Diet for Bleeding Hemorrhoids

A bleeding hemorrhoid is a usually harmless but frightening condition. Fortunately, doctors have several relatively non-invasive treatments, such rubber band ligation, medicinal injections and laser therapy, to help shrink hemorrhoids and prevent bleeding. To prevent recurrence, doctors encourage hemorrhoid patients to adopt a diet high in fiber and low in dehydrating ingredients and saturated fat. From high-fiber whole grains and fruits to oral supplements, a proper diet can improve digestive function and prevent the hard stools that can exacerbate hemorrhoids and cause them to bleed.

Foods High in Fiber

• Fiber is defined as a class of carbohydrates that cannot be digested. Since the digestive tract is sensitive to fiber, consistent daily fiber intake will act to regulate the stool. In addition, specific types of fiber, when combined with water, will result in a smoother and bulkier stool. Since smoother stools pass through the digestive systems more easily, less straining occurs during bowel movement. This, in turn, helps eliminate one of the major factors that contribute to hemorrhoid flare-ups. Strain-free bowel movements result in less overall bathroom time and thus, less muscle stress on the anal veins.

  Foods high in fiber include non-processed grains (such as whole-grain cereal, bran and brown rice), raw vegetables, legumes and fruit. A daily bowl of bran flakes, along with whole fruits, can go a long way toward regulating digestive function and thereby prevent some of the factors that lead to hemorrhoid formation and give bleeding hemorrhoids a chance to heal.

Fiber Supplements

• For those who cannot get enough fiber from their regular diets, fiber supplements help to ensure people receive adequate amounts of fiber. Hemorrhoid sufferers should not rely on fiber supplements in lieu of fiber-rich diets but rather use them alongside whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes.

  Fiber supplements such as Konsyl, Citrucel and Metamucil contain fiber bulking agents such as psyllium or methylcelloulose. Those who take fiber supplements are advised to take them once or twice daily with a full 8-oz. cup water, followed by an additional 8-oz. cup water.

Hydration

• Dehydration impedes the digestion process, leads to less waste and hardens the stool. All these factors can contribute to hemorrhoid bleeding. Furthermore, fiber supplements rely on water to function most effectively. Hydration does not mean that people should overdo it with water. Rather, people should drink several glasses of water a day, in accordance with their body weights. Read the Institute of Medicine's Water Intake reports for more information (see link in Resources).