What foods should be avoided if you have hemorrhoids?

When suffering from hemorrhoids, it is generally necessary to avoid spicy and irritating foods, fried and greasy foods, alcoholic beverages, heat-inducing fruits, and refined staple foods. The specific reasons are as follows:

1. Spicy and irritating foods: These foods can irritate the mucous membranes of the rectal and anal areas, causing local congestion and swelling, thereby worsening pain and bleeding associated with hemorrhoids. Common examples include chili peppers, Sichuan pepper, ginger, and garlic. Excessive consumption may lead to a burning sensation during bowel movements, intensifying discomfort.

2. Fried and greasy foods: Fried foods are high in fat and difficult to digest, which slows down intestinal motility. This causes feces to remain in the intestines for prolonged periods, leading to excessive water absorption and the formation of dry, hard stools. During defecation, such hard stools can rub against hemorrhoids, damaging the mucosa and exacerbating swelling and bleeding.

3. Alcoholic beverages: Alcohol dilates blood vessels around the anus, worsening hemorrhoidal congestion. It may also disrupt intestinal function, leading to constipation or diarrhea. Straining during constipation increases abdominal pressure, putting pressure on hemorrhoids; diarrhea, on the other hand, frequently irritates the perianal skin. Both conditions can aggravate hemorrhoid symptoms.

4. Heat-inducing fruits: Overconsumption of certain heat-inducing fruits may increase internal body heat and trigger constipation. Examples include lychee, longan, and durian. Constipation makes bowel movements difficult, increasing pressure and friction on hemorrhoids, hindering recovery, and potentially triggering acute flare-ups of hemorrhoids.

5. Refined staple foods: Highly processed rice and flour products are low in dietary fiber. Long-term consumption reduces stool volume and impairs intestinal motility, making constipation more likely or worse. Since constipation is a major contributing factor to hemorrhoids, it continuously aggravates the condition and delays recovery.

If hemorrhoid symptoms persist or worsen—such as frequent bleeding or severe pain—prompt medical attention should be sought for professional treatment.