Coffee and hemorrhoids
Many people wonder if coffee harms and worsens hemorrhoid problems. For many of us a cup of good coffee is almost a part of everyday life but we should pay attention that drinking too much coffee can lead to digestive problems and thus to a worsening of the condition with hemorrhoids.
Caffeine has a stimulating effect on the digestive system like nicotine. When consumed in large quantities it can lead to constipation or diarrhea which can irritate and even reopen hemorrhoids as they heal.
Although caffeine does not have such an effect on all people it is still considered good to avoid things that contain this substance if you are hoping for a quick and relatively painless recovery from hemorrhoids.
WHICH FOODS SHOULD BE AVOIDED IN ADDITION TO COFFEE IN CASE OF HEMORRHOIDS?
If you are undergoing treatment for hemorrhoids, the following things should be avoided:
- Non-alcoholic and energy drinks
- Tea – especially varieties with high caffeine like black tea
- Chocolates
- Coffee
These products with caffeine can worsen hemorrhoids because they stimulate the digestive system potentially causing constipation or diarrhea.
Although everyone reacts differently to this stimulus it is wise to avoid it whenever possible while recovering from hemorrhoids and working to prevent their recurrence.
However coffee and other caffeinated beverages are so ingrained in our culture and lifestyle that it will be difficult to give them up.
To reduce the risk of worsening hemorrhoids by consuming too much caffeine make the decision to switch to satisfactory alternatives.
IS CAFFEIN-FREE COFFEE LESS HARMFUL FOR HEMORRHOIDS?
For many of us a hot drink in the morning is a valuable part of starting the day and minimizing caffeine consumption does not mean that you have to give it all up.
You can still enjoy a refreshing drink like:
- Decaffeinated coffee – contains about 25 mg of caffeine; drastically less than 95 to 200 mg of total caffeine counterpart
- Green tea – has one of the lowest caffeine levels of 24 to 40 mg per cup
- Herbal tea – these teas are usually decaffeinated and come in many flavors and varieties.
Gradually reducing caffeine intake can result in fatigue, headaches and lack of concentration. Reduce the risk of these symptoms and give the body a chance to adjust by slowly introducing low-caffeine alternatives.
It should be noted that coffee is not the only food that contains caffeine. This ingredient is hidden in so many foods, more than you can imagine – teas, sodas, chocolates, energy drinks, etc. Therefore be careful what you feed your stomach if you want your hemorrhoids to heal faster.
Moreover, although caffeine would not cause hemorrhoids at all it is advisable to avoid or limit foods and medications that contain this ingredient during hemorrhoids.
Here are some tips to help you get rid of the caffeine habit:
- Switch to decaffeinated coffee and other alternatives
- Although a cup of decaffeinated coffee still contains about 2 to 15 mg of caffeine this ingredient is present in a much smaller amount compared to a cup of regular coffee (which has between 95 and 200 mg)
- In addition, green tea is a much healthier alternative to coffee as it carries only 25 to 50 mg per cup
- Get rid of caffeine gradually
Coffee and hemorrhoids as we said do not go together and as most people are “addicted” to coffee we suggest that you throw out coffee gradually. To prevent irritability, headaches and problems with concentration try to reduce caffeine intake at a slow but steady pace while introducing coffee alternatives. This will allow your body to get used to the change.
Drink lots of water because it helps heal hemorrhoids! Water stimulates the work of the intestines and makes you empty them regularly and easily without any effort, which will help heal hemorrhoids faster.
Replace your favorite drink with water. Staying hydrated prevents constipation and allows the fiber you eat to be more effective.
Exercise can help with hemorrhoids! Exercising will not only stimulate brain cells to release chemicals such as endorphins but will also speed up digestion.
Also sleep affects the healing of the body. If caffeine interrupts your sleep it also works against you.
Is coffee bad for hemorrhoids?
People reduce caffeine for many reasons one of the reasons being the problem with hemorrhoids because coffee and hemorrhoids are not the most ideal combination. While reducing caffeine to help heal hemorrhoids you may notice other unexpected benefits.
Hemorrhoids are an extremely common medical issue. Many are resolved without the need for treatment. A healthy and balanced high-fiber diet will allow your digestive tract to function normally and reduce the symptoms of both external hemorrhoids and internal hemorrhoids.
Once the existing hemorrhoids are resolved this advice should continue to be followed as it will help reduce the likelihood of recurrence in the future. If you still have pain and other symptoms of hemorrhoids after reducing caffeine intake as well as introducing all the necessary changes in your diet then contact your doctor.
If hemorrhoids do not improve with home treatment or if you have rectal bleeding – consult a doctor.
You may have complications from hemorrhoids such as an infection or a blood clot. You may also suffer from more serious health conditions such as Crohn’s disease or rectal cancer.
Remember – your health is the most important thing you have so make sure you treat it as a priority.
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