Question of the Week Search

Question: I have been dealing with hemorrhoids for the last few months. I went to see my doctor and he gave me medicine that seemed to makes things better. I have finished the medicine and started feeling bad again. I don't want to have to depend on this medicine. Do you think the diet can help me feel better?

Answer: A plant based low fat diet will definitely help with your hemorrhoid problem. Hemorrhoids generally result from chronic constipation with straining that leads the veins in the anal area to fill, and eventually over-fill, with blood. These over-filled veins begin to weigh down and come out of the anus causing discomfort, pain, and occasional bleeding. The initial cause, chronic constipation, is the result of a lifetime of eating the wrong foods – particularly the American diet. This diet is full of fatty cholesterol laden greasy foods devoid of vitamins, minerals, and most importantly in this case – FIBER. Changing to a whole foods, plant based diet will guarantee the inclusion of fiber - a necessary component for normal bowel movements. Fiber (found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes) helps to soften stools as well as to create the bulk needed to pass stools. In addition, fiber helps to slow the absorption of sugars to better stabilize blood sugar levels and helps in weight loss by improving satiety (fiber foods keep you feeling fuller for longer periods of time). Finally, by focusing on a plant based diet, you remove animal foods that are devoid of fiber. It is equally as important to remove foods devoid of fiber from you diet as it is to add foods high in fiber. In other words, adding a fiber powder supplement to an animal based diet devoid of fiber does not provide the same results as switching to a plant based diet. So, the answer to your question is a DEFINITIVE, NO DOUBT ABOUT IT – YES!!! Not only will this lifestyle change help you specifically with hemorrhoids, but it will generally improve your overall health and well-being…you have nothing to lose and so much to gain, so give it a try and let us know how it goes.

Back to Question of the Week