Diet and Food Guidance for Fistula

Food does not cure a fistula, but diet can prevent constipation and straining, which irritate the area and make healing harder.

Eat more

• Fibre-rich foods: whole grains, millets, oats, vegetables, salad and fruit with skin
• Pulses and dal
• Plenty of fluids, around 2 to 3 litres a day unless your doctor limits fluids
• Curd or buttermilk if it suits you
• Soaked prunes, papaya or isabgol (psyllium husk) to soften stools, as advised by your doctor

Eat less

• Refined flour (maida), white bread, bakery items and fried or heavy food
• Very spicy food, if it makes the discharge or burning worse. This is comfort-based, not a proven rule.
• Processed and junk food
• Alcohol and excess tea or coffee, which can dry the stools
• Large heavy meals, especially at night

Habits that help

• Eat at regular times
• Go to the toilet when you feel the urge and do not strain
• Do not sit for a long time on the toilet
• Stay active with daily walking

If you have Crohn's disease or tuberculosis

Follow your doctor's or dietitian's plan, since diet needs may be different.

Supplements

No supplement or herb has been proven to close a fistula.

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda advises light, warm, fibre-rich food and avoiding constipation, hot spicy food and fermented items. This fits modern advice and is a comfort measure, not a treatment.

See a doctor

Persistent discharge, pain, or bleeding needs medical care, whatever you eat.

Before and after surgery

Follow any fasting or diet instructions from your surgeon. After surgery, soft, high-fibre food and plenty of fluids help avoid painful straining.