If you have hemorrhoids or piles, a healthy diet full of whole foods high in fiber can help ease your pain. By contrast, processed foods, red meat, and alcohol can increase the risk of piles.
Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen, red veins around the anus or in the lower rectum. This is where waste builds up before it comes out as a stool.
Hemorrhoids come in two types: external and internal. External hemorrhoids form under the skin near the anus, and internal hemorrhoids form in the anus and lower rectal lining.
A report from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) says that 20% of people in the US have hemorrhoids. Around 50% of adults over the age of 50 will deal with hemorrhoids at some point.
This article lists the best high fiber foods to help with hemorrhoids and which foods to avoid. It provides additional tips for the treatment and prevention of hemorrhoids.
Eating more high fiber, low fat, whole foods can often reduce or prevent the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–2020 say that most people should try to get 14 grams (g) of fiber for every 1,000 calories they eat.
Lots of foods contain fiber, but some of the best foods to eat to help with piles include:
If you’re struggling with the discomfort of hemorrhoids, also known as piles, you may be wondering if pork should be on the menu. I’ve dealt with piles myself, so I understand the desire to find dietary tweaks that can provide relief. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into whether pork is good or bad for hemorrhoids and how it may impact your condition.
What are Hemorrhoids Exactly?
Before analyzing pork’s effects, let’s quickly review what hemorrhoids are. Hemorrhoids occur when the blood vessels in the rectum and anus become swollen and inflamed. This causes symptoms like
- Bleeding during bowel movements
- Anal itching
- Pain and irritation
- Swelling around the anus
Hemorrhoids can be caused by chronic constipation and straining during bowel movements. Being overweight and a sedentary lifestyle are also risk factors. Pregnancy can also lead to hemorrhoids due to the pressure from the baby.
Some tips to prevent hemorrhoid flare-ups include
- Eating more fiber
- Staying hydrated
- Exercising
- Avoiding extended periods of sitting/straining
- Managing constipation
This brings us to how dietary adjustments like limiting pork intake may impact hemorrhoid symptoms.
Does Pork Cause Constipation?
Constipation is the main cause behind painful hemorrhoid flare-ups. So what’s pork’s relationship with constipation?
Some studies have found that consuming pork can potentially cause constipation in some people. Reasons include:
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Low Fiber – Pork contains little to no fiber, which adds bulk to stools and allows them to pass more easily.
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High Fat – The high fat content of pork can slow digestion, causing stools to move sluggishly through the intestines.
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Heme Iron – The type of iron found in pork and other meats may contribute to constipation.
However, the constipating effects really depend on the person. Other factors like hydration status have a bigger impact for some people.
Overall, pork’s low fiber and high fat content does present a potential to exacerbate constipation compared to plant sources that contain fiber and promote regularity.
Impact on Hemorrhoid Symptoms
So what does pork’s potential to cause constipation mean for hemorrhoids specifically? Here are a few key points:
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Constipation leads to straining, which further irritates swollen hemorrhoid tissue and causes bleeding/pain.
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Harder stools from constipation also put more pressure on hemorrhoids, making them protrude and become sore.
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Since pork may cause constipation, it can aggravate hemorrhoids by promoting straining and hard stools.
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Limiting pork intake and eating more high fiber foods can help prevent constipation and reduce hemorrhoid issues.
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However, pork’s impact varies person to person based on other dietary and lifestyle factors.
So while pork has the potential to exacerbate hemorrhoids due to its association with constipation, it really depends on the individual. Your body may handle pork just fine.
Other Factors That Affect Hemorrhoids
While pork and constipation have an impact, it’s important to remember other dietary and lifestyle factors also affect hemorrhoids. For example:
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Low Fiber Diet – An overall lack of fiber from fruits, veggies, beans, etc can cause constipation and hemorrhoid flare-ups.
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Lack of Exercise – Being sedentary can slow digestion and lead to straining. Light exercise stimulates the bowels.
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Chronic Diarrhea – Though less common, diarrhea can also irritate hemorrhoid tissue and cause swelling.
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Obesity – Excess weight puts more pressure on hemorrhoid veins. Losing weight helps reduce symptoms.
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Pregnancy – Hormonal changes and baby pressure commonly leads to pregnancy hemorrhoids.
So while limiting pork may help alleviate constipation, also consider if your overall diet and lifestyle habits are promoting hemorrhoids. Addressing multiple factors is key.
Tips for Managing Hemorrhoids
If you’re prone to hemorrhoid flare-ups, here are some tips that may provide relief in addition to limiting pork:
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Eat More Fiber – Fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, whole grains and nuts/seeds can help bulk and soften stools.
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Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water and fluids like herbal tea to keep stools soft.
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Exercise – Even light activity stimulates the bowels and prevents straining that irritates hemorrhoids.
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Take Warm Baths – Sitz baths can relieve itching, pain and swelling.
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Use OTC Medications – Hemorrhoid creams, ointments and suppositories can temporarily alleviate symptoms.
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Try Witch Hazel – Witch hazel wipes and compresses can cool, soothe and reduce swelling.
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See Your Doctor – For severe hemorrhoids, additional procedures or surgery may be required.
Making smart diet and lifestyle changes can often effectively manage hemorrhoids without needing medical interventions. But always see a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
The Verdict on Pork and Hemorrhoids
So is pork conclusively good or bad for hemorrhoids? The truth lies somewhere in the middle. Here’s a quick summary:
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Pork may promote constipation due to low fiber and high fat, but it depends on the individual.
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Constipation can exacerbate hemorrhoids by causing straining and harder stools.
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Limiting pork intake may provide relief if pork is a contributor to your constipation.
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But other dietary and lifestyle factors like fiber intake and exercise also impact hemorrhoid symptoms.
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Pay attention to your own body’s response to pork and adjust your intake accordingly.
In the end, pork can be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall hemorrhoid-friendly diet full of fiber, fluids and exercise. But you may find reducing pork provides additional relief from hemorrhoid discomfort if it seems to trigger your symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pork and Hemorrhoids
Here are answers to some common questions about pork’s relationship to hemorrhoid symptoms:
Is pork OK to eat if I have hemorrhoids?
You can likely eat pork in moderation, but pay attention to if it exacerbates constipation and hemorrhoid issues for you. Adjust intake as needed.
What pork dishes would be worst for hemorrhoids?
Fatty, heavily processed pork like bacon, sausage and ham may be more likely to cause constipation. Opt for leaner cuts.
Can pork cause bleeding hemorrhoids?
Indirectly yes – if pork leads to constipation and straining, that pressure can cause swollen hemorrhoids to bleed.
Is red meat like beef also bad for hemorrhoids?
Similar to pork, red meats are low in fiber so may potentially contribute to constipation and aggravated hemorrhoids.
Should you avoid all meat if you have hemorrhoids?
Not necessarily – leaner meats like chicken breast and fish can be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall high fiber diet.
What foods help hemorrhoids?
Fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds and whole grains provide fiber and help prevent constipation and hemorrhoid flare-ups.
Whole wheat bread, pasta, and cereals
Unprocessed or lightly processed whole wheat foods have a lot of insoluble fiber, which makes stools heavier and takes longer to move through the colon.
For an added fiber punch, pick whole wheat products with nuts and seeds.
Berries like raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries have a lot of fiber in them because their skins are thicker than their flesh. A 100 g serving of raspberries contains around 6. 5 g of fiber.
Berries also contain a lot of water, which helps soften stools and keep the digestive system moving smoothly. They also contain fructose, which has a natural laxative effect.
Some traditional medicine systems use artichokes and varieties of thistle (which are relatives of the artichoke) to treat hemorrhoids. A likely reason for this is their high fiber content. One cooked, medium-sized artichoke contains around 10.3 g of fiber.
Wheat bran and shredded wheat
Just 1/3–1/4 of a cup of high fiber, ready-to-eat bran cereal between 9.1-14.3 g of fiber.
1–1/4 cups of shredded, ready-to-eat wheat cereal contains between 5–9 g of fiber.
Wheat bran and shredded wheat contain insoluble fiber, giving stool bulk and making it easier to pass.
Prunes are dried plum. Stewed or dried prunes are rich in fiber. Just a half cup of stewed prunes contains around 3.8 g of fiber.
People who eat dried prunes may also feel full longer, which means they won’t need to eat as often. An older article from 2009 says this can help with both constipation and obesity, which may make you more likely to get hemorrhoids.
Compounds in prunes called phenols may also act as an antibacterial agent in the gastrointestinal system, reducing the risk of infection.
According to a 2020 article, apples are a great source of dietary fiber.
A medium apple with its skin contains around 4. 4 g of fiber, making it among the most fiber-rich fruits.
Apple skin has insoluble fibers that don’t break down when you eat them. These fibers help to bulk up stool, which has a laxative effect.
Pears are incredibly high in fiber and other compounds that may benefit people with hemorrhoids. A pear with its skin may contain around 6 g of fiber. Pears also contain fructose, which can act as a natural laxative.
A fiber called β-glucan is found in large amounts in barley. This fiber breaks down in the colon to form a thick gel that softens poop. Research also shows that consuming barley may help maintain good colon health.
One cup of cooked sweet corn contains around 4.2 g of fiber. People have been using corn as a cure for hemorrhoids since ancient times.
Not only does corn have fiber, but it also has strong antioxidants that stop free radicals from damaging cells and other chemicals that may help ease pain.
One cup of cooked oatmeal contains around 4 g of fiber. And the fiber in oats may be capable of improving gut health. It also helps soften stool, making it easier to pass and reducing the risk of straining.
Peas, chickpeas, lentils, and split peas are some of the best foods you can eat to get fiber. One cup of cooked lentils contains around 15. 6 g of fiber.
And some research shows that consuming green lentils leads to significant increases in the weight of the stool and reduces the time it spends in the colon.