is tuna good for hemorrhoids

Is Tuna Good for Hemorrhoids? A Nutritionist’s GuideHemorrhoids can be itchy, painful and downright uncomfortable. While fiber is commonly recommended to prevent and treat hemorrhoids, many wonder if tuna can provide relief as well. In this article we’ll explore if tuna is good for hemorrhoids and the nutritional profile that makes it a potential hemorrhoid-fighting food.

What are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins located in the lowest part of the rectum and anus. There are two types:

• Internal hemorrhoids occur inside the rectum and usually aren’t visible They can protrude and bleed during bowel movements.

• External hemorrhoids swell near the anal opening and can be quite painful. They often cause itching, discomfort, and bleeding.

Hemorrhoids result from increased pressure in the veins of the anus and rectum. Common causes include constipation, diarrhea, straining during bowel movements, obesity, pregnancy, and a low-fiber diet.

Why Fiber Helps Hemorrhoids
Fiber, found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, helps prevent and treat hemorrhoids in a few ways:

• Soluble fiber forms a gel-like consistency that softens stool and allows it to move smoothly through the digestive tract. This helps prevent constipation and straining.

• Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool and helps food move quicker through the system, preventing diarrhea.

• Both soluble and insoluble fiber regulate bowel movements, reducing pressure on hemorrhoidal veins.

Nutrition experts recommend 25-30 grams of fiber daily from food. Increased fluid intake is also key to allowing fiber to work properly.

Can Tuna Help Relieve Hemorrhoids?
Now let’s look at how tuna stacks up as a hemorrhoid-fighting food. Tuna is low in fiber, with only 0 grams per 3 ounce serving. However, it provides other nutrients that can support hemorrhoid prevention and relief:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Tuna contains anti-inflammatory omega-3s like EPA and DHA which improve blood flow and may reduce enlarged hemorrhoidal veins.

Protein: A 3 ounce serving of tuna provides over 20 grams of protein. Protein is vital for tissue repair which aids in healing damaged hemorrhoidal vessels.

Vitamin B12: Tuna is rich in vitamin B12 which improves the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells. Better circulation may alleviate hemorrhoids.

Selenium: This mineral has antioxidant effects that can lower oxidative damage from free radicals and reduce hemorrhoid inflammation.

Niacin: Also called vitamin B3, niacin widens blood vessels allowing more blood flow to hemorrhoidal veins.

While tuna lacks fiber, adding it to a high-fiber diet provides complementary nutrients that support hemorrhoid relief through anti-inflammatory, tissue repair, and circulation boosting effects.

Best Types of Tuna for Hemorrhoids
The nutrients tuna offers for hemorrhoids depend on the species. Here are some top tuna choices:

• Albacore (white tuna): Highest in anti-inflammatory omega-3s but also contains more mercury than other tuna. Limit to 1 serving per week.

• Skipjack: Lower in mercury and a safer choice if eating tuna regularly. Also provides omega-3s, B vitamins, selenium.

• Yellowfin: Like skipjack, this is lower in mercury but rich in protein and healthy fats. Opt for pole and line caught yellowfin.

• Canned light tuna: Canned skipjack or yellowfin is affordable and retains nutrients like niacin, B12 and selenium. Look for low sodium options packed in water.

The Best Ways to Eat Tuna for Hemorrhoids
Enjoy tuna prepared using healthy methods:

• Canned tuna mixed into a salad with high fiber greens, beans, nuts and fruits

• Tuna patties made with oats, Greek yogurt, and veggies for added fiber

• Tuna steak or fillet grilled, baked, or pan-seared without heavy sauces

• Tuna salad stuffed into a whole grain pita or wrapped in lettuce leaves

• Tuna poke bowl with brown rice, avocado, edamame, cucumber, carrot

• Grilled tuna tacos in corn tortillas with avocado, salsa, and cabbage slaw

Combine tuna with other hemorrhoid-fighting foods:

• Add tuna to a green leafy salad with olive oil vinegar dressing

• Make tuna avocado toast on whole grain or seeded bread

• Stuff tuna into a baked sweet potato for lunch or dinner

• Mix tuna with chickpeas, feta and spinach for a fiber-rich salad

• Combine tuna, beans, chopped apple and celery for an old fashioned tuna salad

Avoid deep fried tuna dishes laden with cream, butter, or salty sauces. Read labels and choose low sodium options when buying canned tuna. Two to three servings of tuna per week is recommended, and supplement with a daily fiber supplement if needed.

The Potential Risks of Eating Too Much Tuna
While tuna can be part of a diet for hemorrhoid prevention and relief, eating too much can also pose health risks:

Mercury exposure: Larger, longer living tuna like bluefin and bigeye contain higher mercury levels from bioaccumulation up the food chain. Mercury intake can harm nervous, digestive, and immune system function if consumed regularly in high amounts.

Allergies: Fish allergies are among the top food allergies. An allergy to tuna can cause reactions ranging from mild itching, hives, and swelling to severe anaphylaxis.

Sodium content: Canned tuna often contains added salt to extend shelf life. Excess sodium can cause high blood pressure and edema, which can aggravate hemorrhoids.

GI symptoms: Some people report bloating, indigestion, or diarrhea from fatty fish like tuna. These symptoms can make hemorrhoids worse.

The FDA recommends limiting fish high in mercury like tuna to 1-2 servings per week and choosing lower mercury seafood as well. Pregnant women and young children need to be even more cautious about tuna intake due to mercury’s neurological effects.

People with known fish allergies should avoid tuna due to risks of an IgE-mediated reaction. And anyone experiencing GI issues from tuna should reduce intake and see if symptoms improve.

Conclusion:
Tuna may support hemorrhoid relief due to its content of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, B vitamins, and selenium. However, tuna lacks fiber, which is critical for preventing constipation and diarrhea associated with hemorrhoids.

For hemorrhoid patients, tuna is best enjoyed occasionally as part of a high fiber diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes. Combining tuna with other nutritious foods enhances its ability to fight hemorrhoids through anti-inflammatory, tissue repairing, and circulatory effects.

Stick to low mercury varieties like canned light tuna or yellowfin, and avoid tuna if you have an allergy or experience bloating and indigestion. Overall, tuna can be a hemorrhoid-fighting addition to your meal plan with proper portion sizes and pairing with fiber-rich foods. Just don’t rely on it as your sole source of nutrition for battling hemorrhoids.