Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are swollen and inflamed veins found in the lower rectum and anus. They often cause pain, discomfort, and bleeding during bowel movements. In India, approximately 1 million new cases are reported each year. Studies indicate that about 50% of individuals develop hemorrhoids by the age of 50, and at any given moment, nearly 5% of the population is affected by this condition.
Making dietary adjustments is one of the best strategies to control and avoid piles. Natural treatment for piles, Including the right foods for piles in your daily meals can significantly ease symptoms and support digestive health. So, which foods help combat hemorrhoids naturally? This blog will introduce 20 powerful foods that can help manage piles effectively. But first, let’s explore why diet plays such a crucial role in managing this condition.
Why Is Diet Important for Managing Piles?
Your diet plays a vital role in the prevention and management of hemorrhoids and acts as a Natural treatment for piles. A diet rich in fiber and accompanied by adequate fluid intake helps soften stools, making them easier to pass. This is important because straining during bowel movements increases pressure on the veins in the rectal area, potentially worsening hemorrhoids.
Regular, smooth bowel movements promote a healthy digestive system and minimize the risk of constipation—a major factor that contributes to the pain and inflammation associated with piles. Conversely, a low-fiber diet can lead to hard stools and constipation, intensifying the strain on rectal veins and aggravating the condition.
By incorporating fiber-rich foods for piles into your meals, you can naturally alleviate symptoms and support long-term relief.
Foods for Piles
Top 20 Foods to Ease Piles Symptoms and Support Digestive Health
1. Apples
Particularly when it comes to digestive health, the adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” is accurate. Apples are rich in soluble fiber and pectin, which support healthy digestion and promote regular bowel movements. Enjoy them raw as a snack, bake them into healthy desserts, or slice them into salads for added crunch. About 17% of an adult’s daily fiber requirements are met by 4.4 grams of fiber from a medium apple with skin.
2. Avocados
While not traditionally part of Indian diets, avocados are a powerhouse of nutrition. They contain a mix of healthy monounsaturated fats and dietary fiber, both of which aid in maintaining smooth digestion. A medium-sized avocado delivers approximately 10 grams of fiber, including both soluble and insoluble types, which help soften stools and ensure regularity. Add avocados to salads, spread them on toast, or blend them into smoothies for a creamy, fiber-rich boost.
3. Bananas
Bananas are a natural treatment for piles, rich in fiber that helps relieve constipation and support regular bowel movements. With about 3 grams of fiber, they ease straining and aid digestion. Enjoy bananas as a snack, in smoothies, or with breakfast for gut health.
4. Berries
Berries such as raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries are packed with fiber and antioxidants, making them ideal for managing piles. The antioxidants help reduce inflammation and protect sensitive tissues in the rectal area. Additionally, their high water content supports hydrated stools and smoother digestion. Add berries to your daily routine by enjoying them fresh, mixing them into yogurt or cereal, or blending them into a refreshing smoothie.
5. Broccoli
A member of the cruciferous vegetable family, broccoli is rich in dietary fiber and excellent for promoting healthy digestion. One cup of cooked broccoli provides around 5 grams of fiber, helping to encourage regular bowel movements. It’s also loaded with vitamins and antioxidants that contribute to overall well-being. You can enjoy broccoli steamed, tossed into salads, or added to stir-fries as a nutritious side that supports as a Natural treatment for piles.
6. Carrots
Because they contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which facilitates digestion and encourages regular bowel movements, carrots are a natural treatment for piles. With about 2 grams of fiber per carrot, they add stool bulk. Enjoy them raw, steamed, or cooked to support digestive health and ease piles symptoms.
7. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber and a Natural treatment for piles, having the unique ability to absorb water, forming a gel-like texture that helps soften stools and improve bowel regularity. They can be easily incorporated into your diet by mixing them into smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or even as a topping for breakfast bowls. Their fiber content makes them a great natural remedy for managing piles.
8. Citrus Fruits
Fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are rich in both fiber and vitamin C, which aid in digestion and enhance overall health. About 10% of an adult’s daily fiber needs are met by a medium orange, which has about 3 grams of fiber. Citrus fruits help soften stools and make bowel movements more comfortable, making them highly beneficial for those with hemorrhoids.
9. Cucumbers
With their high water content and decent fiber levels, cucumbers help keep stools soft and well-hydrated also known as Natural treatment for piles. A medium cucumber with the skin on delivers about 2 grams of fiber, which supports smoother digestion and promotes regularity. Enjoy cucumbers raw, in salads, or paired with yogurt for added health benefits. Their versatility makes them an easy and refreshing addition to any meal.
10. Figs
Figs, fresh or dried (anjeer in India), are rich in fiber and effective in relieving constipation, making them ideal for managing piles. Just 3–4 dried figs provide around 5 grams of fiber, promoting smooth bowel movements. Enjoy them as a snack or add to cereals, salads, or desserts for a nutritious, digestion-friendly boost to your daily diet.
11. Leafy Greens
Because they are high in fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients, leafy green vegetables are a natural remedy for piles. Broccoli, spinach, and kale are examples of greens that assist improve bowel motions, soften stools, and lower inflammation. Other veggies like cucumbers, onions, and sprouts also aid digestion. To get the best benefits, ask your doctor what the right portion size is for you.
12. Legumes
Legumes like beans, lentils, and peas are packed with fiber, protein, B vitamins, and essential minerals that support digestion and reduce inflammation—making them ideal for managing piles. Rich in amino acids, they aid tissue repair and overall health. Easily incorporated into Indian meals, legumes are a tasty, nutritious, and effective addition to a piles-friendly diet.
13. Nuts
Nuts like almonds and walnuts are a natural treatment for piles, rich in fiber and healthy fats that support digestive health. A small handful offers 3–4 grams of fiber, helping soften stools and ease bowel movements. Enjoy them as a snack or sprinkle over cereals and salads to boost nutrition and add digestive benefits to your diet
14. Oats
Oats are rich in soluble fiber, helping soften stools and ease bowel movements—ideal for managing piles. They also contain anti-inflammatory nutrients like beta-carotene, polyphenols, and flavonoids that support gut health. Enjoy oatmeal for breakfast or add oat bran to smoothies to relieve piles-related discomfort and promote smoother digestion naturally and effectively.
15. Pears
Pears are a natural treatment for piles, offering around 6 grams of fiber when eaten with the skin. They ease constipation, support regular bowel movements, and reduce pressure on rectal veins. Adding pears to your diet promotes better digestion and piles relief.
16. Prunes
Prunes, or Alu Bukhara, are a natural laxative rich in fiber and sorbitol, which softens stools and promotes regular bowel movements. Including prunes or prune juice in your daily diet helps relieve constipation and supports digestive health, easing piles symptoms.s.
17. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is another fiber-rich food that supports smooth digestion and regular bowel activity. One cup of cooked pumpkin contains approximately 7 grams of fiber, which helps add bulk to stools and eases their passage. This Natural treatment for piles reduces pressure on the rectal veins and helps manage hemorrhoid symptoms. Pumpkin is incredibly versatile and can be used in soups, stews, or baked dishes to give your meals a nutritious and digestion-friendly boost.
18. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, promoting regular bowel movements and gut health. With a low glycemic index and about 4 grams of fiber per serving, they aid digestion and support piles relief. Enjoy them baked, mashed, or in soups.
19. Whole Grains
Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, barley, and millet are rich in fiber, supporting digestion and regular bowel movements. They nourish gut-friendly bacteria, enhance digestive function, and reduce inflammation—making them ideal for managing piles. Including these grains in your diet can greatly improve overall digestive health and ease piles symptoms naturally.
20. Yogurt
Probiotic-rich yogurt is a natural treatment for piles, supporting gut health by boosting beneficial bacteria. It improves digestion, enhances nutrient absorption, and promotes regular bowel movements. Include yogurt in meals or enjoy as a snack to ease piles-related discomfort and support a healthy digestive system.
Foods to Avoid If You Have Piles
Managing piles effectively involves not just choosing the right foods but also avoiding those that can worsen symptoms or lead to constipation. Processed and refined items such as white bread, fast food, and packaged snacks are low in fiber and can slow down digestion, contributing to hard stools and increased straining.
Spicy foods, including hot sauces and chili peppers, may irritate the digestive tract and worsen discomfort. Similarly, salty snacks like chips can lead to bloating, which puts additional pressure on hemorrhoids.
Avoid dairy products, red meat, and fried foods, as these are low in fiber and difficult to digest, increasing the risk of constipation. Caffeinated beverages like coffee and alcoholic drinks can also cause dehydration, making stools harder and more difficult to pass.
To ease piles-related discomfort and promote regular bowel movements, focus on a fiber-rich diet, stay well-hydrated, and steer clear of foods that aggravate the condition.
Final Thought
A well-balanced diet plays a key role in the prevention and management of piles. Consuming high-fiber foods, drinking plenty of water, and limiting foods that contribute to constipation can significantly ease symptoms and provide a Natural treatment for piles.
For those seeking long-term relief, Laserqure’s expert medical team offers advanced and effective treatment solutions for piles.
If you’re struggling with piles, consult Laserqure today for a personalized and comprehensive treatment plan.