Patients with hemorrhoids may be told to change their diets. Why is that the case? Dietary changes can reduce constipation. And that could eliminate hemorrhoid risk factors such as straining and sitting for too long on the toilet. But what's the best diet to help hemorrhoids? Here's what you need to know.

Diet to Help Hemorrhoids: Embrace Fiber

A high-fiber diet can help manage hemorrhoid symptoms by giving you softer stools. But how much is enough? The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025, suggests getting 14 grams of fiber per day for every 1,000 calories consumed, meaning you should get at least 28 grams each day if you're following a 2,000-calorie diet. But what foods should you include in that diet? Try adding:

• Pears, prunes, apples and berries
• Squash, peas and collard greens
• Navy, pinto and/or kidney beans
• Whole grains such as shredded wheat and bran

Make sure to also drink lots of water every day, and get plenty of regular exercise. For some patients, these lifestyle changes will be sufficient to prevent or treat mild hemorrhoids. But others will need more help to find relief.

Foods to Skip in a Diet for Hemorrhoids

While you're upping your daily fiber intake, you can also avoid foods that may trigger constipation. Some of the worst offenders include low-fiber items such as:

Low-fiber foods to avoid:

• chips
• cheeses
• hot dogs
• fast food
• meat
• ice cream
• processed snacks
• frozen dinners

When to Ask for Help

Lifestyle changes work well when you're dealing with mild hemorrhoids. But if your condition is more severe, and you experience bleeding when you pass bowel movements, it's time to seek medical intervention.

So, if you don't find relief with a diet to help hemorrhoids, it's time to visit the Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute! Our experts perform hemorrhoid artery embolization, a minimally-invasive procedure that relieves hemorrhoids by reducing their blood supply. And, in the process, you can avoid overnight hospital stays, surgery, and many medical complications.Are you ready to discover if you are a candidate for hemorrhoid artery embolization? Click here to request an appointment.