What Food to Avoid in Piles : Insights from Dr. Azhar Alam

Remember your dietary choices are important to your overall well-being, especially if you are suffering from piles or any other anorectal disease. Piles might feel discomfort, pain, and bleeding during bowel movements. According to Dr. Azhar Alam, an expert piles doctor in Kolkata, certain foods can exacerbate the condition, making it crucial for patients to avoid them. This piles blog helps you to understand which foods you may take and what food to avoid if you suffer from piles. It will also discuss the rationale behind these dietary restrictions.

List of foods to avoid in piles

1. Spicy Foods

Spicy foods, known to trigger piles, can be a source of discomfort. However, by avoiding these, patients can significantly reduce their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Dr. Azhar Alam advises piles patients to steer clear of spicy dishes. Spices, especially those containing capsaicin (found in chili peppers), can irritate the digestive tract, leading to discomfort during bowel movements. This irritation can worsen piles symptoms, causing more pain and bleeding. Foods like hot peppers, spicy curries, and chili sauces should be avoided.

2. Low-Fiber Foods

A diet low in fiber is one of the leading causes of constipation, which contributes to piles development and worsening. Foods low in fiber can lead to hard stools and straining during bowel movements. This puts additional pressure on the rectum and anus veins. Dr. Alam emphasizes the importance of avoiding low-fiber foods such as:

Processed Foods: White bread, pastries, cakes, and cookies. Processed foods often lack dietary fiber and contribute to constipation.

Dairy Products: While dairy itself isn’t entirely low in fiber, certain dairy products like cheese can slow down digestion and lead to constipation. Dr. Azhar Alam suggests limiting cheese, cream, and full-fat milk.

Red Meat: Red meat is low in fiber and difficult to digest. It tends to stay in the digestive system longer, which can lead to constipation and worsen piles. Patients who are suffering from piles or any other anorectal disease must not take red meats, which may cause constipation.

3. Fried and Fatty Foods

Junk foods are very difficult to digest and cause constipation, leading to harder stools and more strain during bowel movements. Dr. Azhar Alam recommends avoiding:

Fried Foods: Foods such as fried chicken, French fries, and doughnuts are high in unhealthy fats that can contribute to digestive issues and worsen piles.

Fast Food: Fast food is often fried, processed, and low in fiber. Burgers, fries, and other fast-food items can exacerbate constipation and should be avoided.

High-Fat Meats: Fatty cuts of meat, such as bacon and sausage, should be limited as they can lead to hardening your stool.

4. Salty Foods

When your body retains too much salt from foods, it can cause blood pressure to rise and veins to swell, especially in the rectum and anus. Swollen veins can aggravate the symptoms of piles, leading to more pain and discomfort. Dr. Azhar Alam advises patients to reduce their intake of salty foods such as:

Processed Snacks: Chips, pretzels, and other salty snacks should be avoided.

Cured Meats: Foods like bacon, ham, and sausages are high in salt and contribute to water retention.

Pickled Foods: Pickles and other foods preserved in brine are high in salt and should be consumed in moderation.

5. Alcohol and Caffeinated Beverages

Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate the body, lead to constipation, and worsen piles symptoms. Dr. Azhar Alam advises against the consumption of:

Alcohol: Alcohol can lead to dehydration, which makes stools harder to pass. This increases the likelihood of straining during bowel movements, worsening piles.

Caffeinated Beverages: Coffee, tea, and energy drinks with caffeine can also dehydrate the body. While some people tolerate small amounts, excessive consumption should be avoided.

6. Sugary Foods

Sugary foods, particularly those that are highly processed, can contribute to constipation and worsen the symptoms of piles. These foods are often low in fiber and can lead to digestive problems. Dr. Alam recommends avoiding:

Sweets and Desserts: Cakes, cookies, candies, and other sugary treats should be limited as they can cause constipation.

Sugary Drinks: All sweetened beverages (sodas, fruit juices, etc.) should be avoided.

7. Refined Carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates, such as those found in white bread, white rice, and pasta, can contribute to constipation because they lack fiber in their whole-grain counterparts. Dr. Azhar Alam suggests piles patients opt for whole grains instead. Refined carbohydrates may cause blood sugar spikes, indirectly contributing to digestive issues and worsening piles.

8. Dairy Products

While dairy products can be part of a healthy diet, they may not suit individuals with piles. Dr. Alam points out that dairy can lead to constipation in some people, especially when consumed in large amounts. Milk, cheese, and other dairy products slow digestion, making it harder to pass stools. Patients with piles may benefit from limiting dairy intake or choosing lactose-free alternatives.

9. Artificial Sweeteners

Some patients can experience digestive problems when they consume artificial sweeteners, such as those found in diet sodas, sugar-free candies, and certain processed foods. These sweeteners, particularly sorbitol, can lead to gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Dr. Alam advises patients with piles to avoid foods containing artificial sweeteners, as they can irritate the digestive tract and exacerbate symptoms.

10. Gluten

For some individuals, gluten can cause digestive issues, including constipation, which can worsen piles. All gluten-sensitive patients must not take gluten-containing foods. Dr. Azhar Alam recommends that patients with piles who suspect a gluten sensitivity opt for gluten-free grains such as quinoa, brown rice, and oats.

11. Foods High in Fat

High-fat foods, especially those containing unhealthy trans fats, can lead to constipation by slowing down digestion. Dr. Alam suggests that patients with piles avoid foods high in unhealthy fats, including:

Pastries and Baked Goods: Many pastries, cakes, and cookies are made with trans fats, which can contribute to constipation and worsen piles.

Margarine: Some margarines and spreads contain trans fats, which should be avoided.

Fried Foods: As mentioned earlier, fried foods are high in unhealthy fats and should be limited.

12. Certain Fruits and Vegetables

While fruits and vegetables are generally healthy, certain types can cause gas and bloating, worsening piles symptoms. Dr. Azhar Alam advises caution when consuming:

Cruciferous Vegetables: Green vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are good for health cause they are full of fiber. However, in some patients, it was observed that they suffered from gas and bloating.

Unripe Bananas: Dr also advises avoiding unripe bananas. It contains a type of starch that is difficult to digest and may lead to harder stool. Ripe bananas are better for piles.

Persimmons: Remember that persimmons, while delicious, can sometimes lead to constipation, particularly if consumed in large amounts.

Conclusion

Managing piles requires a careful diet. Dr. Azhar Alam emphasizes what food avoid in piles that lead to constipation, irritation, or dehydration. By steering clear of spicy foods, low-fiber foods, fried and fatty foods, salty foods, alcohol, caffeine, sugary foods, refined carbohydrates, dairy, artificial sweeteners, gluten, high-fat foods, and certain fruits and vegetables, patients with piles can reduce their symptoms and improve their overall digestive health.

In addition to avoiding these foods, Dr. Azhar Alam recommends incorporating high-fiber foods, staying hydrated, and maintaining a balanced, healthy diet to support regular bowel movements and prevent piles recurrence. A personalized approach to diet, tailored to individual sensitivities and needs, is essential for effective pile management and overall well-being.