5 Foods to Avoid During Painful Hemorrhoid Flare-ups

Understanding Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located in and around the anus and lower rectum region. They can be internal or external depending on their location. Hemorrhoids can be very painful and cause symptoms like itching, burning, bleeding, and discomfort. In some cases, blood clots can form inside hemorrhoids which are called thrombosed hemorrhoids and these can be extremely painful.

Certain foods can aggravate hemorrhoids by causing constipation or diarrhea which adds more pressure and strain to the sensitive hemorrhoidal tissue. Avoiding such foods can provide relief from hemorrhoid symptoms and allow the inflamed tissue to heal faster.

Common Food Triggers to Avoid

Here are 5 common food triggers that can make hemorrhoids worse and are best avoided during hemorrhoid flares:

1. Alcohol

Alcohol is dehydrating and causes diarrhea in many people. Both dehydration and diarrhea add more irritation and strain which can further inflame hemorrhoids. Its best to avoid alcohol completely when dealing with painful hemorrhoids.

2. Caffeine

Caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea and sodas have diuretic and stimulant effects. This can lead to dehydration and diarrhea causing further aggravation of hemorrhoids. Avoid caffeine or limit intake to one small cup a day.

3. Dairy Products

Milk, cheese and other dairy items are top triggers for diarrhea, gas and bloating in those who have lactose intolerance. They also cause irritation of existing hemorrhoids. Limit dairy intake if you have frequent hemorrhoid flares.

4. Spicy Foods

Spicy foods contain peppers, chilies and other ingredients that contain a chemical called capsaicin. This can burn and irritate hemorrhoids causing stinging pain and more inflammation. Avoid spicy foods completely with hemorrhoids.

5. Processed Meat

Processed and fatty meats like bacon, sausages, ham, salami contain a lot of fat, salt and preservatives. These ingredients can delay bowel movements and cause constipation which worsens hemorrhoids. Limit intake or avoid completely.

Helpful Diet Tips

Along with avoiding food triggers, include more fiber and fluids in your diet to ease hemorrhoid symptoms. This helps soften stools and prevent constipation and straining.

Some helpful diet tips include:

• Eat more high fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, oats, bran cereals
• Stay well hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of fluids like water, juices, herbal teas
• Include natural hemorrhoid remedies like flavonoids found in citrus fruits, berries, onions, tea
• Take over-the-counter fiber supplements like psyllium husk, methylcellulose if needed
• Consider a squatting stool to mimic squatting position and reduce straining

When to See a Doctor

While diet and lifestyle measures can help control symptoms, some cases of hemorrhoids require medical treatment. See your doctor if you have:

• Persistent bleeding from hemorrhoids
• Severe pain not relieved by home treatments
• Thrombosed hemorrhoids with blood clots
• Strangulated hemorrhoids with trapped blood supply
• Anemia due to prolonged bleeding from hemorrhoids

Your doctor may recommend remedies like over-the-counter creams, suppositories, warm baths, prescription medications, or minimally invasive procedures like rubber band ligation, injection sclerotherapy or infrared coagulation. In severe cases, surgery may be suggested.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Rarely, a strangulated hemorrhoid with trapped blood supply can become severely infected or necrotic. This causes symptoms like:

• Fever and chills
• Nausea, vomiting
• Severe rectal pain
• Difficulty urinating or passing stool

If you have the above symptoms along with strangulated hemorrhoids, seek emergency medical care. This is a medical emergency requiring hospitalization, IV antibiotics, pain medications and possibly urgent hemorrhoid surgery.

Preventing Hemorrhoid Flare-ups

You can reduce the likelihood of developing painful hemorrhoids again by making healthy diet and lifestyle choices including:

• Eating high fiber foods and staying hydrated
• Avoiding straining and taking time when using the bathroom
• Exercising regularly to prevent constipation
• Avoiding prolonged sitting on the toilet
• Treating chronic digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation
• Losing excess weight in case of obesity
• Avoiding food triggers that aggravate hemorrhoids

Making these changes can go a long way in preventing recurring hemorrhoids.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.