The "Hemorrhoid Diet": What to Eat (and Avoid) for Faster Recovery

They say "you are what you eat," and when it comes to hemorrhoids, this couldn't be truer. While creams and gels provide necessary relief from the outside, preventing flare-ups usually starts from the inside.

One of the main culprits of hemorrhoids is straining during bowel movements caused by constipation or hard stool. The good news? You can often fix this simply by adjusting your grocery list.

At Ariella, we believe in a holistic approach to healing. Here is your guide to the best foods to soothe your system—and the ones you should skip.

1. The Magic Ingredient: Fiber Fiber is your best friend when fighting hemorrhoids. It adds bulk to your stool and softens it, making it easier to pass without straining. There are two types:

• Soluble fiber (dissolves in water to form a gel-like consistency; found in oats and fruits).
• Insoluble fiber (adds bulk; found in whole grains and vegetables).
• Goal: Aim for 25–35 grams of fiber per day.

2. "Green Light" Foods: Load Up on These

• Legumes: Lentils, beans, and chickpeas are fiber powerhouses. Just one cup can provide nearly half your daily requirement.
• Whole Grains: Swap white bread for whole wheat, brown rice, or oatmeal.
• Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli and cauliflower are excellent, high-fiber choices.
• Root Vegetables: Carrots and sweet potatoes (eat the skin!) are packed with gut-healthy nutrients.

3. "Red Light" Foods: Proceed with Caution While healing, you want to avoid foods that cause constipation or irritate the digestive tract.

• Spicy Foods: While they don't cause hemorrhoids, cayenne and chili peppers can cause significant irritation and burning when you use the bathroom if you already have a flare-up.
• Processed Foods: White bread, pastries, and fast food have had the fiber stripped out of them. They are a recipe for constipation.
• Alcohol: Alcohol is dehydrating, which can lead to hard stools and straining.

4. The Essential Partner: Water Increasing fiber without drinking enough water can actually make constipation worse. Think of fiber as a sponge; it needs water to plump up and work effectively. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep your system flushing smoothly.

Changing your diet takes time to show results. It might take a few days or weeks for your digestion to regulate.

But you don't have to suffer while you wait for your salad to kick in. Use Ariella Hemorrhoid Cream or Suppositories gel to manage the pain and swelling right now, while your new healthy diet works on preventing the next flare-up.

Eat well, hydrate often, and trust Ariella for the relief you deserve.