What should patients with hematochezia pay attention to in their diet?

Jul 15, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have intestinal polyps, often suffer from constipation and rectal bleeding. The doctor asked me to pay attention to my diet after going home. What dietary precautions should I take if I have rectal bleeding?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Li Jingxiang
Patients with hematochezia should pay special attention to their diet in order to promote recovery and avoid worsening symptoms. Specifically, patients should choose light, easily digestible, and nutrient-rich foods, such as millet porridge, Chinese yam porridge, and pumpkin porridge. These foods aid gastrointestinal absorption and digestion without increasing the burden on the digestive tract. At the same time, it is advisable to consume more fresh fruits and vegetables rich in dietary fiber, such as apples, bananas, dragon fruit, and spinach, to maintain bowel regularity and prevent dry stools from irritating the intestines or anus. Additionally, patients with hematochezia should avoid consuming spicy, irritating, greasy, or fried foods that are difficult to digest, such as chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, fatty meats, and fried chicken. These foods may加重 the burden on the intestines, irritate the intestinal mucosa, and worsen bleeding symptoms. It is also important to avoid unhealthy habits such as drinking alcohol and smoking, to prevent further harm to overall health. If you have any concerns, please consult a relevant healthcare professional.