Diet and Hemorrhoids

Diet and Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, the inflammation of veins along the lower rectum and anus, can cause pain and itching. In many cases, hemorrhoids are caused by straining during bowel movements. This is often the result of diets that promote constipation.

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Foods to Avoid

We highly recommend avoiding certain foods to help prevent hemorrhoids; Especially, once they've become inflamed.

Alcohol, and red (chili) pepper can irritate hemorrhoids. Any foods that can cause constipation should be avoided, at least in large quantities. Many refined sugars and starches are examples, such as pastries, white rice, white breads and most pastas.

Coffee is another irritant people with hemorrhoids should avoid: Caffeine works as a laxative that could prohibit natural bowel movements. Excessive consumption of caffeine may also lead to a dependence upon artificial stimulants for bowel regularity. In addition, if people with hemorrhoids choose to replace too many clear fluids (aka water) in their diets with caffeine, all that fiber they eat simply hardens up, which their bowels must strain to pass. To add to the problem, caffeine is a stimulant and increases blood flow, which pumps more blood into inflamed hemorrhoids.

Staying hydrated is one of the reasons that alcohol and caffeine are important foods to avoid. Alcohol can dehydrate your system, which makes stool harder and the bowels less regular. If the diet consists of too much of either of these beverages in relation to water and clear fluids, the person with hemorrhoids can have worse symptoms. Both caffeine and alcohol should be used in moderation.

Additional Suggestions

Exercise: Regular exercise promotes colon health and helps regulate bowel movements.

Supplements: Complete Colon Care, is an excellent bowel regulator. You can buy it in powder or capsules in our store. Follow the dosage and directions on the label.

For more information on our products, please visit us at Western Herbal and Nutrition
The folks at Western Herbal are also glad to help with any questions about their products.
Their toll-free number is 800-223-3036.