What Should Not Be Eaten for Hemorrhoids

Aug 26, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Jingxiang

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, patients with hemorrhoids should generally avoid eating foods such as spicy hot pot, fried French fries, strong white liquor, durian, and tough leeks. They should also avoid taking medications including ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, bisacodyl enteric-coated tablets, sanqi tablets, azithromycin dispersible tablets, and dexamethasone tablets. If in doubt, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Patients with hemorrhoids should maintain a light diet in daily life.

Generally, patients with hemorrhoids should avoid eating spicy hot pot, fried French fries, high-proof white spirits, durian, and tough leeks. They should also avoid taking medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, bisacodyl enteric-coated tablets, sanqi tablets, azithromycin dispersible tablets, and dexamethasone tablets. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a doctor in advance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

I. Foods

1. Spicy hot pot: Contains large amounts of irritants such as capsaicin and Sichuan pepper, which directly stimulate the mucous membranes and blood vessels in the rectal and anal areas, causing local vasodilation and congestion, thereby worsening hemorrhoidal swelling and burning sensations. If the hot pot contains high amounts of oil, it may also slow intestinal motility, trigger constipation, and further compress the hemorrhoids.

2. Fried French fries: These are high-fat and difficult-to-digest foods that prolong digestion in the intestines, causing fecal matter to remain too long and lose moisture, becoming dry and hard. Excessive straining during bowel movements may cause friction against the hemorrhoids, leading to damage and bleeding. It may also worsen hemorrhoidal prolapse.

3. High-proof white spirits: High alcohol content accelerates blood circulation in the rectal venous plexus, causing vascular engorgement and varicosity, increasing the risk of hemorrhoidal bleeding. Alcohol also irritates the intestinal mucosa and may cause intestinal dysfunction, such as diarrhea or constipation, which can negatively affect hemorrhoid recovery.

4. Durian: A heat-inducing fruit; excessive consumption may lead to internal heat accumulation, causing dry and hard stools. Straining during bowel movements may mechanically compress the hemorrhoids, worsening local pain. It may also trigger acute inflammation of the hemorrhoids, prolonging recovery time.

5. Raw and tough leeks: Contain coarse fiber and volatile essential oils. When uncooked, they may irritate the intestinal mucosa, potentially causing gastrointestinal discomfort. The coarse fiber may also rub against the surface of the hemorrhoids during defecation, easily damaging the mucosa and causing pain or minor bleeding, especially unsuitable during acute hemorrhoid flare-ups.

II. Medications

1. Ibuprofen sustained-release capsules: Belong to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. However, they also inhibit platelet aggregation, affecting coagulation function. Hemorrhoid patients with rectal bleeding may experience prolonged bleeding time or increased blood loss after taking this medication. Use should be evaluated under a doctor's guidance.

2. Bisacodyl enteric-coated tablets: A stimulant laxative that promotes bowel movements by stimulating intestinal motility. However, long-term use may weaken the intestine's natural motility, leading to drug dependence. Additionally, the drug may irritate the hemorrhoidal mucosa, exacerbating local inflammation. Strict adherence to medical instructions for short-term use is necessary.

3. Sanqi tablets: Known for their blood-stasis-dispersing, hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. However, the blood-activating components may dilate hemorrhoidal blood vessels, causing congestion and swelling of the hemorrhoidal mass. Especially during acute hemorrhoid flare-ups, this may worsen pain or prolapse symptoms. Their use should be guided by a doctor based on the patient's condition.

4. Azithromycin dispersible tablets: Belong to the macrolide class of antibiotics. Some patients may experience gastrointestinal side effects such as abdominal pain and diarrhea after taking them. Frequent diarrhea may continuously irritate the hemorrhoidal mucosa, damaging the local mucosal barrier and worsening inflammation and pain. Hemorrhoid patients should prioritize antibiotics with minimal intestinal irritation.

5. Dexamethasone tablets: Belong to glucocorticoids. Short-term use may relieve hemorrhoidal swelling when treating severe inflammation, but long-term use weakens the body's immunity, affecting local tissue repair of hemorrhoids. It may also cause sodium and water retention, worsening edema. Strict medical instructions must be followed to control dosage and duration of use.

Hemorrhoid patients should maintain a light diet, consume more water-rich and easily digestible foods, and develop regular bowel habits, avoiding prolonged squatting or sitting. Medications must be used strictly under medical guidance; self-medication or arbitrary dose adjustments should be avoided to prevent worsening of the condition.

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Is it effective to apply tea seed oil on hemorrhoids?

In general, tea oil cannot cure hemorrhoids and may only provide limited relief in the early stages. If bleeding or pain persists for more than one week or progressively worsens, medical attention should be sought immediately. A specialist can then evaluate the condition and recommend appropriate treatments, such as suppositories or ointments containing local anesthetics, steroids, or vasoconstrictors, or perform minimally invasive procedures or surgery. Tea oil can only serve as a temporary adjunct and should not replace proper medical treatment.

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What should I do if my hemorrhoids bleed every time I have a bowel movement?

Defecation usually refers to bowel movement. In general, rectal bleeding immediately after defecation may be caused by factors such as stool friction against hemorrhoidal tissue, increased abdominal pressure during bowel movements, prolapse of internal hemorrhoids, incarcerated mixed hemorrhoids, or thrombosed external hemorrhoids. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through conservative management, medication, surgical treatment, or other appropriate methods.

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What should I do if I have bleeding during bowel movements due to internal hemorrhoids?

In general, the treatment methods for bleeding internal hemorrhoids mainly include conservative management, local medication, oral drug therapy, physical therapy, and surgical treatment. In addition, patients should follow medical advice for standardized treatment and undergo regular follow-up examinations. If abnormal conditions such as heavy or persistent bleeding occur, timely medical consultation is necessary to adjust the treatment plan.

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What could be the reason for a lump growing near the anus?

The term "butt hole" usually refers to the anus. Common causes of a lump near the anus include prolonged sitting and pressure, dietary irritation, external hemorrhoids, perianal abscess, rectal prolapse, etc. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, avoid prolonged sitting or standing, engage in appropriate physical activity, maintain a light diet, and prevent constipation.