6 Food to avoid in case you have piles 

Piles are also known as haemorrhoids, a disease that affects millions of people in the world. This is a prevalent disease that causes significant discomfort to patients during their everyday activities.

Piles are swollen veins in the anus or lower rectum. There are multiple treatment options available to cure this condition and some dietary choices also help you to get rid of piles. In this blog, you will get to know about 6 foods that should be avoided if you are suffering from piles.

Before knowing exactly the foods to avoid in piles, let’s first know about piles.

Piles are a condition that causes discomfort, bleeding and pain during the bowel movement. They are swollen blood vessels in the anus or rectum that become inflamed and cause discomfort to the person. There are two types of piles, internal which can occur inside the rectum and external which can occur under the skin around the anus. The common symptoms of haemorrhoids are pain, discomfort, bleeding or itching during bowel movements. By making certain dietary adjustments, you can help manage and even prevent the occurrence of piles.

Foods to Avoid in Piles

You should not consider certain foods in your diet if you are suffering from piles.

1. Caffeinated Food

Foods like tea, coffee, energy drinks and some sodas include a stimulant known as caffeine. These foods can help you to get energetic but are also harmful to your body as it contributes to dehydration. Dehydration triggers the symptoms of piles and leads to constipation which can lead to discomfort during bowel movements. You should avoid the consumption of caffeinated foods if you are suffering from piles as it can also cause the blood vessels to constrict which worsens the inflammation of piles in the body.

You may opt for herbal tea or other healthy substitutes of beverages to reduce the risk of piles.

2. Deep Fried Foods

Deep-fried foods are an unhealthy choice of diet that one should exclude from their daily diet. These foods are low in nutrients and high in unhealthy fats, which can slow digestion and lead to constipation. Due to constipation, a person may find it difficult to pass the stool and have pain during bowel movements. A person with piles should limit the intake of fried foods such as fried chicken, french fries, samosa, scotch eggs, etc. These foods also trigger the symptoms of piles and increase the inflammation in the body.

3. Baked Items

Baked goods such as cakes, pastries, and cookies are often made with refined flour and high amounts of sugar. These ingredients can slow down your digestive system and lead to constipation, which is detrimental when managing piles. Refined flour lacks the fibre necessary for healthy digestion, while high sugar content can cause blood sugar spikes followed by crashes, leading to cravings and overeating. To support better digestive health, opt for whole-grain alternatives and limit your intake of sugary treats.

4. Polished Rice

White rice or polished rice is considered a staple food, but people with piles should avoid the daily consumption of polished rice. The outer bran layer of rice is removed in the process of white rice stripping away the fibre content from the rice and making it low-fibre food. For patients with piles, fibre is a good source of diet and it’s crucial to maintain regular bowel movements.

5. Dairy Products

Dairy products, including milk, cheese, and ice cream, can be problematic for individuals with piles, especially if they are lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance can lead to bloating, gas, and diarrhoea, increasing pressure on haemorrhoids and causing discomfort. Even for those who are not lactose intolerant, dairy can sometimes contribute to constipation, particularly if consumed in large quantities. To mitigate these effects, try substituting dairy with plant-based alternatives like almond milk, soy yoghurt, or lactose-free products.

6. Deep-Fried Foods

Deep-fried foods such as french fries, fried chicken, and doughnuts are high in unhealthy fats and low in nutritional value. These foods can slow down your digestion and contribute to constipation, making it harder to pass stools without straining. The high-fat content in deep-fried foods can also increase inflammation in the body, including in hemorrhoidal veins. To support better digestive health and reduce the risk of pile flare-ups, avoid deep-fried foods and opt for healthier cooking methods like baking, grilling, or steaming.

Conclusion

Managing piles effectively requires a careful approach to diet. By avoiding caffeinated beverages, processed meats, baked goods, white rice, dairy products, deep-fried foods, spicy foods, alcohol, and salty snacks, you can help reduce the symptoms and discomfort associated with haemorrhoids. Incorporating high-fibre foods, staying hydrated, and maintaining an active lifestyle are also essential steps in managing this condition. Dr. Hemant Garg is the most reputed piles treatment in Jaipur and has years of work experience and is the Best Piles Doctor in Jaipur for Fissure Surgery and for such as Fistula surgery and Piles Surgery.

Every individual’s body reacts differently to various foods, so it’s important to pay attention to how your body responds and make dietary adjustments accordingly. If you have persistent or severe symptoms, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice and treatment options.