How to treat hemorrhoids with dietary therapy

Nov 01, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Jingxiang

Introduction

Food does not have a curative effect on hemorrhoids. Dietary recommendations for patients with hemorrhoids include avoiding alcohol, refraining from spicy and irritating foods, drinking plenty of water, consuming more foods rich in dietary fiber, and avoiding overly hard foods. Alcohol can irritate the stomach and intestines, increase gastric acid secretion, and lead to constipation or diarrhea, both of which increase intra-abdominal pressure during bowel movements and thereby worsen hemorrhoid symptoms.

Generally speaking, food does not have a curative effect on hemorrhoids. Dietary recommendations for patients with hemorrhoids include avoiding alcohol, refraining from spicy and irritating foods, drinking plenty of water, consuming more fiber-rich foods, and avoiding overly hard foods. The details are as follows:

1. Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can irritate the stomach and intestines, increase gastric acid secretion, and lead to constipation or diarrhea. Both conditions increase abdominal pressure during bowel movements, thereby worsening hemorrhoid symptoms. In addition, excessive alcohol consumption may cause blood vessel dilation, exacerbating congestion and inflammation of hemorrhoids.

2. Avoid spicy and irritating foods: Spicy foods can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and rectum, potentially causing diarrhea or difficulty in defecation, increasing abdominal pressure during bowel movements and aggravating hemorrhoid conditions.

3. Drink plenty of water: Adequate fluid intake helps soften stools and prevent constipation. Constipation may require greater straining during bowel movements, which increases abdominal pressure and can worsen or trigger hemorrhoids.

4. Eat more fiber-rich foods: Dietary fiber increases stool bulk, softens stools, and promotes intestinal motility, thus helping prevent constipation. Common high-fiber foods include whole wheat bread, oats, celery, apples, spinach, and others.

5. Avoid overly hard foods: Consuming hard foods may lead to increased straining during bowel movements, raising abdominal pressure and worsening hemorrhoid symptoms.

If hemorrhoids develop, it is recommended to use medications such as compound alginic acid ester cream or Zhiyan Xiaopian (hemorrhoid relief tablets) under the guidance of a physician.

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How to treat hemorrhoids

In general, treatment methods for hemorrhoids mainly include conservative management, physical therapy, medication, traditional Chinese medicine, and surgical treatment. In addition, during the treatment period, patients should follow medical advice for standardized treatment, undergo regular follow-up examinations, and develop good bowel habits to avoid excessive straining during defecation. If abnormal conditions such as increased rectal bleeding, worsening pain, or prolapsed hemorrhoidal tissue that cannot be reduced occur during treatment.

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What happens if hemorrhoids are left untreated?

In general, if left untreated, hemorrhoids may lead to worsening rectal bleeding, prolapsed and incarcerated hemorrhoidal tissue, perianal infection, severe anal itching, difficulty with bowel movements, and other complications. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Upon noticing symptoms related to hemorrhoids, individuals should promptly adjust their lifestyle habits and avoid prolonged sitting or standing.

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How to differentiate the causes of rectal bleeding

In general, rectal bleeding may be caused by hemorrhoids, anal fissures, ulcerative colitis, colorectal polyps, bacterial dysentery, or other conditions. If rectal bleeding occurs, it is recommended to promptly visit a正规 hospital for proper diagnosis and identification of the underlying cause. In daily life, maintain regular bowel habits and prevent constipation; pay attention to food hygiene to reduce the risk of intestinal infections.

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What causes pain in the buttocks when sitting on a hard surface?

In general, the main causes of buttock pain when sitting on a hard surface include localized pressure and stress, tightness of the gluteal muscles, ischial bursitis, myofascial inflammation of the gluteal muscles, hemorrhoids, etc. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, it is advisable to choose soft, breathable seating to reduce pressure on the buttocks.