HEMORRHOIDS
FOODS THAT HEAL
FOODS TO LIMIT
WHO’S AFFECTED
Hemorrhoids are enlarged blood vessels found in the anal canal
They can be either internal or external
Hemorrhoids are an all-too-familiar problem for millions of people—and have been since the dawn of time
Nutrition Connection
Drink lots of waterThis softens the stool, which can relieve pain, bleeding, and prolapse (when hemorrhoids protrude outside the anal canal at the rectum)
Fill up on fiber
Women should aim for 21 to 25 g of fiber a day; men should get 30 to 38 g a day
Be sure to eat at least two servings of a high-fiber food such as beans, whole grains, berries, apples, and pears (with the skin on) at every meal
Adding freshly ground flax seeds to cereals, smoothies, and yogurt is another way to add more fiber to your diet
QUICK TIP:
Add a fiber supplement Incorporating a fiber supplement containing psyllium helps prevent hemorrhoidsBeyond the Diet
Go when nature callsDelaying a bowel movement can make it harder to pass later on, which exacerbates hemorrhoids
Don’t strain
Forcing out a bowel movement creates pressure that makes hemorrhoids worse
Relax, breathe, and let things pass naturally
But don’t dally
When you peruse a book or magazine while sitting on the commode, you also place pressure on hemorrhoids
Take exercise breaks
Spread exercise breaks throughout your day, especially if you sit for a living, as many people do
Avoid lifting
If you can forgo picking up heavy objects, do so
If you can’t, be sure to exhale while you’re lifting and don’t hold your breath
Sleep on your side, especially if you’re pregnant
This relieves pressure on the blood vessels in your pelvic region and may prevent hemorrhoids from enlarging
Importance of well balance diet
