Spicy food and hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are a condition that affects millions of people around the world so it is common to wonder how to get rid of them. Most patients can get rid of them with a diet rich in fiber, herbal supplements and non-surgical medical treatments. Most patients resolve their hemorrhoid symptoms within a few days but in some cases they may recur and seek medical attention.
If you have symptoms for more than a week or two, and home treatment has not improved, you need to seek medical help.
HOW TO GET RID OF HEMORRHOIDS USING A CORRECTED DIET?
- Improve your diet, eat foods rich in fiber – To get rid of hemorrhoids it is important to take care of your diet and eat foods rich in fiber so that the stool becomes soft. It is recommended to take about 30-35g a day. Avocados, figs, berries, beans, lentils, nuts, flax seeds, seeds, etc. can help. In clinical studies a high-fiber diet reduced the risk of permanent symptoms and bleeding by about 50 percent.
- Drink plenty of water – Dehydration can lead to constipation. Many studies suggest that fluid loss and restriction of fluid intake may increase constipation which may worsen the symptoms of hemorrhoids. To alleviate constipation and to easily get rid of hemorrhoids drink at least one glass of water with each daily meal and snack.
- Eat fermented foods – Several studies have shown that fermented foods and probiotics improve the health of the intestinal system, synthesize, change the pH of the intestines and help digestion.
- Limit your intake of alcohol and spicy foods – Intake of alcohol in the body can lead to dehydration which will endanger the digestive system and thus worsen the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
SPICY FOOD AND HEMORRHOIDS
Spicy foods can aggravate the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Some studies show that the consumption of alcohol and spicy foods serves as a risk factor for hemorrhoids although the data are inconsistent. To feel safer limit these foods until the hemorrhoids go away. In the past when your stomach was upset you must have been told to eat “light food”. It has been thought that spicy or even aromatic foods can irritate the digestive tract causing vomiting, diarrhea and ulcers. However, these assumptions probably made many wonder how people in cultures where spicy foods are eaten daily took care of their stomachs.
First the simple question is what is spicy food? The answer to that is complex because “spicy” is a relative term. Most hot spices come from peppers or chillies. We incorporate these spices into food in raw, cooked, dried and ground form.
One of the common spices that some people consider hot – curry, is actually a combination of several spices including curry leaves, ginger and chili.
ARE ALL SPICES HARMFUL IN HEMORRHOIDS?
Spices seem to have many health benefits. According to some studies chili, ginger and other spices can reduce inflammation and treat stomach infections. We know that a lot of spices are an excellent source of vitamin C, which can reduce the duration of colds and can affect cancer and heart disease. Some spices seem to reduce inflammation and (contrary to popular belief) spicy foods do not cause ulcers.
In fact – capsaicin (a chemical in chili and paprika) has been shown to inhibit Helicobacter pylori bacteria which are the most common cause of ulcers.
The best thing about enjoying spicy food is that it tastes good. Spicy food is a popular treat for many people. However it is not fun when that spicy food causes some of us to run to the bathroom due to diarrhea a few hours later. Sometimes people think that it may be a sign or symptom that something is wrong with their digestive system. However the body’s reaction to spicy foods is completely normal and it is just a sign that your body is trying to protect you from any perceived damage.
Foods prepared with hot spices such as cayenne or chili peppers contain a powerful ingredient known as capsaicin (which irritates the body) which explains why it can cause stinging when your skin comes in contact with hot peppers. Also sweating while eating spicy foods can ease the feeling that you have just swallowed a “fireball”. Not surprisingly capsaicin can also irritate the lining of the stomach or intestines. Some people can tolerate it but in others who have more sensitive intestines they start a process that results in diarrhea. Diarrhea caused by spices or spicy foods will usually go away in a day or two and if that doesn’t happen you may need to seek medical help.
SHOULD AVOID ALL SPICES AND SPICY FOOD BECAUSE OF HEMORRHOIDS?
If you often have diarrhea that comes after consuming spices and spicy foods – recognizing and avoiding trigger foods is always best.
Hot spices like chili peppers have plenty of healthy substances including vitamins and antioxidants. They add a rich flavor to your food without a lot of calories. People with hemorrhoids may be reluctant to eat spicy foods for fear that they will increase hemorrhoidal pain and itching or lead to rectal bleeding. Although there is evidence that spices alone do not cause bleeding hemorrhoids, spicy foods can lead to stomach upsets which worsen hemorrhoid problems.
Foods rich in chili are often blamed for the harmful effects on the development and worsening of anal pathologies such as anal fissures and hemorrhoids and for that reason doctors usually forbid it to their patients. Chili is known to cause accelerated bowel transit, increasing the frequency of stools which could be a cause of worsening hemorrhoid symptoms.
We suggest that you read the following topics related to nutrition in hemorrhoids:
