Fruits for piles is a natural means to cure hemorrhoids. Sometimes, the tiny pills just aren’t enough. If you have piles and it should get worse, experts suggest that an apple a day does keep the doctor away. There are several fruits which can help reduce your piles in addition to external applications.
List of Best and Worst Foods for Piles
Pain or bleeding from the anus when passing the stool are the common symptoms of haemorrhoids. In many instances, constipation due to poor diet may lead to piles.
Hence, it is essential to keep a tab on dietary choices. Including fibre-rich fruits and vegetables in a balanced diet can help overcome this issue.
Keep reading to learn about the right food for piles.
What Are the Best Food Items for Piles?
Piles or haemorrhoids is a common problem in men and women with constipation issues. This leads to swelling of rectum veins or the area outside the anus. Avoiding it for a prolonged time can lead to irritation, rectal bleeding, and constant itchiness.
Gradually, individuals have to opt for an expensive medical procedure. A smart way to avoid such issues is consuming high fibre foods for piles.
This would facilitate the passing of the faeces through the intestines.
Nevertheless, here are some food suggestions to add to the diet for piles.
Wheat Bran
Wheat bran is rich in insoluble fibre, which makes the stool heavy. This helps in easy bowel movement. Scientifically, 1/3-1/4 cups of wheat bran contain around 9.1-14.3g of fibre.
Doctors suggest including shredded wheat in the diet for piles patients. This lightweight food contains around 5-9g of fibre.
Barley
Barley is defined as a superfood that is beneficial for maintaining gut health. It contains β-glucan, which is a form of fibre. This fibre forms a sticky gel in the colon and helps soften the stool for easy flow.
It is seen that consuming barley helps in maintaining colon health.
Corn
Corn is a favourite snack of many individuals. Individuals can consume these fibre foods for piles in boiled form, making popcorns or salads. It is beneficial for stool movement due to the presence of rich fibre.
Corns are easier to digest and process for the body. They also contain antioxidants that prevent free radicals from damaging the cells.
One cup of cooked sweet corn contains around 4.2g of fibre. This is perfect for stool movement.
Oatmeal
Individuals suffering from constipation can include oatmeal in their breakfast. This will help them prevent the chances of haemorrhoids. Oatmeal contains nearly 4g of fibre. It also improves gut health and promotes good bacteria for improved digestion.
Consuming oatmeal will soften the bowel and reduce the risk of straining or obstructions.
Whole Grains
Whole grains fall in the list of fibre rich foods for piles. Including it in the diet helps reduce discomfort related to haemorrhoids. The fibre content in whole grains helps in smooth stool passing and reduces pain in the anus.
Lentils
Be it lunch or dinner, every Indian family cooks a dish made of pulses, spilt peas, chickpea, beans, etc. These lentils are good sources of fibre, which is beneficial for easy bowel movement.
Ideally, a cup of cooked lentils contains nearly 15.6g of fibre. Lentils increase the stool weight and lessen its presence in the colon.
Apart from checking the excellent food for piles, individuals should list down the vegetables to include in their balanced diet. This will help them plan the perfect meal regime that supports healthy bowel movements.
List of Best Vegetables for Piles
These are some vegetables to include in one’s diet to remove the risk of piles.
Artichoke
These petal-shaped vegetables contain prebiotic, which aids in good gut health and bowel movement. Scientifically, the indigestible carbohydrates prebiotics in artichoke feed good gut bacteria and avoid the growth of harmful bacteria.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables are a good source of fibre which helps facilitate stool movement. Vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, bok choy, radishes, arugula, turnips, etc., fall in this category.
They are known to contain a high amount of insoluble fibre and anticancer properties. Ideally, a cup of raw broccoli contains around 2 g of dietary fibre.
These vegetables contain glucosinolate that supports the growth of good bacteria. This makes them an ideal food for piles patients.
Root Vegetables
Turnips, sweet potatoes, carrots, rutabagas, beets, potatoes, etc., are root vegetables rich in fiber and nutrition.
These vegetables are a perfect food to eat in piles. They contain fibres that are ideal for gut health and bowel movement.
Scientifically, it contains nearly 3-5 g of fibre in each serving of mentioned vegetables.
It is advisable to keep the skin of these vegetables intact to gain maximum fibres. The carbohydrates in root vegetables easily pass through the digestive tract due to their starch resistance. Moreover, it feeds the gut bacteria and promotes their growth.
Squash
This colourful vegetable makes the dishes appetising and improves gut health. Zucchini, pumpkin, yellow squash, butternut squash, etc., are varieties of squash.
Each cup of squash contains around 9 g of fibres that are perfect for fighting haemorrhoids.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers fall in the categories of vegetables for piles. It contains nearly 93% of water which helps soften the stool. This vegetable has almost 2 g of fibre content.
Individuals who don’t like vegetables can check the fruits for piles. They contain natural sweeteners that make them healthy and refreshing to eat. Moreover, one can easily consume fruits at breakfast and before or after meals.
List of Best Fruits for Piles
Individuals can include these fruits in their diet to avoid chances of piles or similar issues.
Apples
Apples are the perfect food to eat during piles as they contain a soluble fibre called pectin. This helps bacteria ferment and form short-chain fatty acids.
This helps in adding water into the colon and softening the stool. Moreover, this also reduces the gut transition time.
A medium-sized apple contains around 4.8 g of fibre.
Prunes
Prunes contain cellulose that increases the water content in stool. This property makes it an ideal food to cure piles. These prunes are fermented in the colon, producing short-chain fatty acids. This increases the stool weight.
They contain nearly 3 grams of fibre per 40-gram serving.
Kiwi
Kiwi contains actinidin, which improves bowel movement and gut health. A single kiwi contains about 2.3 g of fibre. Individuals can consume kiwi raw or include it in a smoothie.
Raspberries
Raspberries are delicious and filled with nutrients. They have nearly 85% of water content that is ideal for softening stools. A cup of raspberries contains 8 g of fibre. One can include them in cereals or fat-free desserts.
Bananas
Bananas are easier to access and fall in the list of piles remedy food. This fruit contains resistant starch and pectins that have healing properties for piles.
Pectins break down food into a sticky gel in the digestive tract for the smooth passing of stool. They also feed the beneficial gut bacteria and strengthen the overall gut health. Technically, a medium-sized banana contains around 3 g of fibre.
Pears
Pears are ideal for making smoothies and drinks. These fruits are rich in fibre and compounds that benefit haemorrhoid patients. The fructose content is an excellent laxative that helps in bowel movement. A pear contains nearly 6g of fibre.
These are some effective fruits for piles patients that are easy to access and rich in flavour. However, individuals should be aware of the foods to avoid when suffering from piles.
Fruits For Piles: 10 Best Fruits To Fight Piles
There are many fruits that play a great role in treating piles or hemorrhoids. The fruits are rich in insoluble fibers and compounds called flavonoids that can help control bleeding and swelling due to piles. Fruits are an excellent source of fiber and water, and both are essential in treating piles as they eliminate constipation. In this article, we will discuss about 10 best fruits for piles that aid in controlling and treating the symptoms of the disease.
- Apple for piles:
Not only an apple a day, keeps your doctor away, but also your piles. Apples have a tremendous amount of fiber. If you eat one medium apple, that will be 5 grams of fiber in your body. They are also known for the soluble fiber pectin which helps to clear your bowels nicely and without difficulty. This happens because it creates a gel-like consistency in the digestive tract. You will have a happy visit to the toilet as it softens and bulks up your stool preventing constipation and hence piles and its symptoms. - Bananas for piles:
Packed with pectin and resistant starch, bananas will serve the purpose of calming your irritating piles symptoms. Resistant starch plays its role by feeding your good gut bacteria whereas pectin creates a gel in your digestive tract easing up the stool movement out of the body. One medium-sized banana is packed with 3 grams of fiber. Banana boiled with hot milk eases bowel movement and cures painful symptoms of piles. - Raspberries for piles:
These are also known as the powerhouse of fiber. Eating one standard cup of raspberries will give you 8 grams of fiber and 85% water content. Isn’t that a jackpot? In a nutshell, the nutrients present in raspberries will help you visit the toilet without straining. - Pears for piles:
Pears are very rich in fiber. So ultimately eating pears will help you bulk up your stool and make it easy to pass off. Make it a point to eat it with the peel on as the skin contains most of the essential fiber. You can eat them as a snack or stew them or can eat them along with other fruits in a bowl of salad. - Papaya for piles:
Is papaya good for piles? Yes, papayas are a good source of fiber, antioxidants and also acts as a natural laxative. Raw grated papaya is a great cleansing agent to your colon. Its cleans up your colon and digestive tract of any fecal matter or old sludge with regular consumption. Ripe papaya and raw papaya both act as a cleansing agent and help with chronic constipation, diarrhea, acidity and piles. - Blackberry for piles:
Blackberries are filled with antioxidants that help in flushing out the toxins and will also help in reducing pain and swelling. Consumption of blackberries will help in strengthening the veins present in anus and rectum helping in shrinking hemorrhoids. - Pomegranate for piles:
The yellow covering/membrane of pomegranate is quite beneficial in curing piles. You can soak pomegranate seed peels in water before you boil it. Take this concentrate twice a day- in the morning and the evening. This will help you get rid of the irritating and uncomfortable symptoms of piles and will make it better with regular use. - Dry powder of mango seeds for piles:
Mango seeds are a very good source of nutrients, minerals and vitamins. They help in fighting acidity as they are known for improving digestion. You can have two tablespoons of dry mango powder with three spoons of honey. It is rich in phenols and a phenolic compound which helps in improving and regulating the digestion process. - Prunes for piles:
Prunes are one of the best fruits for piles. Due to their high sorbitol content, they act as a laxative when it comes to fighting constipation. Prunes are also fiber-rich. If you eat a moderate number of prunes daily, it can definitely improve the consistency of stools and digestive motility which is the major concern when you suffer from constipation. Stewed prunes will help as they will pack a bit more water. For this, you can boil dried prunes in water until they become soft and then have it. - Figs for piles:
Figs are commonly known as anjeer in India. They have great properties that help cure constipation. You can soak 3-4 dried figs in water overnight and then have them twice a day along with the water you soaked them in. They are full of fiber and help to avoid straining while clearing bowels. It is recommended to eat without peeling it for maximum fiber benefit. You can have both dried and fresh figs to prevent hemorrhoids and have relief.
Food for Piles: 15 Foods to Fight Hemorrhoids
The pain, tenderness, bleeding, and intense itching that accompany hemorrhoids are often enough to drive you up the wall.
Also known as piles, these distended or swollen veins in the anus and lower parts of your rectum can clot or bulge if left untreated, potentially requiring surgery
Fortunately, some foods can help alleviate symptoms — and even help prevent piles in the first place
Here are 15 helpful foods for hemorrhoids.
1. Legumes
When trying to avoid or prevent piles flare-ups, one major rule of thumb is to make sure you’re getting enough fiber.
You can get two types of fiber from food — soluble and insoluble. While the soluble kind forms a gel in your digestive tract and can be digested by friendly bacteria, insoluble fiber helps bulk up your stool
To promote a healthy gut, you need both.
Legumes are the edible seeds of plants in the Fabaceae family. They include beans, lentils, peas, soybeans, peanuts, and chickpeas.
They’re loaded with both kinds of fiber but especially rich in the soluble type
For instance, 1 cup (198 grams) of cooked lentils packs nearly 16 grams of fiber. That’s about half of the recommended fiber intake
Most adults should get 21–38 grams per day, though this may vary depending on your age and sex
Lentils and other legumes can bulk up your stool, making it less likely that you have to strain when going to the bathroom. This can help prevent hemorrhoids or ease symptoms
2. Whole grains
Like legumes, whole grains are nutritional powerhouses. That’s because they retain their germ, bran, and endosperm, which are loaded with beneficial components like fiber
Whole grains are especially rich in insoluble fiber. This helps move your digestion along, which can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with piles
Keep in mind that whole grains go beyond hearty whole-wheat flour and bread. While these are good options, this category also includes barley, corn, spelt, quinoa, brown rice, whole rye, and oats
Oatmeal is an especially good option to include in your diet when you’re trying to reduce symptoms of piles.
It contains a specific kind of soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which benefits your gut microbiome by acting like a prebiotic. Prebiotics help feed the friendly bacteria in your gut
When shopping for oatmeal, keep in mind that steel-cut oats take longer to cook but are less processed. They provide a more toothsome bite and about 5 grams of fiber per 1/4-cup (40-gram) serving of dry oats, compared with 4 grams for quick-cook or rolled oats
3. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, arugula, bok choy, kale, radishes, turnips, and cabbage
While they’re predominantly known for their anticancer properties, they also deliver an impressive amount of insoluble fiber
For example, 1 cup (76 grams) of raw broccoli provides about 2 grams of dietary fiber, all of which is insoluble. This works to bulk up your stools and keep you regular
What’s more, cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolate, a plant chemical that can be broken down by your gut bacteria
One study in 17 adults found that increasing intake of cruciferous vegetables by 6.4 grams per pound (14 grams per kg) of body weight diversified their gut microbiome within 2 weeks
Diversity of gut bacteria is linked to a more resilient gastrointestinal system, as well as improved immunity. This, as well as their insoluble fiber content, make cruciferous vegetables a great choice for preventing piles
4. Artichokes
Artichokes are loaded with fiber, with a raw, medium-sized one (128 grams) packing about 7 grams of this nutrient
Like many fiber-rich foods, artichokes’ fiber helps feed the friendly bacteria in your gut
Two human studies found that inulin — a type of soluble fiber in artichokes — increased the number of beneficial gut bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli
This may help prevent the onset of piles or diminish its symptoms by keeping your gut healthy and regular
5. Root vegetables
Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, turnips, beets, rutabagas, carrots, and potatoes are filling and packed with nutrition.
They’re rich in gut-healthy fiber, containing about 3–5 grams per serving.
When it comes to tubers, keep in mind that much of their fiber is harbored in the skin, so be sure to leave it on when you enjoy them
What’s more, cooked and cooled white potatoes contain a kind of carbohydrate known as resistant starch, which passes through your digestive tract undigested. Like soluble fiber, it helps feed your friendly gut bacteria
As this reduces constipation, it may ease piles symptoms.
The best way to incorporate root vegetables into your diet is to roast, steam, sauté, or boil them with their skin on. They’re also wonderful mashed, or cut up and baked skin-on as a substitute for fries.
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6. Squash
From summer to winter, squash bring color and fiber to your dinner plate.
There are many varieties, including yellow squash, zucchini, acorn squash, butternut squash, and pumpkin.
The most fibrous of this bunch is acorn squash, which packs 9 grams of this hemorrhoid-fighting nutrient in every cup (205 grams) of baked cubes
Enjoy squash roasted, sautéed, or boiled to help keep your digestive tract moving while warding off piles.
7. Bell peppers
Another great vegetable to help with piles is bell pepper.
Each cup (92 grams) of sliced, mild peppers delivers nearly 2 grams of fiber
While not as fibrous as some of the other vegetables included in this list, bell peppers are very hydrating with a water content of 93%
Along with fiber, this makes your stool easier to pass and prevents straining.