8 High-Fiber Foods To Eat for Hemorrhoid Relief

Many fiber-rich foods can help support your overall gut health by keeping your digestion regular and making stool easier to pass. This can reduce the need to strain during bowel movements, which is important for managing hemorrhoids. Consider these options for relieving your hemorrhoids, which may have other benefits.

Known as one of the highest fiber foods, lentils are packed with 15.6 grams of fiber per cupmore than half the recommended daily value. They’re also an excellent source of plant-based protein, with 17.9 grams of protein per cup.

The fiber in lentils supports gut health by adding bulk to your stool and helping it move easily through your digestive tract. This promotes regular bowel movements and helps reduce straining, both important in preventing and managing hemorrhoids.

Similar to lentils, beans provide more than 15 grams of fiber in a 1-cup servingwhich is about 50% of the recommended 25 to 35 grams of daily fiber that 2018 research shows is needed to treat hemorrhoids.

Black beans are also rich in other key nutrients, such as folate, a B vitamin essential for fetal development and red blood cell production.

Other beans, like kidney beans and chickpeas, are also excellent sources of fiber to help treat or manage hemorrhoids.

Quinoa is a nutritional powerhouse of whole grains due to its fiber and plant protein content, providing 5 grams of fiber per cup (cooked), as well as 8 grams of protein. It is also rich in minerals like magnesium and phosphorus, which are important for muscle function, energy production and bone health.

The fiber in quinoa is 78% insoluble, which adds bulk to your stool and helps speed up digestion more effectively. Eating foods high in insoluble fiber can help reduce pain and discomfort related to hemorrhoids.

Brown rice is another food rich in whole grains, offering more than 3 grams of fiber in a 1-cup serving. It also provides more than 20% of your daily magnesium needs and at least 85% of your daily manganese, two minerals that support energy metabolism, bone strength and muscle function.

Unlike white rice, brown rice retains its bran layer, giving it more than twice the fiber. This layer also contains prebiotics, which are non-digestible compounds that nourish healthy gut bacteria.

By promoting a balanced gut microbiome and reducing inflammation, the fiber in brown rice may help improve digestion and relieve hemorrhoid symptoms.

A whole cooked artichoke provides almost 7 grams of fibermaking it a great food for hemorrhoids.

In particular, artichokes contain inulin, a type of soluble fiber that promotes gut health by feeding healthy bacteria. They also provide insoluble fiber that promotes bowel movements.

In addition to fiber, artichokes have an impressive nutritional profile. From one artichoke, you’ll get 17% of your daily value of vitamin C, which supports immune and skin health, and 22% of your daily value of folate.

A 100-gram serving (about half to a cup) of cruciferous vegetables like arugula, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, cabbage and cauliflower provides up to 4 grams of fiber.

These vegetables are excellent sources of insoluble fiber that prevents constipation, an important factor in relieving hemorrhoids.

They also contain glucosinolates, which are natural compounds that can help relieve the discomfort and swelling of hemorrhoids, often caused by inflammation of the intestine.

Apples are a fruit rich in fiber whose properties support both the prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids. One delicious medium red apple provides approximately 5 grams of fiberor about 18% of your daily fiber needs.

A key component of apples is pectin, a type of soluble fiber that forms a gel-like consistency in your digestive system. It helps soften and bulk up stools, making bowel movements easier and reducing tension that can worsen hemorrhoid symptoms.

In addition to fiber, apples are rich in water, which plays a vital role in moving fiber smoothly through your digestive tract.

Like apples, kiwis are packed with fiber and water, which help support digestion and relieve hemorrhoid symptoms.

A kiwi has more 2 grams of fiber and contains 84% ​​water, two elements that help soften stools and make them easier to pass.

Kiwis also contain zyactinase, a natural extract containing enzymes, fiber and prebiotics that promote regular, healthy bowel movements.

When managing hemorrhoids, avoiding certain foods and drinks that are low in fiber and dehydrating can help reduce symptoms, prevent constipation, and promote healing. Here are some foods that may be helpful to avoid if you have hemorrhoids:

• Alcohol
• Caffeinated drinks
• Dairy products
• Processed foods and fast foods
• Red and processed meats
• Refined carbohydrates like white bread, white rice, regular pasta and pastries
• Spicy foods
• Sweet foods and drinks

Here are some practical tips to help you add fiber to your diet effectively and comfortably:

• Stay hydrated: Fiber works best when there is enough water to move it through your system. Try to drink water regularly throughout the day to aid digestion and prevent constipation.
• Gradually increase your fiber intake: Adding too much fiber too quickly can lead to gas, bloating, or cramping. Instead, slowly increase your fiber intake over several days to help your body adapt.
• Eat a variety of fiber-rich foods: Both soluble and insoluble fiber play an important role in managing hemorrhoids. Including a mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes ensures a healthy balance that promotes regularity and gut health.
• Choose whole foods when possible: Whole foods like fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains provide not only fiber, but also important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support digestive health.
• Include fiber with every meal: Add fruit to breakfast, enjoy a salad or beans at lunch, and serve whole grains at dinner to keep your fiber intake steady throughout the day.
• Smart snacks: Opt for high-fiber options like raw vegetables with hummus, a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts instead of processed snacks.
• Add fiber to familiar dishes: Incorporate beans into soups or pastas, add extra vegetables to stews and sauces, or mix fruit into smoothies and yogurts for an easy fiber boost.

Including a variety of fiber-rich foods in a well-balanced diet can help fight hemorrhoids by relieving constipation, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall gut health. Turn to whole, plant-based foods like legumes, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.