Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, occur when the veins and arteries around the anus get inflamed or swollen. These hemorrhoids feel like a tight lump near the anal area that often causes discomfort while sitting and passing stools. Apart from being painful and itchy, piles can also lead to swelling, bleeding, and infections.
What causes piles?
Piles are a very common condition that may affect men or women at any age. These are caused due to the increased pressure in the lower rectum. Other causes of hemorrhoids include constipation, excessive straining during bowel movements, and uncontrolled diarrhea.
Hemorrhoids rarely go away on their own. But, if you simply ignore them, your untreated hemorrhoids will continue to cause terrible pain and even get worse. So, the best thing to do is prevent piles from ever happening to you – says Dr.YavrajSingh Ghelot, one of the best colorectal surgeons in Bangalore.
How are Piles prevented?
Some lifestyle changes and consuming foods that are rich in fiber can help reduce the intensity of piles. However, there are other foods that can alleviate symptoms of piles and even help prevent them in the first place.
As suggested by the experts of piles treatment at the Gutcare clinic, here is a list of some foods to fight piles or hemorrhoids.
1. Whole grains
Whole grains are rich in insoluble fiber. This helps move your digestion along, which can reduce the pain and discomfort associated with piles. Oatmeal is an especially good option to include in your diet when trying to reduce piles symptoms. Other options include quinoa, barley, rye, and brown rice.
2. Root Vegetables
Root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, turnips, beets, carrots, and potatoes are packed with nutrition that is rich in gut-healthy fiber. Cooked potatoes contain a kind of carbohydrate known as resistant starch, which passes through your digestive tract. Like soluble fiber, it also reduces constipation and eases piles symptoms.
3. Fruits
From apricots and apples to pears and peaches, there are many fruits you can add to your diet to up your fiber intake and prevent flare-ups. Fruits are rich in insoluble fibers and a compound called flavonoids that help control bleeding and swelling due to piles. Fruits are also an excellent source of water that is essential in treating piles as they eliminate constipation.
4. Nuts
Almonds and walnuts, in particular, are especially rich in fiber. In addition, nuts have strong anti-inflammatory properties, which could reduce the issues with tissue swelling in the anal area. These nuts also help in bowel movements and lower your risk of constipation and piles, because the fiber in them helps in softening your stool.
5. Prunes
Prunes, considered natural laxatives, are high in fiber and help prevent hemorrhoids caused by constipation. Consuming a moderate amount ( up to 10 ) of prunes daily can improve the consistency of passing stools and digestive systems among people with constipation. Prunes juice is also helpful in relieving constipation in babies.
6. Flax seeds
Yet another healthy option to prevent piles is flaxseed which is a great source of both soluble and insoluble fiber along with its omega-3 fatty acids and lignans. These two nutrients are essential for the reduction of hemorrhoids. Flax Seeds also helps promote bowel motility as well as softening the stool. Try 1 to 2 tablespoons of flaxseeds daily with food.
7. Fluids
Keeping yourself hydrated by drinking enough water and other fluids can help prevent hemorrhoids by making your stools softer and easier to pass. This is because water helps prevent constipation and therefore decreases strain while passing stools. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water is recommended for regular bowel movements and thereby preventing painful piles.
For severe hemorrhoids or those that reoccur even when you are eating the right foods, consider seeking immediate treatment from a colorectal specialist. There are various treatments for piles that can help you heal permanently, and most are easily performed in an outpatient setting with very little discomfort.
Tired of living with painful hemorrhoids? Contact us at Gutcare clinic, Bangalore. We offer safe and secure treatment by expert colorectal doctors with international experience.
