Diet For the Treatment of Hemorrhoids
Constipation and Hemorrhoids
A bright red rectal bleeding not mixed with stool, is usually the initial symptom of Hemorrhoids (or the common bad spelling Hemmroids, Hemroids). Prolapse occurs only with the first defecation and then spontaneously decreases. A persistent anal itching is a symptom of hemorrhoids. The pain occurs only when there is an acute attack of inflammation and edema with a prolapse, or when there is a concomitant injury, like a fissure. Several observations testify to the direct link between diet and hemorrhoids. Rarely, in fact, this disease is found in countries where the diet is high in fiber and low in refined foods. An important component of Hemorrhoids is constipation, due to the increased effort required by defecation that increases intra-abdominal pressure and impedes venous return. Furthermore, the increased pressure increases pelvic congestion that can weaken the vein wall, facilitating the formation of Hemorrhoids.
More fibers
Ultimately, a diet rich in fiber is the most effective way to prevent hemorrhoids. Whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits promote intestinal peristalsis.
Many components of the fibers attract water and feces become soft and thick, easy to pass.
Also vegetables and fruit contain many nutrients that increase the integrity of the veins, in particular, are important bioflavonoids, vitamins A, C, E, B complex and zinc. Blueberries, cherries and blackberries are rich in bioflavonoids, apricots, melons, pumpkins, carrots and cranberries contain vitamin A. Citrus, strawberries, currants, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, watercress and spinach contain vitamin C, whole grains and brewer’s yeast flakes contain vitamins B, while zinc is present in oats, oil seeds, wheat, buckwheat, hazelnuts,almonds, peas, parsley, garlic and carrots.
In case of hemorrhoids, we should balance – as well as the intestine – the liver and spleen, two organs that contribute to the health of veins and thus also the hemorrhoidal plexus. If the energy of the spleen is weak, it doesn’t nourish the connective tissue and, consequently, the veins are easily exhausted. It is, therefore, important to avoid, as well as refined foods, sugar (the spleen in fact suffers from an excess of sugar, and is nourished and rebalanced by the consumption of cereals), fatty foods and those that heat too much, such as sausage, red meat, milk, cheese, chocolate and coffee. We should reduce the consumption of meat, possibly replacing the red with white meat or better still give preference to fish and legumes as protein source. Also to avoid overloading the liver we should prefer green vegetables and reduce consumption of Solanaceae, including tomatoes, peppers and eggplants.
Miso, seaweed and mochi
Some foods, proposed by macrobiotic, can play an effective role in treating and preventing hemorrhoids. A food particularly good for the the veins is miso, made from fermented soybeans and barley, rice or wheat. Miso has a salty flavor, is used mainly as a condiment for soups. In addition to cleanse the liver and improve blood circulation, restores intestinal flora, and is indicated for constipation and flatulence. Thanks to the properties of alkalizing food, is indicated for diseases like arthritis, and finally energy invigorates the kidney and thus improves the overall tone. Although algae are an excellent food in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Additions to the cooking of legumes and cereals, eliminate internal heat and improves intestinal peristalsis, thanks to the slime that attract water and pat the intestinal mucosa. In particular, the kombu is good for the gut, while the wakame is best for the liver. The first is added to boiled vegetables, the second in soups. Another very suitable food to fortify the spleen (Above all good and tonic) is Mochi. These are small cakes of sweet rice that can be heated over low heat.
