provide benefits, a balanced diet is key for managing hemorrhoids. Here are some other tips:
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Stay hydrated to keep stools soft.
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Eat high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
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Include yogurt with probiotics to support gut health.
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Limit spicy foods that can irritate the digestion.
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Reduce alcohol and caffeine which can dehydrate the body.
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Consider supplements like vitamin C, rutin, or butcher’s broom.
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Apply witch hazel topically to soothe irritation.
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Try sitz baths using warm water to relieve discomfort.
Signs You Should Seek Medical Care
While home remedies can help mild hemorrhoids, it’s important to see a doctor if you experience:
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Bleeding for more than 1 week
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Persistent pain not relieved by over-the-counter remedies
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Hemorrhoids that don’t recede on their own
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Signs of infection like fever, discharge, or swelling
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An external hemorrhoid that becomes thrombosed or filled with clots
Don’t hesitate to seek medical advice for hemorrhoid symptoms that don’t improve or that severely impact your daily life.
Can salmon help provide relief when you are dealing with the discomfort of hemorrhoids? Potentially, yes. Salmon contains key nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and protein that have properties to help reduce inflammation, repair damaged tissues, and promote healing. Along with a diet high in fiber and fluids, incorporating salmon can be beneficial as part of a comprehensive approach to hemorrhoid management. However, severe or persistent hemorrhoids may require professional medical treatment.
Wheat bran and shredded wheat
Just 1/3–1/4 of a cup of high fiber, ready-to-eat bran cereal between 9.1-14.3 g of fiber.
1–1/4 cups of shredded, ready-to-eat wheat cereal contains between 5–9 g of fiber.
Wheat bran and shredded wheat contain insoluble fiber, giving stool bulk and making it easier to pass.
Prunes are dried plum. Stewed or dried prunes are rich in fiber. Just a half cup of stewed prunes contains around 3.8 g of fiber.
People who eat dried prunes may also feel full longer, which means they won’t need to eat as often. An older article from 2009 says this can help with both constipation and obesity, which may make you more likely to get hemorrhoids.
Compounds in prunes called phenols may also act as an antibacterial agent in the gastrointestinal system, reducing the risk of infection.
According to a 2020 article, apples are a great source of dietary fiber.
A medium apple with its skin contains around 4. 4 g of fiber, making it among the most fiber-rich fruits.
Apple skin has insoluble fibers that don’t break down when you eat them. These fibers help to bulk up stool, which has a laxative effect.
Pears are incredibly high in fiber and other compounds that may benefit people with hemorrhoids. A pear with its skin may contain around 6 g of fiber. Pears also contain fructose, which can act as a natural laxative.
A fiber called β-glucan is found in large amounts in barley. This fiber breaks down in the colon to form a thick gel that softens poop. Research also shows that consuming barley may help maintain good colon health.
One cup of cooked sweet corn contains around 4.2 g of fiber. People have been using corn as a cure for hemorrhoids since ancient times.
Not only does corn have fiber, but it also has strong antioxidants that stop free radicals from damaging cells and other chemicals that may help ease pain.
One cup of cooked oatmeal contains around 4 g of fiber. And the fiber in oats may be capable of improving gut health. It also helps soften stool, making it easier to pass and reducing the risk of straining.
Peas, chickpeas, lentils, and split peas are some of the best foods you can eat to get fiber. One cup of cooked lentils contains around 15. 6 g of fiber.
And some research shows that consuming green lentils leads to significant increases in the weight of the stool and reduces the time it spends in the colon.
Whole wheat bread, pasta, and cereals
Unprocessed or lightly processed whole wheat foods have a lot of insoluble fiber, which makes stools heavier and takes longer to move through the colon.
For an added fiber punch, pick whole wheat products with nuts and seeds.
Berries like raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries have a lot of fiber in them because their skins are thicker than their flesh. A 100 g serving of raspberries contains around 6. 5 g of fiber.
Berries also contain a lot of water, which helps soften stools and keep the digestive system moving smoothly. They also contain fructose, which has a natural laxative effect.
Some traditional medicine systems use artichokes and varieties of thistle (which are relatives of the artichoke) to treat hemorrhoids. A likely reason for this is their high fiber content. One cooked, medium-sized artichoke contains around 10.3 g of fiber.
Hemorrhoids? Best & Worst Foods For Hemorrhoids |What To Eat & What To Avoid If You Have Hemorrhoids
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