Diet and food guidance for piles

Diet is the most important home treatment for piles, because soft, easy-to-pass stool reduces straining.

Aim for 25 to 30 grams of fibre a day

• Fruit: papaya, guava, banana, apple, pear, orange, prunes
• Vegetables: leafy greens, carrots, beetroot, bottle gourd, ridge gourd, beans
• Whole grains: oats, wholewheat roti, brown rice, millet (ragi, jowar)
• Pulses and legumes: dal, chickpeas, rajma
• Seeds: flaxseed and chia, soaked
• Isabgol (psyllium husk): a spoon in water or milk at night, with plenty of fluid

Fluids

Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, more in hot weather. Buttermilk and lemon water help too.

Foods to limit

• Very spicy and fried food, which may irritate in some people
• Refined flour, white bread and fast food, which are low in fibre
• Red meat and cheese in large amounts, which can cause constipation
• Alcohol and too much tea or coffee, which can dry the stool

Tips

• Increase fibre slowly over a week or two to avoid gas and bloating
• Eat regular meals and avoid long gaps
• Do not wait to go when you have the urge

Special cases

People with kidney disease, bowel disease or on fluid limits should check changes with their doctor.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive)

Traditional advice favours buttermilk, warm water and light food. This largely agrees with fibre and fluid advice.

When to get help

See a doctor if symptoms last more than 1 to 2 weeks despite home care, if bleeding is new or repeated, or if you are over 40 and notice any change in bowel habits. Early checking rules out other causes and prevents complications.

Remember

Fibre plus water gives soft stool. Soft stool means less straining and less trouble from piles.