Dealing with haemorrhoids can be incredibly uncomfortable, but the good news is that your diet can play a crucial role in your treatment. In this article, we’ll explore the foods that can aid in your haemorrhoid treatment.
Having haemorrhoids is literally a pain in the bum. You should not overlook symptoms as this can easily worsen over time and make your life miserable. Clinics specializing in gastrointestinal and colorectal disorders and diseases offer various hemorrhoid treatments in Singapore (https://alpinesurgical.sg/conditions/haemorrhoids/).
Understanding Haemorrhoids
Before we give you the list of foods that are beneficial for your hemorrhoid healing, let us first know what exactly haemorrhoids are, their symptoms, and their causes to get a better understanding of this condition.
Haemorrhoids, otherwise known as piles, may be found either inside or outside of the rectum and anus. These are veins that have enlarged because of blood vessels that have congested in the area of the anus or rectum. We all have haemorrhoids, but do not feel them. It is only when they become enlarged and swollen that the symptoms surface.
You may have haemorrhoids if you experience the following:
- Blood in the stool
- Lumps around your that feel tender or sore
- Pain or itch in the anus
Blood vessel buildup in the veins in your anus or rectum can be caused by several factors, such as:
- Exerting too much effort to release stool due to constipation
- Pressure on the pelvis due to weight gain or pregnancy
- Lifting heavy objects that place a strain on the anal or rectal area
Diagnosis of Haemorrhoids
If your doctor suspects that your symptoms point to haemorrhoids, you will be asked to undergo some medical tests to make an accurate diagnosis.
These are the procedures that may be recommended to you:
- Anoscopy
- Digital rectal exam
- Sigmoidoscopy
Anoscopy
Anoscopy uses a lighted tool that is inserted into the anus and rectum to see the condition of its lining. .
Digital rectal exam
The digital rectal exam is performed by your doctor by inserting a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for any lumps or bumps that indicate swelling veins.
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy uses a sigmoidoscope, which is a thin flexible tube attached to a light and a tiny camera. The sigmoidoscope is inserted into the colon and rectum’s lower part in order to view any abnormal tissue swelling in the area.
Treatment Options for Haemorrhoids
Often times haemorrhoids may clear on their own even without medical intervention, but severe conditions must be treated to avoid interference with an individual’s quality of life. Here are procedures that can be done to remove haemorrhoids:
- Conventional Haemorrhoidectomy
- Harmonic or LigaSure haemorrhoidectomy
- Rubber Band Ligation
- Stapled Haemorrhoidectomy
- THD/HALO Procedures
Conventional Haemorrhoidectomy
This treatment is done by surgically removing the haemorrhoids using a deep heating technique (diathermy) to improve blood circulation and lessen the swelling and inflammation of the veins.
Harmonic or LigaSure Haemorrhoidectomy
This treatment uses either a Harmonic ultrasonic scalpel or a LigaSure surgical sealer to remove the haemorrhoids.
Rubber Band Ligation
This treatment uses medical-grade rubber bands that are wound around the swelling vein, which cuts the supply of blood, shrinks the swelling of the haemorrhoids, eventually dislodging the vein from the lining of the anus or rectum.
Stapled Haemorrhoidectomy
This treatment is carried out by using a circular surgical stapler. The stapler is inserted into the upper anus and excises a ring of its lining about 1cm in size. Removing this lining cuts the supply of blood to the haemorrhoids as it contains the blood vessels responsible for blood circulation in this area.
THD/HALO Procedures
These treatments follow a similar surgical technique where the blood vessels supplying the blood to the haemorrhoids are removed using an ultrasound probe.
Foods that Promote Haemorrhoid Relief
Constipation is the most common cause of haemorrhoids among a majority of patients. This is usually caused by a lack of fiber in the body. To avoid extra solid stools that are difficult to expel and irritate the lining of the anus and rectum, more fibrous foods should be added to one’s daily diet.
Below are foods that can make your bowels soft and easier to release.
1. Artichokes
Artichoke is a vegetable that belongs to the family of thistles. The flower bud of the artichoke plant is edible and contains a lot of soluble fiber, which improves the gut flora by allowing healthy bacteria to thrive. A healthy gut may help with the prevention of the development of haemorrhoids.
2. Bell peppers
Bell peppers may not be as fibrous as other vegetables, but they contain plenty of water. The water content in bell peppers are good for hydration and making the stool soft, which avoids straining in the anal and rectum area.
3. Celery
Celery contains a powerful combo of fiber and water that is perfect for keeping the stool soft and easy to pass. A stalk of celery that is about 12 inches in measurement contains 95% water and about 1 gram of fiber.
4. Cruciferous vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables are vegetables that have flowers whose shapes resemble a cross. The name is derived from the Neo-Latin word Cruciferae, which means “cross-bearing.” These vegetables are high in soluble fiber, vitamin C, phytochemicals, and various nutrients.
Samples of this type of veggies are:
- Arugula
- Bok choy
- Broccoli
- Brussel sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Collard greens
- Kale
- Radish
- Turnips
5. Root vegetables
Root vegetables are parts of a plant that grow underground and are harvested as food. These vegetables function as “storage” and store carbohydrates in the form of starches and sugars, which are turned into energy. Root vegetables are high in fiber which is good for the gut and gut bacteria. The fiber in these vegetables lessens the instances of constipation and can bring relief to haemorrhoid symptoms.
Examples of root vegetables are:
- Arrowroot
- Beet
- Carrots
- Konjac
- Potato
- Rutabaga
- Sweet Potato
- Taro
- Waterlily
- Yams
Foods to avoid to prevent haemorrhoids
Avoiding foods that are low or do not contain any fiber at all is one way to prevent constipation which may trigger haemorrhoids. Likewise, food that can aggravate the symptoms of haemorrhoids should be avoided.
Below are the foods that can cause or worsen haemorrhoids:
- Alcohol
- Caffeinated drinks
- Dairy products
- Fried foods
- Processed foods and meats
- Red meat
- Salty food
- Spicy food
- White flour
Conclusion
Incorporating the right foods into your daily diet can significantly improve your haemorrhoid treatment and overall well-being. By making informed dietary choices, you can take proactive steps toward a more comfortable life.
Alpine Surgical Practice // 3 Mount Elizabeth #17-16 // Singapore 228510 // +65 6589 8927
