The Hemorrhoid Prevention Diet

Got hemorrhoids? Nearly half of all adults over 50 do. According to the Mayo Clinic, nearly 50 percent of adults over 50 have experienced hemorrhoids, an often painful and embarrassing condition that causes the veins around the rectum to swell and redden. Although topical ointments and surgery can correct hemorrhoids, it does not prevent them and often returns. A hemorrhoid prevention diet can help, however.

Hemorrhoid Prevention Diet: What Is It?

So what is this hemorrhoid prevention diet? If you are worried it is another fad diet being pushed around on the Internet, worry not-this is a diet highly recommended by physicians and numerous health organizations, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The hemorrhoid prevention diet reduces the risk of developing hemorrhoids in two ways: first, the diet helps make stools softer, making it easier to go. Second, it helps regulate normal bowel functioning, preventing constipation and bouts of diarrhea. The diet simply recommends foods and liquids to consume in order to improve your ability to have a bowel movement without straining. Less straining equals fewer hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoid Prevention Diet: The Basics

Let's learn what to eat, how to eat it, and why you should eat it.

Fiber: essential for normal bowel movements, fiber is the foundation of this diet. It also makes it easier to go. According to Pennsylvania State University, eating high fiber foods or consuming fiber supplements, available over-the-counter (OTC), can help. Aim to have over 20 grams of fiber per day if you are a woman. Men need at least 30 grams to for optimal digestive health.

Hemorrhoid Prevention Diet Recommends: Add high fiber foods, such as whole grains, fruit, broccoli, leafy greens, and beans, to your diet. Gradually add one or two high fiber foods to your diet every day-bulking up on these foods too quickly can actually cause loose bowels or diarrhea, increasing the risk of developing hemorrhoids. For those going the OTC route, Metamucil is suitable for everyday use.

Liquids: Water is the cornerstone for any healthy diet, and it certainly applies here too. Why? Water softens the stool, making it easier to pass. Natural fruit juices are also suitable but are not as effective. Alcohol should be avoided at all costs because it actually makes constipation-and hemorrhoids-worse.

Hemorrhoid Prevention Diet Recommends: The hemorrhoid prevention diet recommends drinking eight to ten glasses of water per day. One glass should equal eight full ounces. Do not drink any liquids that draw water away from the body, such as coffee, tea, all types of soda and alcohol.

Hemorrhoid Prevention Diet: The Smaller Details

Now that we know the basics of the hemorrhoid prevention diet, let's get down to the smaller details.

Exercise: Moderate exercise also helps regulate the digestive system. According to Yahoo Health, regular exercise, or exercising 30 minutes a day most days of the week, promotes smooth, strain free bowel movements. Think you have to pump iron every day to see results? Forget about it. Any activity that increases heart rate, such as walking or biking, counts as exercise. Find what you want to do and do it for 30 minutes a day every day.

Again About Food: Some foods, such as spicy burritos or chocolate, can irritate the digestive tract and cause diarrhea. You want to avoid having diarrhea or constipation at all costs-it significantly increases the risk of developing hemorrhoids. Prevent it by avoiding foods you know irritates your digestive system. Some people are unable to tolerate spicy foods, whereas others may need to avoid fried or dairy rich foods.

Hemorrhoid Prevention Diet: Summin' It Up

We know about the basics and other details of the hemorrhoid prevention diet. Now let's review.

Hemorrhoid Prevention Diet Summary

* Aim to eat 20 grams of fiber if you are a women, 30 or more if you are a man. Fiber softens the stool, preventing hemorrhoids caused by straining.
* Drink eight to ten glasses of water per day. You can also drink fruit juices, but do so in moderation. Avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol, which increases constipation and hemorrhoids.
* Exercise regularly. Any activity that raises the heart rate will do.
* Avoid foods you know irritates your digestive system. Spicy or dairy rich foods are the most common culprits.

Got it? Now apply it. The hemorrhoid prevention diet is pretty straightforward and easy to follow if you follow its four basic principles. Stick with it, keep yourself healthy, and eat your way to fewer hemorrhoids and better digestive health.

Sources:
"Hemorrhoids", MayoClinic.com
"Hemorrhoids", hmc.psu.edu
"Hemorrhoids - Prevention", health.yahoo.com