Inflammation of the veins in the lower rectum and anus is known as hemorrhoids. People prone to constipation are susceptible to hemorrhoids or piles. The pressure exerted on the veins while straining the anus to pass hardened stool, leads to this condition.
People suffering from hemorrhoids experience pain, irritation, itching and discomfort in the anal region. Painless bleeding may occur while passing bowel. Fortunately, hemorrhoids can be reversed with appropriate treatment.
Foods that help to soften stools and ease bowel movement provide rapid relief from the symptoms of hemorrhoids. The anti-inflammatory components in certain food products help to shrink the swollen veins, thereby accelerating the healing process.
Foods for Hemorrhoids
– Whole Grains
Foods that help to treat constipation can alleviate pain and irritation in the anal region. Increasing intake of dietary fibers is the most effective natural remedy for constipation and hemorrhoids.
Whole grains are popular sources of fibers in our diet. Replace refined carbohydrate products (maida) in your daily meals with healthy whole grain products such as brown bread, brown rice, oatmeal and bran cereals.
By adding bulk to the feces, soluble and insoluble fibers in whole grain speed up bowel movement. Men require 30 to 38 grams of fiber each daily and women need 21 to 25 grams of fiber per day. Whole grains can meet a significant portion of your daily fiber requirement.
– Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Fiber dense fruits and vegetables such as apples, figs, pears, berries, mango, carrots, potato with skin and leafy vegetables are the finest sources of fiber in the diet. To improve bowel movement and attenuate the symptoms of hemorrhoids, try to consume about nine servings of fruits and vegetables packed with fibers daily.
– Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits such as oranges, limes and lemons are rich sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to maintain the health of the veins. It is needed for facilitating repair of the veins in the anal region damaged by hemorrhoids.
Apart from vitamin C, citrus fruits are rich sources of fibers. They provide nourishment to the good bacteria that live in the gut, thereby maintaining the healthy flora in the colon. The colonic flora helps to improve the stool bulk, improving bowel movement and providing respite from the painful hemorrhoid symptoms.
– Prunes
Sorbitol found in prunes helps to activate the colon and improve bowel movement. Prunes are also rich in soluble and insoluble fibers. To reduce discomfort during defecation, consume a cup of uncooked prunes each day.
– Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are sources of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. While the fiber helps in bowel movement, the anti-inflammatory effect of omega-3 fats helps to attenuate inflammation of the veins in the anal region.
– Raisins
Raisins contain tartaric acid, which has a mild laxative effect. Moreover, fiber in raisins helps to meet a part of the daily fiber requirement of the body, essential for improving bowel movement and reducing the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
– Coffee
Drink a cup of hot coffee after waking up in the morning. Caffeine present in coffee helps to soften the bowel.
Source: http://www.findhomeremedy.com/7-foods-that-help-relieve-hemorrhoids/
