The bleeding, tenderness, pain, and intense itching are common signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids. The condition causes swollen or distended veins in the lower part of the rectum and anus, and it might cause a bulge or clot if not treated immediately. A patient’s diet has a direct implication on the symptoms, and certain foods can trigger hemorrhoids, so they should be avoided.

1. Processed or deep-fried foods
Processed foods like fast food, frozen meals, or deep-fried foods are heavy on the stomach and pretty difficult to digest. In addition, they have lower nutritional value and have high salt content. Additionally, such foods are packed with unhealthy fats that can result in constipation and poor digestion. All of these can contribute to triggering or worsening the condition.

2. Baked goods
Baked goods often have low fiber content, so people with hemorrhoids should keep these foods out of their diet to soothe the symptoms and keep flare-ups at bay. It is easy to identify baked goods or any food with low fiber content as they leave the mouth dry when chewed.

3. Caffeinated foods and drinks
Caffeinated foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and carbonated drinks can trigger bloating when consumed in excess. They can also cause constipation, which makes them some of the most common foods and beverages that trigger hemorrhoids.

4. Polished rice
Polished rice has low fiber content and nutritional value. It is rich in simple carbohydrates and puts an individual at an increased risk of developing constipation. So, it is recommended to replace polished rice with unpolished or brown rice in a hemorrhoids patient’s diet to prevent flare-ups.

5. Dairy
Milk products do not directly trigger the symptoms, but skimmed milk, which has low-fat content, can increase one’s risk of developing constipation. Constipation is all the more detrimental for someone who has or is prone to developing hemorrhoids, so foods that trigger it are best avoided. Overindulgence in cheese can cause constipation and further aggravate hemorrhoids, so it is recommended to alter one’s diet and reduce cheese consumption to not more than once a week. Additionally, when including cheese in the diet, one can add it to fibrous foods to improve digestion.

6. Salty foods
Foods like pickles, salted chips, and preserved meats have high salt content, which can cause bloating and leave the hemorrhoids more sensitive. Additionally, they can make an individual feel constipated, which elevates the risk of hemorrhoids. Consuming too much salt can also lead to water retention, which puts excess pressure on the blood vessels. This means the consumption of salty foods can trigger hemorrhoids or worsen any existing ones.

Following these simple yet effective dietary tips can help patients manage the condition better, even helping prevent the development of hemorrhoids in some cases.