Diet for Hemorrhoids: Best Foods to Eat & Avoid (With 7-Day Meal Plan)

Diet is the #1 factor in preventing and managing hemorrhoids.

The right foods soften stool, reduce straining, and decrease pressure on rectal veins.

Here’s your complete hemorrhoid diet guide — including what to eat, what to avoid, and a free 7-day meal plan.

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Why Fiber Matters

Fiber adds bulk and softness to stool → less straining → less pressure on veins.

Goal: 25–35 grams of fiber per day.

✅ Most people eat only 10–15g — so doubling your intake can make a huge difference.

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Best Foods to Eat

🌾 High-Fiber Grains

• Oatmeal (4g per ½ cup dry)
• Quinoa (5g per cup cooked)
• Whole wheat pasta (6g per cup)
• Brown rice (3.5g per cup)

🥦 Vegetables

• Broccoli (5g per cup)
• Brussels sprouts (4g per cup)
• Carrots (3.5g per cup)
• Sweet potato (4g per medium)

🍎 Fruits

• Raspberries (8g per cup)
• Pear (6g with skin)
• Apple (4.5g with skin)
• Banana (3g)

🫘 Legumes & Seeds

• Lentils (15g per cup)
• Black beans (15g per cup)
• Chia seeds (10g per oz)
• Flaxseeds (3g per tbsp)

💧 Hydration

• Water: 8–10 glasses/day
• Herbal teas (peppermint, ginger)
• Broth-based soups

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Foods to Avoid (or Limit)

Food	Why
White bread, pasta, rice	Low fiber → hard stools
Cheese, ice cream	Can cause constipation
Red meat (large portions)	Low fiber, slows digestion
Processed snacks (chips, cookies)	Low fiber, high fat
Alcohol	Dehydrates → harder stools
Caffeine (excess)	Dehydrates — limit to 1–2 cups coffee/day

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7-Day Hemorrhoid Diet Meal Plan (Sample)

📅 Day 1

• Breakfast: Oatmeal + raspberries + chia seeds
• Lunch: Lentil soup + whole wheat roll
• Dinner: Baked salmon + quinoa + steamed broccoli
• Snack: Pear + handful almonds

📅 Day 2

• Breakfast: Greek yogurt + flaxseeds + banana
• Lunch: Black bean burrito (whole wheat tortilla)
• Dinner: Chicken stir-fry with brown rice + Brussels sprouts
• Snack: Apple + peanut butter

✅ Download full 7-day plan: [Coming Soon — Lead Magnet Idea!]

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Tips for Success

1. Increase fiber slowly — too fast can cause gas/bloating
2. Drink water with every meal — fiber needs water to work
3. Read labels — choose breads/pastas with 3g+ fiber per serving
4. Add seeds — sprinkle chia/flax on yogurt, salads, oatmeal
5. Keep fruit visible — bowl on counter = more likely to eat

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FAQs

Can fiber make hemorrhoids worse?

Rarely — if you don’t drink enough water, fiber can cause bloating or harder stools. Always increase water with fiber.

Are bananas good for hemorrhoids?

Yes — ripe bananas are high in fiber and potassium. Avoid unripe (green) bananas — they can be constipating.

Do I need fiber supplements?

If you can’t get enough from food, yes. Psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) are safe and effective.

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Want to prevent future flare-ups? See our complete Hemorrhoid Prevention Guide.

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